Wood Rot Issues, Identification, & Repair
- Logan McIntosh
- Jan 22, 2024
- 3 min read
If you have recently taken a look around your home, you may have noticed areas that seemed especially dark or soft, or even picked up a musty scent. If so, you may have encountered wood rot.
What is Wood Rot?
Wood rot is a type of wood damage caused by a fungal infestation which causes affected wood to decay. It takes two forms: wet and dry rot. Wet rot needs moisture to gather in exposed wood, which provides a perfect, moist breeding ground for the fungus to spread. Dry rot does not require any moisture to take hold and spread - it eats through timber as its main source of sustenance.
Both types of rot initially begin because of moisture. Wet rot grows in timber that has been moist for an extensive amount of time. According to Permagard, a producer of fungicide for wood rot, some of the causes include:
Roof defects
Plumbing leaks
Leaky or blocked gutters
Shower trays and around baths
Penetrating dampness
Condensation
Dry rot often begins with regularly damp wood, often caused by structural issues that keep the timber wet. According again to Permagard, some of the causes include:
Leaking gutters and downspouts
Penetrating dampness
Poor ventilation
Rising damp
Why is Wood Rot an Issue?
Wood rot eats away at any wood it affects over time, causing it to slowly lose its strength and soften. This is always a safety issue, but particularly if the wood affected is a support beam or some other major piece of your home’s structure. Additionally, because of the nature of wood rot as a fungus, it will always keep spreading, which means even if only a minor part of your home is currently affected, over time it will make its way to major features. This all combines to form the perfect conditions for inevitable major structural damage within your home if wood rot is left alone for enough time.
Common Wood Rot Locations
Wood rot can appear anywhere on your home that contains wood, but there are some locations which are more common than others. These usually share a couple of features, such as low light and dampness, which form a prime environment for the fungus that causes rot to grow and spread.
Below are a few areas where wood rot frequently appears:
Kitchens
Bathrooms
Door Frames
Basements
Attics
Decks
Siding
Kitchens, bathrooms, and basements are especially susceptible as they frequently have more moisture than other locations. Interior areas can make it difficult to spot new and existing rot, as it can stay hidden inside the walls or beneath the floors , so staying vigilant for any signs of rot is vital. Keep an eye on each of these spots for the beginnings and signs of wood rot, as catching it early can save you time and money.
How Can You Identify & Locate Wood Rot?
There are several tells you can use to identify wood rot on your home. For one, affected wood is usually soft to the touch and has a spongy texture. Flaking or bubbling paint can also be an indicator that there may be wood rot present. Finally, wood damage and shrinkage can point to a rotted area, as the fungus that causes the rot will cause affected wood to become brittle and shrink as it absorbs the cellulose in the wood.
How Can Wood Rot be Fixed and Prevented?
Wood rot treatment varies depending on how extensive an infection is, which parts of the home have been affected, and which type of wood rot is present. The main thrust of any repair and prevention plan, though, is addressing the root of the problem. Repairing whatever caused the moisture issue in the first place is the primary objective, followed by replacing all affected wood. No rot should be remaining following a repair, as any remaining rot could just begin to spread again, leaving the problem unresolved.
Contact Us
Wood rot is not an issue to take lightly. If you have noticed any wet or dry rot on the wood around your house, reach out today and we can get it repaired and repainted before it causes serious damage. You can find our contact information and the free estimate request form HERE, or call us at 704-292-4853.
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