PROSEALJAN13 - Page: 3 of 11

THE SUN: The sun's UV Rays will damage unprotected outdoor wood, just as it damages your skin, or fades and breaks down many materials. Often this can be seen as greying of the wood as well as cracking and splintering from expansion, contraction, and dryness. Some owners of outdoor wood structures like the look of grey, but aren't aware that it means their wood is being damaged!

MOISTURE: Moisture is a major threat. It invites mold, mildew, and fungi who all love moisture - it's where they live and thrive on unprotected wood, especially on horizontal surfaces - Pressure Treated Pine is vulnerable too!

FREEZING & THAWING: Moisture makes its way in the cracks and pores of unprotected wood, and combined with freezing and thawing promotes damage from expansion and contraction.

FUNGI: There are thousands of types of airborne fungi that take up residence in moist areas. For example, Wood-Decay Fungi breaks down wood and uses it as a food source, damaging and weakening the wood. Left unchecked, mold and mildew will eventually cover the wood with what appears to be a crusty greenish blackish coating. It is not only unattractive, but it's also feeding on your wood! The results of mold and mildew infestation can be seen in our photo mantage.