How to Waterproof a Wooden Gazebo Roof

Homeowners who know how to waterproof a wooden gazebo roof don’t need to worry about the wood getting damaged by water which can eventually make the wood rot as time passes. One way to prevent a gazebo roof from getting damaged is to know how to waterproof it. Gazebo roofs are made of wood, metal, plastic and fibreglass. Depending on your choice, you can choose any of those materials for your gazebo roof. Most traditional gazebos have a wooden roof; Wood is the most popular material homeowners prefer when choosing the roof for their gazebo. The wooden roof is long-lasting, looks more natural and blends well with the environment when used on a gazebo with a wooden structure, thereby making it more beautiful. A gazebo with a wooden roof is easier to maintain, and homeowners would not need to worry about their roof getting damaged by water if they know how to waterproof a wooden gazebo roof.

Choosing a Gazebo Roof

Homeowners can choose the type of roof they want for their gazebo, and the roofs can also be designed in many styles. An architect in different styles can design a gazebo roof; it can be a gable roof or a double- trier roof. Most homeowners prefer using a lattice roof for their pergola. At the same time, others prefer to build their gazebo roof in a domed shape. 

On a sunny afternoon, a gazebo can protect you from the scorching heat of the sun and can also keep a person from getting wet when it rains.

Why Do You Need to Waterproof a Wooden Gazebo?

Wood is a hygroscopic material; hence it can absorb water. A wooden gazebo roof that is not waterproofed can damage time because water can cause the wooden gazebo roof. The wooden roof will eventually shrink, rot and fall apart if you don’t know how to waterproof it.

Though wood like cedar used for making gazebo roofs are long-lasting but can still get damaged if you don’t know how to waterproof it. 

Waterproofing Precautions

Homeowners who want to waterproof their roof should follow safety precautions. Ensure you wear an overall or clothing that will cover your body to protect your skin from coming in contact with chemicals. You can also wear a protective glove to cover your hands and google to protect your eyes in case of splashes.

To prevent falling, homeowners should check the ladder, whether it is in good condition before using it to climb. And always have someone you can station at the bottom of the ladder to help you hold the ladder while climbing.

How to Waterproof a Wooden Gazebo Roof

Sealers

Homeowners can waterproof their wooden gazebo roof by using sealers to coat the woods. Sealers are very good for waterproofing your gazebo roof, it repels water and prevents the wood from absorbing water. They are either water-based or oil-based. Oil-based sealers are the most recommended sealer for homeowners who want to waterproof their wooden gazebo roof. Examples of sealers you can use are varnish, lacquer and polyurethane. 

Sealers like polyurethane are the most commonly used for waterproofing a wooden gazebo roof. When applied on a wooden surface, polyurethane forms a solid layer of plastic that prevents water from penetrating the wood.

You can apply sealers on your own by using a brush, roller or an electric sprayer. Stir the sealer before applying it on the roof, but do not stir it vigorously or shake it to avoid bubbles which can make the sealer difficult to apply smoothly on the wooden gazebo roof.

Stains

Stains have water-repelling abilities and protect the wood from ultra-violet sunray. If you want to waterproof a wooden gazebo roof, consider using stains. As the name implies, stains contain a pigment that can change a wood colour and be either water-based or oil-based. Stains come in different types; they can be transparent, semi-transparent or in solid colour. You can apply stains on your wooden gazebo roof with a brush or employ a professional to do it.

Conclusion

If you know how to waterproof a wooden gazebo roof, the roof will not get damaged by water, and you won’t have to spend a huge sum of money on replacing the roof. Homeowners can choose to use sealers like polyurethane, lacquer and varnish to waterproof their wooden gazebo roof.