- Wood rot occurs when wood is wet or damp for an extended period of time, causing fungus to grow.
- Wood rot turns into brown rot which happens after the fungus has grown and dried out the area, crumbling it.
- It’s crucial to always fix wood rot to avoid further damage to your property.
Rotted wood is a problem that affects millions of homes worldwide. Some homeowners may see it as a natural part of their home getting older. Although homes do experience wood rot as they age, wood rot is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. If left unchecked, rotted wood can cause irreparable damage, and even pose a risk of weakening the structural integrity of your home.
Why Does Wood Rot?
There are two main types of wood rot that can damage the structural integrity of the wood: brown rot and soft rot. Brown rot has historically been referred to as dry rot. However, this term is misleading because the wood had to be damp in order for fungus to grow and rot the wood. It’s called brown rot because the fungus turns the wood dry and makes it easy to crumble. Brown rot is the most common and can cause a lot of damage. Soft rot is similar to brown rot, but much more resilient. The soft rot fungus can grow in more extreme temperature conditions, but is actually rare indoors.
There is also a third type of rot called white rot that leaves the wood in a spongy condition with a white discoloration. This is a more unusual type of rot though, and it is usually only found in hardwoods or outdoors. All types of wood rot have destructive enzymes that can eat through wood and allow more water to enter and cause more damage.
Can You Fix Rotted Wood?
Yes, you can fix rotted wood, as long as the damage is not too severe. If the wood rot has eaten away at structural wood, then it’s typically recommended that you replace the wood. However, doors, windows, and other decorative wood items can usually be repaired. It’s a good idea to check the surrounding conditions of the wood first to see if there are any preventable sources of moisture.
What Will Happen If You Don’t Fix Rotted Wood?
Wood rot is an issue that can last for centuries. If wood rot is allowed to grow unchecked, it can cause permanent structural damage. Over time, more and more of the wood will most likely rot away and disintegrate. If left untreated for long enough, all of the wood could rot away!
Should Rotted Wood Be Replaced Or Repaired?
When you have made the decision to fix rotted wood, there are a few factors to consider when deciding whether to repair or replace the wood that has suffered wood rot damage.
Why You Should Replace Rotted Wood?
If the wood rot has caused severe damage, especially to the core of the structure, it’s probably best to replace the wood. The main drawback to replacing wood is that it can be a costly and complicated job. You should only attempt to replace essential wood if you have extensive home improvement experience, or by calling a professional. Replacing wood windows and doors will allow you the opportunity to upgrade the existing door or window with an updated style or look. This does come at a higher price tag and will take longer to complete.
Why You Should Repair Rotted Wood?
Minor and cosmetic wood rot damage can typically always be repaired. Fixing rotted wood is always better than replacing, especially if you are looking to keep historical decorative elements intact. The cost to fix rotted wood can also be much cheaper than replacing the wood and generally a faster process too. That being said, it’s still a good idea to have a professional fix wood rot versus repairing the damage yourself. If done incorrectly, wood rot can still remain after a repair and cause more damage. It’s highly recommended to call a professional.
What Is The Best Solution To Fix Rotted Wood?
In most cases, calling a professional to fix rotted wood is the cheapest, fastest, and safest way to handle wood rot. Attempting to fix rotted wood rot on your own can be a risky and complicated process. Meanwhile, replacing wood can be even more costly and time consuming. While there will always be some severe cases in which replacing wood is the only option, it’s always a good idea to consider fixing rotted wood first.
Choose Preservan To Fix Rotted Wood
If you notice wood rot in your home, don’t panic. Instead, you can rely on the experts at Preservan to fix rotted wood. It’s what we do. Our epoxy professionals have fixed rotted wood on hundreds of homes. From the windows to the doors,molding to pergolas, and much more. We have a highly trained team that will come to your home, and fix rotted wood damage. Our team of experts will fix your rotted wood in a fraction of the time and up to a 90% lower cost than replacing. We use methods approved by The National Park Service to bring the wood in your home back to its original look. Don’t let your wood rot go unchecked. Visit our website and learn more about what Preservan can do to fix rotted wood, or request a quote today!
If your wooden structure has wood rot or dry rot, contact Preservan Wood Rot Repair. Our wood rot repair experts are ready to save your building from the dangers of wood rot! Our epoxy treatment restores your wood without costly replacement and is eco-friendly too. Check out our website for more details and to schedule an appointment to have wood door repair or to repair wooden windows at your home.