The Importance of Early Identification of Wood Rot
When an emergency like a flood happens, the natural course of action is to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. However, less noticeable problems such as wood rot can cause substantial damage to a home and should be taken just as seriously.
That is why it's essential to spot the early signs of wood rot and prevent it from destroying a house's wooden features. Here's everything to know about wood rot and how to avoid it.
Why wood rots
Before knowing how to prevent and alleviate wood rot, it's crucial to understand how it happens. If excessive moisture lingers on wood for extended periods, it will lead to fungi development.
The presence of fungi then leads to the gradual deterioration of the wood fibers.
The source of the moisture is irrelevant. For example, living in an area with heavier rainfall, high humidity, or other sources such as leaks could lead to rot.
How to find rotten wood
Sometimes wood rot is easily noticeable to the naked eye. When that happens, it usually means that the damage is already significant.
Wood rot can be sneaky, and it's possible to miss it. Homeowners who are not sure if their home has any wood rot can benefit from a thorough investigation they can perform independently.
A flashlight and a screwdriver are all anyone needs to check their home for wood rot. When poking the wooden elements, any soft, brittle, or crumbling wooden surfaces are likely to be rotten.
Areas to check more frequently
While wood rot can creep its way into any wooden surface in the home, there are specific areas that homeowners should check more frequently.
Wooden window frames are the most notable example. That's where water tends to sit longer than in any other place. The same applies to the front door of the house. If the exterior doors are made from wood, it's one of the first places to check for rot.
As for interior spaces, occasionally check the wooden flooring and any wood that's in the bathroom, kitchen, and water heater.
Finally, decks and roofs should occasionally be checked for wood rot. Both these inspections might take a while. Depending on the size and lighting, it's essential to check for rot from time to time.
How to prevent wood rot
An effective way to prevent wood rot is to clean the house's gutter system regularly. Properly-functioning gutters are crucial for overall healthy construction and prevention of decay.
Also, if possible, choose non-wood materials for areas of the home where it's not essential. Regular painting, condensation management, and covering entryways are a few other precautions every homeowner can take to keep wood rot at bay.
Keeping wood rot out of your home
It can be quite problematic to find soft and brittle wooden surfaces full of rot caused by fungi. Once the rot develops, it's impossible to get rid of it.
Replacing window frames, doors, and other wooden areas is the only option. That's why prevention and regular check-ups are crucial for hard-to-detect wood rot.
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