Homes have a lot of wood content, as a result there are typically a lot of repairs.

Most (not all) wood rot occurs on your home’s exterior when your home gets wet and water doesn’t run off or evaporate.

We had a very wet winter this year so as a result we have been getting a lot of calls for wood repair.

Here is an important point to consider, some home repairs sometimes seem like something you can put off. However, wood rot repairs should never be that scenario.

Putting off repairs regarding the wood portion of your home will definitely lead to a worse situation and/or more expensive repair.

Many times a homeowner will start a remodeling project and that is when the rotten wood is found.

This is because there are many places in your home that it is difficult for water to or moisture to dry out and often they are hidden from the eye.

Here are some places to keep an eye on especially in rainy seasons:

Windows

If you have newer windows good news, they are designed to prevent leaks. However, all it takes is one small gap that’s not adequately sealed with caulk for rain to seep through and saturate the wood in the wall beneath the window.

When wood is not exposed to air or sunlight, it remains damp—providing optimal conditions for fungi growth. Older wooden windows are at an even greater risk, as water tends to pool on the horizontal sills, seeping through cracks in the paint.

Exterior Doors

Just like windows, cracks and gaps between a door and the siding (or threshold) permit water to enter, making them prime spots for wood rot.

The rot is often not found until the homeowners decide to install a new door. Once the old door frame is removed, the rot is visible in the wood framing.

Outdoor Decking

Decking boards and stair treads also hold water. While many treated decking boards are water-resistant, they’re not 100% waterproof, and over time, they can rot.

The bottoms of painted balusters are a prime spot for rotting; they’re typically built from untreated pine, and then painted to resist the elements. Water becomes trapped under the bottom of the baluster and doesn’t dry out, giving fungi a chance to grow.

Basement Areas

High humidity and moisture is prevalent in basements because the concrete walls are surrounded by moist soil. Humidity levels can be so high in leaky basements that water vapor can form on the surface of walls and wooden ceiling joists.

Once wood rot gets a foothold here, it can spread unnoticed until it creates structural damage

Wet Rooms

Any room with a plumbed water fixture, such as a kitchen, laundry room, bathroom, or utility room (with a water heater) is at risk. Leaks around water supply lines and drain pipes keep the area wet and provide an optimal environment for wood-rot fungi to thrive.

Damaged Roofing

Missing or damaged shingles can permit water to seep in, and over time, it can lead to wood rot in the roof decking and in the lumber used to frame the attic.

Do You Have Wood Rot?

When it comes to wood rot, prevention is the key. It’s easier—and much cheaper—to prevent rot rather than fix it.

Call us, this is is one of our specialty areas. Let us help you get it fixed before it gets worse and more costly.

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