WOOD ROT

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Wood rot is a form of decay triggered by the combination of moisture and fungi.

Have you noticed the wood under the old paint is soft? It can be found in beams, deck framing, eaves, window and door framing, siding, as well as other spots in your home or business. Left untreated, wood rot can spread, destroy sound wood, and cause considerable damage to your home or business. A simple paint job is not enough, because wood rot can lead to several problems, including deteriorated support posts and beams, rotted floor and ceiling joists, and destroyed roof decking. It is important to take care of wood rot before they lead to bigger problems.

SOME JOBS ARE BETTER OFF LEFT TO THE PROS.

We also offer mold removal to take care of any mold or mildew that might have appeared in the crawlspace. Not only will this service, which utilizes a technique known as MOLD SODA BLASTING, removes mold from surfaces in your crawlspace, it will also clean crawlspace surfaces to get rid of harmful organisms.

Windows, doorways, and porches are common examples of places that have wood rot often.

WHERE IS MY HOME AT RISK?

Windows : Today’s windows are designed to prevent leaks, but all it takes is a small gap that’s not adequately sealed with caulk for rain to seep through and saturate the wood in the wall beneath the window. Because the 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 : 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 found when homeowners decide to install a new door. Once the old door frame is removed, the rot is visible in the wood framing.
Outdoor decks : Horizontal decking boards and stair treads can also hold water. While many treated decking boards are water-resistant, they’re not 100 percent 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.
Basements : 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

TIPS ON HOW TO PREVENT FUTURE PROBLEMS:

When it comes to wood rot, prevention is the key. It’s easier—and much cheaper—to prevent rot rather than fix it. The following steps will help keep the wood in your house dry so fungi don’t have a chance to set up shop.

Seal all cracks around exterior doors and windows with caulk.
Scrape away old hardened caulk, and replace it with fresh caulk.
Clean gutters—at least twice a year—to prevent blockages that can lead to water running over the backside of the gutter and down the side of your home.
Add a covered entryway over doors to keep rain away from the doors.
Use a good dehumidifier in any room of the house subject to high humidity.
Install exhaust fans in bathrooms to remove steamy air caused by hot showers.
Repaint exterior windows and siding if paint is cracking or peeling.
Sweep standing water from deck as soon as the rain stops.

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