Your Quick Guide to Wood Rot and Its Causes
Wood is a widely used home construction material in the United States. The timeless beauty, durability, versatility, insulating properties, and ease of working make wood a popular choice for homeowners and builders alike. Also, the majority of homes nationwide contain wooden elements. In domestic construction, wood is commonly used to make flooring, decks, door and window frames, fencing, cabinets, furniture, siding, and roofing.
Despite its excellent properties and countless benefits, rot is a common concern with wooden constructions. Wood rot is more than just a nuisance. If rot goes unnoticed for long, it can spread far and wide to pose a severe safety and integrity threat to your home's structure.
Wood rot and its causes
Wood rot is the decay and destruction of wooden material triggered by moisture and fungi. Any unprotected wooden surface that stays continuously damp is susceptible to rot. Lingering dampness creates an ideal environment for mold to thrive. Along with moisture, other conditions must exist for wood rot to occur, including oxygen and warmth. The wood-rotting process can begin due to leaks, accumulated rainwater, or poor airflow.
However, homeowners do not control these factors - other than moisture. Rot-causing microscopic fungus spores require a specific amount of dampness to grow. The wood root occurs commonly in humid sections of your home, such as the kitchen, bathroom, and basement.
Wood rot can also develop anywhere where fungi find ideal growing conditions, including attics, decks, eaves, under sinks, steps, and window and door frames. Wood rot is challenging to detect and often escapes notice, especially in out-of-sight places. Homeowners should regularly inspect all-wood structures to investigate and treat any issues on time that may threaten the home's integrity.
Types of wood rot
The two common types of wood rot are wet rot and dry rot. Wet rot requires a moisture content of 50% or more to thrive. Dry rot grows when the wood has a moisture content of over 20%. Both dry root and wet rot can compromise the building's structural integrity. Dry rot is more destructive as it spreads across the wooden structure, unlike wet rot that grows only at the source.
How you can prevent wood rot
Rotten wood is expensive to repair and replace. Taking preventative steps to ensure the wood does not remain damp for long is the only way to stop any rot. To avoid wood rot:
Paint and stain the wooden surfaces to provide an extra layer of protection from water and moisture. Finishing the wood allows it to shed dirt and water quickly. Even if the wood gets wet, paint and stain protect it from fungus damage.
Ensure there is no water pooling in any part of the house. Standing water can penetrate the wooden surfaces through cracks and joints, providing a conducive environment for rot. Use a sealant to seal the cracks and holes and prevent water seepage.
Allow proper airflow to let the wood dry out faster. A fast drying time significantly reduces the chances of wood rot.
If you suspect wood rot, contact an expert for assistance. They will also provide an effective solution to fix any wood rot and prevent future occurrences.
The Wood Doctor is the leader in wood restoration, refinishing and refacing in the Portland area. Call 503-560-5220 for a project consultation.