Fix Rot Before it Fixes Your Wallet
Fix it as soon as you see it
Wood rot is a form of decay triggered by the combination of moisture and fungi (microscopic organisms). In order for fungi to set up shop, the wood must be continuously damp; fungi will not grow on dry wood. Yet as many as 5 million types of fungi exist in the air and soil around us, and there’s no escaping them. While many types, such as yeast and mushrooms, are beneficial, others are destructive. The numerous types that trigger wood rot are loosely classified by the three general effects they have on wood.Softwood damaged by wood rot is not salvageable and should be replaced as soon as possible to keep the rot from spreading.
How Can I 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 the basement or 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.
- Sweet standing water from outdoor decking as soon as the rain stops.
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Posted: to R.G. Penfield & Sons Blog on Wed, Mar 19, 2025
Updated: Wed, Mar 19, 2025
