Why Wood Rot Repair Is Vital For Homeowners

Would you leave an open wound to get infected? 

We sure hope not! Wood rot is like an infection that can spread rapidly. Wood rot can severely affect the support structures of your home. In this article, we will discuss what wood rot is, how to repair it, and how to prevent it in the future.

What Is Wood Rot and How Does It Work?

Wood rot is exactly what it sounds like – rotting wood. What is the root cause of wood rot?

Wood rot is caused by a type of fungi that can grow and thrive in damp, humid conditions. The fungi feed on and digest the parts of the wood that give it strength and stiffness.

Two types of wood rot can occur: 

1) Dry Rot: This occurs in environments with a low moisture level and can spread at a very rapid pace. 

2) Wet Rot: This type of wood rot requires a much higher level of moisture to thrive and spread. 

Both dry and wet wood rot can cause serious damage to the structure and strength of timber. Ergo – it can cause serious damage to the structure and strength of your home. So it is vital to get rid of wood rot as soon as possible.

So What Can Cause Wood Rot?

Many things can lead to the nightmare of wood rot, here are a few common examples: 

• Moist or Damp Settings: Leaks from your roof, gutters, or plumbing can create a moist and damp environment in which wood rot can thrive. Even small leaks, cracks and other forms of damage can lead to bigger more serious issues later down the line.
• Poor Airflow: Poorly ventilated areas such as attics, basements, and even your bedroom can trap hot air. Trapped air can ultimately lead to moisture and result in wood rot.
• Location: Extended exposure to bright light or heavy rain, snow, and high humidity can increase the risk of developing wood rot.

What Are Some Of The Risks Of Ignoring Wood Rot?

It’s not that bad, it’s just a bit of moisture. Wrong!

Putting off the repair or replacement of rotten wood can have extremely bad consequences, here are a few examples:

• Damage To The Structure Of Your Home: Wood rot can weaken the structural wooden components of your home like support beams, roofing, and flooring. This can result in very expensive repairs and extreme safety hazards. 
• Pest And Bug Infestations: Decaying wood will attract all sorts of bugs and pests such as termites and carpenter ants, compounding the damage and creating even more repair work.
• Lowering Your Property Value: Homes with any visible signs of wood rot can lose value in the real estate market.
• Safety Hazard: Any serious instability in a structure could eventually cause the structure to collapse, including sections of a house, and can result in serious injury and possibly death.

So How Can I Prevent This From Happening To Me?

You are going to be ok, don’t panic!

There are many steps you can take to be proactive and prevent or repair  wood rot:

• Keep An Eye Out: Make sure that you regularly keep an eye out for any signs of wood rot inside and outside of your home. Look around windows, doors, and any other areas that are prone to dampness, humidity, or leaks. A common source of water damage are gutters. If you notice your gutters are overflowing they might need cleaning, a slope adjustment or to be increased in size to prevent future water overflow. 
• You Have To Act Fast: You need to repair and replace anything that can lead to leaks or moisture issues as soon as possible to prevent rot from wreaking havoc. Examples might be the first time a ceiling shows evidence of water exposure. Be sure to check the roof and gutters for any potential causes. Once identified, quickly make the repair. Waiting will only result in further costs and damages.
• Use High-Quality Materials: When you are replacing or repairing wood, try and find any treated or rot-resistant materials to extend the time in between repairs. A great job is a job done right.
• Call A Pro: If you suspect any serious wood rot, you can consult a professional like the ones over at Guttercoverkc.com for the proper needed assessment and high-quality repairs to your home.

By making wood rot repair and prevention a proper priority, you will protect your investment, ensure the safety of your family, and maintain the structure and the value of your home.

In Conclusion

I ‘wood’ rather be safe than sorry. 

All jokes aside, wood rot can be slow, silent, and even deadly. After reading this, you can have confidence that you have been informed about the importance and urgency of treating, preventing, and repairing wood rot for every homeowner. 

The best possible course of action would be to keep a close eye out for any signs of wood rot and damage to your home and replace or repair them before they become an expensive problem as time goes by. 

The safety of your home, and even your own health, could be at stake.

For more pro tips, check out our other blog posts.