New Log Cabin Wood Treatment In Winter

[CabinMike]

I am part-way through building a log cabin (45mm tongue-and-groove spruce walls) - unfortunately, due to various challenges, the build was delayed 3-4 weeks and I've missed the window of "reasonable" weather. The tarp over the structure was no match for the wind/rain we got the night before last, and so the (untreated) wood was exposed to some of the rain.

I'm now looking at rain in the forecast over the next 10-14 days, although hopefully enough opportunity to finish the build. However, that will leave me with an untreated structure and the likelihood of no days warm/dry enough to apply the tinted premium wood preservative (which will be the final finish). So it seems I have three options:
(1) Apply one coat of preservative as a "temporary" measure and hope it dries/cures properly
(2) Leave the wood unprotected until early spring
(3) Wrap the cabin with a breathable roofing membrane (Cromer Vent 3 Lightweight) which I have available, then fully treat in the spring.

I am leaning towards option 3, but not sure how sensitive the untreated wood or preservative application would be.

Any advice would be much appreciated!

 

[Wayners]

Clear primer preserver.
Get a coat on.
You can treat dry wood before you cut and fit it.
Come spring you can go over with whatever

 

[CabinMike]

Thanks Wayners. I've already purchased (Barrettine) Premier Wood Preserver with added wax; are you suggesting I should initially use the Universal Preserver Primer? It seems like all of them need 12+ hours to dry in "ideal" conditions and temperatures above 10 degrees to cure properly. It doesn't look like I'm going to get suitable conditions anytime soon.

 

[Wayners]

Ronseal Total Clear Wood Preserver

I just read data sheet and can't see any regarding temperature other than store above 5c
Just lash on one coat. Was a fairly mild day today so it will seem dry in a hour or two. The problem is if you handle it so coat up as you buy it. Just roll and brush on.
Then cut and fit. You can float around with a brush on cut ends whenever.
As for the wax version I don't know. Can you paint over that as the wax maybe a problem?

 

[CabinMike]

Thanks again. I was intending to use the tinted wood preserver as the final finish - not painting or staining - hence the wax. Various "experts" say it won't dry properly under 10c (some 5c) but comments that concern me, for example, are:

• Do not apply if rain, frost, or snow is expected before the product is dry.
• Be patient, as cold and damp conditions will prolong the drying time beyond the standard 24 hours

Hence seeking advice from those with practical experience. Trying to balance the consequences of not treating straightaway versus messing up by applying treatment when it's too cold and damp or rains before fully dry.

 

[Wayners]

Just stick on the clear and sort the colour out in spring.
You can top with whatever after a week or so, be good to go in spring.
Sounds like the wax won't work if applied in this cold weather

 

[JohnD]

Has it got the roof on, and good gutters to prevent much water getting on the sides?

Go out on a sunny day and treat it. Follow the sun and do the sides that the sun has been shining on.

Where I am today the weather is mild with bright sun.

If the build is incomplete, treat the remaining components under cover before fitting them.

 

[JohnD]

I've already purchased (Barrettine) Premier Wood Preserver with added wax;

Is that the stuff from Toolstation?

I got something from them that according to their documentation contained fungicide and insecticide to prevent worm and rot.

But the documents on their website applied to a different product, and they had sold me a decorative coating with wax, but no preservatives, that lies on the surface instead of soaking in.

 

[JohnD]

The label on the preservative tin states


ACTIVE INGREDIENT: 3-Iodo-2-propynyl butylcarbamate (IPBC) 0.624% w/w,
Tebuconazole 0.284% w/w and Permethrin 0.06% w/w.
EXPIRY DATE: 2 years from production date.
OUT OF HOURS EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NO. +44 (0) 1270 502891

https://www.barrettinepro.co.uk/uploads/assets/Documents/Labels%202025/Wood%20Preserver%205L%20colours-QR%2024.pdf?u=1e2wU5