How do I maintain my oak conservatory?

Do you really need to?

The short answer is no.

Oak is a very durable timber. It is a hardwood and is very resilient against rot, insect attack or decay.

Oak has been used to make oak framed buildings for hundreds of years. Its natural aged appearance is that of a silvery grey colour, and it is not a sign of rot.

How Often Should I Apply UV Oil?

All Oak By Design oak framed buildings, structures, and porches are supplied with two coats of external UV oil.

UV, meaning ultra-violet. The oil has barriers within it that protect the oak from the UV rays of the sun. It is also furnished with active ingredients to protect the coating against mould, algae, and fungal attack.

Every oak framed building, structure and porch has its own maintenance bag containing spare UV oil should you wish to maintain the look of your oak in the future.

Over time, typically 6–18 months, the applied oil will naturally breakdown. Should you wish to keep the ‘new’ look on your oak, you should apply another coat of oil BEFORE this happens. Applying oil after you see some deterioration means you are protecting the silvery grey colour.

The timescales depend on two factors: the building orientation to the North and the amount of weathering the oak is subject to.

As the sun rises in the East and sets in the West turning through the South, most oak framed buildings facing South will be more susceptible to being exposed to the sun. Some Westerly facing properties can also be subject to more severe weather due to the prevailing winds.

If the oil is applied well, most oak framed buildings can keep looking ‘new’ if oiled every 6 months.

Advanced Options

There may be a time when you feel the silvery grey colour needs revamping.

There are two products on the market that can remove the silvery grey colour and take the oak back to a lighter, more blonde colour, as if it had been sanded.

Note that these processes may require the use of protective clothing and eye protection.

It is highly recommended that you read all instructions prior to using them.

Oxalic Acid

A white powder that is in fact a wood bleach.

It is mixed in a soluble state with warm or hot water. When brushed on the oak, the silvery grey colour is removed within minutes. Note: You will need to apply the bleach to all external oak surfaces, not patches. You can then wash off any remaining bleach with water to stop the process.

Only when the oak is completely dry can you slightly sand the oak to remove any burring, ready to apply a coat of UV oil.

Osmo Reviver Power Gel

Details can be found here: https://osmouk.com/product/wood-reviver-power-gel/

Read more information on oak conservatories. Contact Us Today – 01423 593794