Three Reasons to Sterilize Your Barn Wood Before Putting it in Your House
Barn wood, with its rustic charm and unique character, has become a popular choice for interior design, adding warmth to homes. However, before incorporating reclaimed barn wood into your living spaces, it is crucial to sterilization the wood. In this article, we will explore the reasons why sterilizing barn wood is essential before bringing it into your home.
1. Eliminating Pests and Insects
Barns, by their nature, are home to various pests and insects. These unwanted inhabitants can include termites, beetles, carpenter bees and other wood-boring insects that may have taken residence in the wood over time. Failure to sterilize barn wood can result in the introduction of these pests into your home, causing damage to your furniture, walls, and other wooden elements. Sterilization effectively eliminates these threats, ensuring that your reclaimed wood is pest-free.
2. Preventing Fungi Growth & Existing Mold Spores
Barn wood, especially if it has been exposed to the elements, is susceptible to fungi growth. Sterilizing the wood helps eliminate any existing fungi spores. It can also kill existing mold spores on the surface of the wood (but it will not prevent mold spores from growing at a later date). This is particularly important when using barn wood for indoor applications.
3. Compliance with Regulations
In some cases, local regulations may require the sterilization of reclaimed wood before it can be used in residential or commercial spaces. By adhering to these regulations, homeowners not only ensure the safety of their households but also avoid potential legal issues related to the use of untreated materials.