There are two types of wood rot that affect lumber and wood; Dry and wet wood rot. Dry rot of wood is the result of infestation by a live fungus, while wet rot of wood is simply the natural decay of wood in the presence of high levels of humidity. Of the two, dry rot is much more serious and is usually treated by removing all infected wood and applying chemical fungicides. Wet rot is treated based on the severity and location of the rot; Sometimes a simple reapplication of water repellent finishes can stop rot. At other times, all the wood may need to be replaced. In all cases of wet rot, the source of moisture causing the rot should be addressed to avoid additional problems.
The 5 Conditions That Rot Needs to Occur:
-Fungi
-Substrate (Wood)
-Oxygen
-Warmth
-Moisture
One of the main factors that cause decay is fungus, which is the simplest of all plants. Tiny fungal spores are all around us, floating in the breeze, and landing everywhere in our house. No matter where they land, if the above four conditions exist, you will rot, and this rot will continue as long as these conditions are current.
Even if you remedy these conditions, the fungus will still exist and will resume growth (aka rot) when the conditions are more favorable.
Identifying Dry Rot
Step 1.
In the earliest stages, dry rot looks like off-white cotton sheets on brickwork and wood. There may be a yellowish tint exposed to direct light.
Step 2.
Some mushroom-shaped objects may grow on surfaces and finishes that cover up dry rotting wood, such as plaster or paint. Usually, they may be the first obvious signs of dry rot.
Step 3.
Check the wood for long and deep cracks running through the grain. These cracks may also establish the off-white fibers of the fungus.
Step 4.
If possible, apply direct pressure on wood suspected of suffering dry rot. Wood that rots due to dry rot will bend under pressure and will often collapse even under light touch.
Identifying Wet Rot
Step 1.
Check for damp rot in areas that are usually susceptible to moisture, such as those that may be exposed to the most moisture or closest to the ground or standing water.
Step 2.
Paint and finish may look good when hiding the rotten wood below. Professional builders and experienced “do it yourself” people may use a thin-edged knife to press into the wood with only a small amount of pressure. The knife cannot penetrate very deep at all. Deep penetration is a sign of decay.
Step 3.
Wood affected by wet rot, even with finishes and paint, will feel spongy and look darker than wood that has not been affected by rot.
Ways to Prevent Wood Rot
Keep it painted.
Keeping the house painted is the easiest way to prevent water accumulation. Paint is a good protective layer that can help keep away sprinkle water and dirt on the surface of your house. Although it may get wet, the paint prevents water (and fungus) from penetrating the wood underneath.
No standing water.
If any part of your house loses water after a heavy rain, the area is likely to rot. The stagnant water will enter the cracks and cracks of the paint and penetrate into the wood, thus creating ideal conditions for decay. Redesign these elements to allow water to flow down from them.
Allow for air.
Good airflow helps all items dry out faster, and the faster items dry out, the less chance of decay. Prune the bushes and trees in the house to leave enough space between them for air circulation. The wet shrubs directly on the siding are the main cause of rot in many houses.
If you can stay dry, extend the longevity of your home. Yes, the cause of decay is fungus, but if you concentrate on keeping the exterior surface of your house dry, it will stagnate the house. Moreover, preventing decay is much easier than real decay.
We hope these tips will help prevent the wood in your house from rotting. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contact us at 281-901-0707.
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