- Wood rot occurs when any fungal species breaks down moist wood, resulting in rotting.
- The three most recognized types of wood rot are brown rot, white rot, and soft rot.
- Choose Preservan to treat and repair your wood rot.
Knowing how to identify different types of wood rot can help stop the spread of these fungi. Even the slightest amount of wood rot can greatly weaken the wood and put you and others at risk of injury. With that being said, wood rot isn’t always easy to detect. Just because an infected area appears isolated doesn’t mean it hasn’t spread to other parts. Once you recognize the different types of wood rot developing in your home, you can take the necessary steps to seeking wood rot repair.
What Is Wood Rot?
Wood rot happens when any fungal species breaks down moist wood, resulting in rotting. This happens when bacteria and fungi are given the opportunity to thrive in a damp environment, especially in high humidity and hurricanes. The rate of wood decay varies depending on climate, so people’s experiences with rotting wood will vary. A lack of home maintenance is also a key contributor in the build up of excessive moisture.
Is Wood Rot Bad?
Rotten wood is not only unattractive but it also loses its structural integrity and functionality. Rot undermines the structural stability of your property, increasing the risk of collapse and potential injury. A property with structural problems will likely decrease in market value and may draw regulatory attention. Tackling this early on can often be managed with simple repairs, but more severe rot typically requires additional attention.
The Three Types Of Wood Rot
Wood rot can be categorized based on the type of decay they produce. The most recognized types of wood rot are brown rot, soft rot, and white rot. Each type generates different enzymes, resulting in the breakdown of the structure of your home.
Brown Rot – AKA Dry Rot
Brown rot happens when a specific fungus infiltrates wood and degrades its cellulose. Over time, this results in cracks, and eventually the wood will split. It’s often called dry rot because infected wood becomes dry and crumbly. However, the term “dry rot” is misleading, as moisture is actually responsible for both dry and brown rot. Regardless, be on the lookout for wood that appears parched.
White Rot
White rot deteriorates the cellulose in wood as well as breaks down lignin, resulting in a white and yellowish color throughout the infected wood. If untreated, white rot has the ability to rapidly decompose the infected wood. A way to identify white rot is to feel the texture of the wood. If the white and yellowish wood becomes soft and spongy to the touch, then you have white rot.
Soft Rot
Soft rot occurs in environments that are often more hot, cold, or damp. The decomposition process from soft rot is slower compared to the other two types of wood rot and begins deep within the inner cavities of the wood. While rare, it’s still important to remember that the development of soft rot in your home is possible.
What Should I Do If I Discover Wood Rot?
To reduce damage from these different types of wood rot, it’s important to identify and address any suspected issues quickly. Wood rot requires treatment and finding a way to cover it up is not a solution. In fact, allowing rot to persist without intervention will lead to more extensive damage. If you suspect that a structure has wood rot, it’s best to contact professionals for services.
Should I Treat & Restore Wood Rot Or Replace The Wood?
Restoring rotten wood is often better than replacing it to maintain architectural integrity and aesthetics. Additionally, preserving wood is generally more cost-effective than replacing it. With restoration, wood can last for a century or more, potentially eliminating the need for replacement altogether and cluttering up our landfills.
Choose Preservan For Wood Rot Repairs
So now that you know how to identify the different types of wood rot, you can contact Preservan for any wood that needs to be restored! Our epoxy technicians are very skilled in preserving the wood in your home and bringing it back to its original beauty. We also provide preventative services to prevent wood rot before it begins. Preservan’s preventative services are designed to protect your property with long-lasting defense against the damage caused by rotting wood.
Preservan is your go-to source for all wood rot repair needs! We handle repairs for windows, doors, and much more. Request a free quote or contact us today to request a free wood rot repair quote. You’ll be happy you did!
Contact Preservan
Contact Preservan today to learn more about wood rot repair.
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