We all love the outdoors and screened porches are a very popular feature of country and summer homes. Unfortunately, unless these rooms are protected, they can suffer from wood rot or termites within 7 years of installation. Here are some simple and inexpensive ways to take preventative measures so you can enjoy your investment for many years.

Within five to seven years after installation, wood will rot if wood surfaces are exposed to water. I’m sure when you added that screen porch you had visions that it would last much longer than 5-7 years! Unless you take the right steps to stop it, your wooden floors and beams will slowly start to deteriorate.

Wood rot accelerates even faster if there is mold and mildew on the surface of the wooden sections of your porch or screened room. Paint is never enough to prevent or slow the decay process. Surfaces that are repeatedly exposed to the weather will undoubtedly rot if you allow them to be exposed to the elements.

Not only do you have to worry about wood rot, but when moisture continually seeps into the components of any wood surface, the area will eventually attract termites to your home. Termites thrive in the presence of wood and moisture, and are often hard to spot until it’s too late and your home has become structurally unstable.

One of the easiest ways to prevent this is to put removable clear vinyl curtains on the screened porch. During rainy days and the winter months, you can put the curtains in place to keep the inside of your porch nice and dry. No snow will seep in in the winter and the rains will stay outside.

This will not only keep your wood nice and dry to prevent wood rot and termites, but it will also prevent mold from growing in your screened room. Mold can be very harmful to health, and long-term exposure can present health risks for many people. It will also keep your furniture in the room smelling fresher. Nothing is worse than sitting on a musty, smelly sofa! Once this happens, you will find that you are no longer spending time in the room. What a shame, as it was a long awaited and expensive addition to the house or cabin.

Outdoor shades and vinyl panels can keep your outdoor space looking new for years to come. You’ll be able to enjoy the space rain or shine and not have to worry about wood rot or mold and mildew.