What You Need to Know About Wood Rot and Your Home

Whether your home was built in the 1890s or the 1990s, it more than likely made of primarily wood. Because of this, wood rot is a common problem in homes of all types and ages. While most homeowners don’t take the signs of wood rot seriously, they should. Like rust on a car, wood rot continues to spread wreaking havoc on even the best of homes.

To prevent large repairs in the future take time now to learn about wood rot and how it can affect your home.

What is wood rot?
Wood, water and warmth is all it takes for wood rot to start destroying a home. When water penetrates untreated wood for a long period of time, the moisture festers creating fungi. This fungi than uses the wood as a source of food slowly breaking down its fibers over time. Before you know it, a solid piece of lumber turns into a soggy and crumbly mess.

The result of wood rot can often be hidden underneath the surface. You may not know you have a problem until it becomes blatantly obvious. Soft, crumbly, or brittle wood is a sure sign that you have a wood rot problem. You may also notice mold growth and surface discoloration.

What areas of the home are most prone to wood rot? While any untreated wood can succumb to wood rot, here are the most common areas to watch for:

• Wood trim especially when located directly below the roof
• Window sills
• Door trim
• Corner boards
• Decks attached directly to the house using ledger board without flashing
• Vertical boards located below a door
• Gables ends and gable vents
• Columns and other decorative trim

How is wood rot repaired?
Wood rot can be an easy repair if the problem is addressed before allowed to spread. A contractor will first need to locate any areas that need attention. They will then remove the water-logged pieces and replace them with new wood. The wood is then painted or finished to match the rest of the existing home.

Keep in mind that wood rot spreads and, left untreated, can lead to more costly and time-consuming repairs. It also leaves your home vulnerable to other types of problems such as mold and carpenter ant infestations.

How do I prevent wood rot in the future?
The best way to protect your home from future wood rot damage is to be proactive in your approach. Know the signs of a wood rot problem and repair small damages before they can spread. You can also use non-wood alternatives in your future building materials such as vinyl and other composite options. Lastly, and most importantly, keep up with basic home maintenance needs such as replacing caulking, installing an automatic water shutoff valve and keeping your gutters free of clogs. These can all help lessen the toll water takes on your home.

If you believe your home is experiencing wood rot issues, contact the expert team at Custom Installations. We have experience working on homes of every age and architectural style. Our expert team of contractors will ensure your wood rot problem is tackled once and for all. Contact us today to schedule your repair.