Preventing and Treating Wood Rot
Since many homes are built with a wooden infrastructure and may include other wooden components, annually checking for rot is just one way to protect your investment. The only reason wood rots is because at some time moisture entered its fibers. Moist natural fibers like wood become an environment for fungi to grow on. As they grow and multiply, fungi feed on wood, leather, paper, and other natural fibers. The result of fungi feeding on wood, a deck for example, is called wood rot. A buildings exterior is the most vulnerable place for rot to occur.
According to the Buyer's Choice Home Inspection Web site, "Most fungi need a wood moisture content of at least 20% to carry on." On average, most homes in the U.S. have a moisture content of between 6% and 16%. Fortunately, that is too dry for most microorganisms like fungi to get grow. However, homes and wooden structures in moist environments need to be checked periodically for rot.
Where to Check for Wood Rot
Any wooden component of your home or yard can harbor wood rot. Here are a few of the areas to inspect annually:
- Wooden Deck
- Porch
- Fence
- Wood Trim
- Fascia boards and soffits
- Wood Doors
- Any wooden object that rests on or next to soil, concrete or masonry
- Laundry room walls
- Walls around sinks, toilets, showers and tubs
- Attics, especially if there has been a leak
- Storage sheds, especially those with dirt floors
How to Locate Rot
The easiest and least expensive method of finding wood rot is to visually inspect the area. Look for any imperfections such as blistered or cracked paint or wood that appears darker than other areas. Sometimes a lush carpet of green algae will grow on a particularly moist area.
Pay particular attention to areas where water might pool or fail to drain properly, such as window sills, joints, and decks. Even if the area looks normal, take an awl or screwdriver and press against the wood. The best place to start testing is at the end of the piece of wood where a cut occurred. Water can easily traverse the grain and sit inside the lumber making a home for the destructive fungi. After you have tested the ends of a wooden board, check other parts of the board with your sharp object.
If your sharp object penetrates the wood easily you know the board will need to be replaced. Since rot is caused by an invasive fungus, carefully inspect the connecting boards for damage. Be sure to seal the new board or implement a remedy to keep water from causing excess moisture in the area in the future.
However, if the damage is confined to a small area, the rot can be chiseled out and the hole filled with an epoxy. Take steps to ensure the damage doesn't happen again.
Rotted wood can significantly reduce a home's value. Conduct annual inspections and promptly repair any damage to keep moisture and fungus out.
