How to treat logs under the floor from rotting. Treatment of floor joists from moisture

When creaking, loosening and the smell of rot occur, the question arises of how to treat the logs under the floor against rotting. Most often, industrial antiseptics are used for these purposes. This article describes which medications are best to use and how to apply them correctly.

Signs of need for treatment

Treatment of floor joists from rotting and moisture is mandatory, even if the wood is of high quality and was originally varnished and the room is not too humid. In fact, logs are in any case susceptible to rotting due to a number of signs:

• cracks in the floor;
• insufficient ventilation;
• temperature changes;
• high humidity;
• incorrect or untimely processing.

In such cases, it is necessary to figure out how to treat the logs under the floor. But first of all, you should learn to identify the signs when impregnation is definitely necessary:

• the floor creaks and cracks when you walk, despite the fact that the boards are intact;
• the boards became movable for no apparent reason;
• an unpleasant musty smell can be heard, and it makes itself felt even after general cleaning.

If you notice any of these signs, you should immediately think about how to treat the floor joists. The fact is that the process of decay is intense. If nothing is done, the entire structure may collapse in 3 or even 2 years.In addition, when wood rots, toxic substances enter the air, and their concentration increases in the summer due to rising temperatures. In advanced cases, the joists will simply break, the floor will partially collapse - there is a risk of injury.

How to process

Now it's time to find out how to treat floor joists. Normally, building materials receive industrial impregnation at the factory. Special compounds are used to protect against rotting, insects and rodents. But even if it has not been done, you can carry out the treatment at home using antiseptics or folk remedies.

Antiseptic compounds

The best means to treat floor joists in a wooden house are antiseptics. There are quite a few examples of such drugs, the most common ones are listed below:

• "Kraskovar";
• Akvatex;
• "Dufatex";
• "KhMF BF";
• "Neomid Home Series".

Regardless of the chosen composition, lag processing is carried out according to certain rules:

1. Impregnation is done after laying the logs - otherwise it is easy to damage the protective layer during installation.
2. The work is carried out at a positive temperature, preferably above +10°C.
3. For processing, you can use a brush (easily penetrates hard-to-reach places) or a roller (for greater coverage). You can also use a sprayer - in this case, labor productivity increases.
4. Treatment of lags by extraction involves the use of special chemical compounds, so the room is ventilated both before and after.
5. The basic rule is that the antiseptic for floor joists must be applied evenly, allowing the composition to dry, which only takes an hour.
6. Since damp logs require enhanced protection, it is advisable to repeat the procedure at least 2, and even better, 3 times.The first layer is allowed to dry completely, then the second is applied, and then, if necessary, the third.

Folk remedies

When figuring out what to do with damp logs, some owners resort to folk remedies. For processing they often use:

• birch tar;
• machine oil;
• linseed oil;
• bitumen (preheat it).

It is clear how to treat wooden logs. If they are very damp, it is better not to risk it and use industrial antiseptics. But as a preventative measure, improvised means are also quite suitable. They are best used in the summer, with the windows open. It is important to apply a minimum of 3 coats, allowing each coat to dry completely for 40-60 minutes.

If you are considering how to treat floor logs in a bathhouse, it is best to use birch tar and linseed oil. Such compositions do not give off a strong odor, unlike bitumen and machine oil. If the rotting is severe, professional preparations are used. For prevention, antiseptic treatment of logs should be carried out every 3-4 years.