Treehouses are one of the wildest fascinations on the planet. A vast majority of the people have dreamed of residing in one. With an outdoor faucet, it would be hard to resist. However, many of those treehouses are set in the middle of the forest or in the backyard exposed to rain and snow.
Without proper waterproofing, your lucid dreams might turn to horrid nightmares. However, there is a systematic approach on how to waterproof treehouse. Keeping everything into account, we brought a wiser strategy, helping shield your house of dreams.
Contents
Things You Would Need To Waterproof Treehouse
For a reliable treehouse, quality can’t be compromised. A proper selection of materials is a must. Without the necessary knowledge of these products, your treehouse might collapse.
There are several products available online for waterproofing. However, not all are of top-notch quality. Easing your efforts, we bring you some of the best-selling waterproofing materials, reviewing them.
1. KILZ Exterior Siding, Fence, and Barn Paint, White
- A good exterior paint offers coverage and protection against the elements, while adding beauty to outdoor structures....
- This paint features a unique water/oil base formula for exceptional adhesion, versatility, and longevity in varied...
- Use on vertical exterior wood surfaces as well as masonry, stucco, and sanded glossy surfaces. Remove peeling paint,...
The waterproofing process must initiate with quality paint. Manufactured by Kilz, this is usually a barn and fence paint. Being oil-based, it will laminate the wood coating with a thick layer of titanium dioxide. This thick coating will extend the durability of the wood. You can use it on all wooden surfaces like roof-tops, walls, and the base. The paint thickens up in no time. Additionally, the product is manufactured to be more weather resistant. Due to this quality, it is favorable in all climate conditions.
2. Thomsons Water Seal Th.041851-16
- DO IT BEST CORP WDLND CEDAR TRANS STAIN
To take the waterproofing at the next level, this product was manufactured. Since 1920, Thomson’s water seal is dedicated to premium quality. With a tough resistance towards water damage, it has advanced polymers embedded in it. The coating will also resist mildew and UV radiations which are quite impressive for a water seal. With 5 unique colors, it can be applied to freshly cleaned damp and dry wood. With so much to offer, this product is best in the segment. So, how to waterproof your treehouse? Own this piece of legacy.
3. Heng’s Rubber Roof Coating
- Designed for use over RV rubber roofs, at seams and tears and to seal vents, air conditioners, etc.
- It is UV resistant and expands and contracts with roofs
- Resists cracking and withstands impact, non-polluting and non-toxic
Manufactured by the tab grid, Heng’s Rubber Roof coating is the foremost choice of many furnishers. Mostly, it is used to seal vents. If you are planning to install an air-conditioner, this product is a must-have. With UV protection technology, this roof coating also resists cracks. It can also absorb tremendous impacts. So, during earthquakes, you’ll have nothing to worry about. Subjected to be more eco-friendly, the coating is non-toxic and non-polluting. With a “Go Green” motive, it reigns in its segment.
4. Achin Floor Furnishing
- Tivoli Wood-Look Floor Planks: Transform your floor for a low cost and no hassle with the Tivoli Vinyl Floor Planks....
- Dimensions: Each plank measures 6 inches x 36 inches and 2.0mm thick. There are 40 planks per box, which will cover 60...
- Peel ‘N’ Stick: The Tivoli Floor Planks feature easy DIY installation. Simply peel and stick the planks to a flat...
The Achin Furnishing company is one of the best manufacturers in this segment. With an innovative sense of approach, the company developed the self-adhesive vinyl planks. Since treehouses are inspired by nature, these planks look like natural wood. It comes in boxes where there are 40 planks in each box. Each plank has a thickness of 2mm that will make the furnishing more durable. Coming to the size, each plank has a dimension of 6”×36”. This means that a box of these will cover a vast area of 60 sq. feet. You can also adjust their size by trimming as per your requirement. Never laminate these planks on an unclean and uneven surface, as it leads to wear and tear of the material.
5. Raw Linseed Oil
- Penetrates deep and protects wood creating a quality finish for wood furniture and antiques
- Apply to raw wood only
- Increases water repellency and weather resistance
Raw linseed oil is the best natural alternative to waterproof wood. With variations in each product, choosing the perfect one is complex. To save you from contaminated products, we have Sunnyside corporation’s raw linseed oil. It penetrates deep into layers of wood, adding a quality finish. The originality of the product is confirmed, as it takes up to 2 days to dry completely. With weather resistant qualities, you have no choice but to purchase it. The oil is derived from the seeds of the Flax plant with 0% additives. You can use this oil to polish the outer wooden walls of your treehouse. So, without any haste, own it now
6. Sandpapers
- MEETS ALL YOUR NEED - Including 3 sheets of each grit: 120/220/320/400/600/800/1000/1200/1500/2000/2500/3000, total 36...
- PREMIUM QUALITY - Made of waterproof silicon carbide, electro coated ensures the grit distributed homogeneously, good...
- MULTIFUNCTIONAL - Suitable for use in art and craft, wood work, automotive, metal, and plastic applications for buffing...
A fine polish before waterproofing is what you can’t ignore. It eradicates the uneven coarse of wood, making it more even. To make this happen, you must have the right kind of sandpapers. Low-quality sandpaper can deteriorate the quality of the wood. The Miyadi Sandpapers are worth buying in this category. Each pack comes with 32 sandpapers with 120-3000 grits. The sandpapers are made waterproof with silicon carbide. Forged through electrolysis, the carbides are distributed homogeneously. You can also polish both dry and wet wooden surfaces. Having a dimension of 9”×3.6”, the sandpapers can be trimmed. So, these sandpapers are worth to be on the list.
How To Waterproof Treehouse?
Furnishing works are quite systematic. The outcome of your efforts entirely depends on your systematical approach. Without proper methods, your entire efforts will go in vain. It will lead to an incomplete treehouse, leaving you dissatisfied. From sandpaper polishing to applying paint, every aspect needs supervision. To make the facts simpler, we dissected the entire process into phases. From the ladder to the floor, we describe every domain in detail. So, let’s start.
1. Preparation phase
This phase is valid for all new and old treehouses. Since, the entire frame is made of wood, polishing is a must. To polish a new treehouse, select sandpaper of 120 or 220 grit. Otherwise, you may use sandpaper of 360 – 600 grits for non-new treehouses. Initiate the process by polishing the ladders. Rub with a mild force by covering all areas. Don’t miss out on the steps. As you move further up, polish the outer walls. It may take immense effort, but it’s worth it. After you’ve finished polishing the outdoors, move in. It is very important to polish the door frames of the washroom. If possible, try to cover each plank of wood by rubbing hard. It is recommended to use a specific 600 grit sandpaper. Since the bathroom is more associated with water, you’ll need to put an extra effort. After you’ve completed, sweep the floor to remove the uncertainties. With all polishing, you are done with the preparation phase.
2. Applying Waterproof Solutions
After a fine polish, it’s now time to complete the main work.
Step 1
As mentioned above, the waterproofing process starts with quality paint. This is when the Valspar 1341-75 comes into use. Take a good quality brush and your color of choice. You can add some amount of turpentine and agitate the solution. Turpentine is a great organic solvent that will increase the volume of the paint. However, you must take care of the ratio of 1:5. Start painting from the ladders. Remember, that you must only paint the side rails. Leave the foot pecks for another arrangement.
As you reach further up, complete painting the outdoor walls. On completion, move in. Similarly, paint the indoor walls for a cent percent waterproofing. After you’ve painted every wall, window, and door, it’s time to wait. Usually, the Valspar dries up in no time. But, taking humidity into account, wait for 24 hours. This will give you an idea of how to waterproof a treehouse. Make sure you have the right equipment to do everything.
Step 2
Waited for 24 hours? If yes, now get back to work again. Take an empty bucket with a minimum volume of 10 liters. Now, carefully pour the raw linseed oil into it. However, you can also add turpentine in the ratio of 1:5. It can be easily found at a nearby hardware store or a paint shop. Adding the necessary amount of turpentine will form an additional water-resistant coating.
As usual, start from the ladders. Since ladders are more exposed to the outer environment, it needs extra care. Take a microfiber cloth and dip into the linseed solution partially. It would be excellent if you put on a leather glove. Start rubbing gently with an elongated reach. Never apply on the same surface over and over again.
Doing this will be a total wastage of time and energy, as you’ve to cover a larger area. Also, remember not to apply the oil solution on the foot pecks. For we have a different arrangement for that domain. Similarly, proceed the same by covering the exterior and interior walls of your treehouse, leaving the floors.
Step 3
After long anticipation of 3 days, your treehouse is 70% waterproof. Now, it’s time to cover up the floor. Unbox the box full of surprises. The Achin waterproof floor planks are to be spent now.
At first, take the dimensions of the floor in each room with a measuring tape. As mentioned above, each box will cover a vast area of 60 sq. feet. Start your work from the verandah. On doing this, you’ll have a rough estimate to do the math. Lay each lamina carefully with precision.
We would advise you to take the help of a companion if possible. Since, the layers can be trimmed, cut with precision. Working slowly, complete every room while leaving the bathroom. After completion, open the bottle of Thomson’s water seal. The application process is similar to that of paint.
Pour the sealant into a small bucket. Then, take a high-quality brush and dip it in the solution. After agitation, apply the solution on the bathroom floor with an elongated reach. However, you only have to wait for 6 hours to let the sealant dry.
Step 4
Now, you’re one step away from completing your project. Guess the area left out? Yes, it’s the room. The roofs are the most widely exposed domains in the entire design. Due to exposure to sunlight and rainfall, it has to be weather-persistent. Roofs need extra maintenance when they’re wooden. To prepare your roofs, we bring the concept of double-layering.
First, apply the Thomson’s waterproof seal on the polished surface. The application must be similar as mentioned above. After drying up, it’s time to apply the Heng’s rubber roof coating. Manage to get on top of the roof with the all-new Heng’s rubber roof coating pack. Also, take a clean paint roller to avoid any accident. Besides, you’ll also have to cover a wider area.
Dip the paint roller in the bucket full of rubber coating. Then, with proper strokes, paint all wooden planks of the roof. We advise you to apply the coating 3 times with intervals of 30 minutes. The moment you finish the last stroke, you’re all done.
Major Areas Of A Treehouse That Needs Waterproofing
Areas that are exposed to the outer environment need extra maintenance.
The major areas of a treehouse that needs waterproofing are:
- Ladders
- The Roof
- The Floor
- Windows
- Doors
- Walls
- The Ceiling
Why Do You Need To Waterproof Treehouse?
Your house of dreams is threatened by external factors. In the case of a treehouse, sunlight, and water the primary threats. However, water causes harm to your treehouse more rapidly.
The main reason behind the waterproofing of a treehouse is to ensure safety. In the absence of waterproof coatings, the wood will rot faster than you imagine.
Failing you bear the weight of you and your belongings, it will collapse. It can cause heavy injury or even death. Besides, decaying woods will encourage the growth of worms. In no time, you’ll place will lose its hygiene. Therefore, we advise you to waterproof your treehouse as soon as possible. In brief, here are some ill-effects without a proper waterproofing:
- Rapid decay of wood.
- High expenditures in maintenance.
- High risk of collapsing.
- Deterioration of hygiene.
- Low durability
Final Thought
With such care, we placed before you the detailed answer to your question on how to waterproof treehouse. Take the effort to check the condition of your treehouse every 6 months. Also, it is important to choose the perfect tree to build your house. Building a treehouse on an under-nourished tree may result in casualties with framing. Therefore, before building a treehouse, remember these key points.
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