Wood rot is an essential natural decomposition process that transforms dead trees into the soil. However, finding wood rot in your house is not something you want to do. The wood root is caused by fungi and water, which can ruin the structural integrity of your home and create expensive repairs.
Wood must be constantly moist for the fungus to develop. Wood rot is generated by water damage and leaks, the most common causes of wood decay in your house. Therefore, keeping your home properly waterproof is crucial to preventing wood rot from developing on your home’s wooden structure, whether by crawl space encapsulation or by filling foundation gaps and cracks.
Where to Look for Wood Rot
A few places in your house are more likely to have wood rot than others. The most common places to find wood rot are:
Walls and Floors
Many floors and walls are made of wood, so these are some of the most common places to find wood rot. In addition, you should inspect locations around walls and the ground where water may be found, such as your bathroom or kitchen. If you notice any water damage, such as warping, swelling, or discoloration of the wood, there is a good chance that wood rot has already begun to develop.
Attic
Water may leak into your home’s attic with faulty gutters and roofs. The water not only damages your items but also causes damage to the wood in your attic, which is particularly susceptible to rot. Living areas with high humidity, such as the bathroom, can also lead to wood rot in your attic if there is no proper ventilation.
Windows and Doors
Windows and doors are two places where water and humidity may enter your home. If your windows are not properly caulked, the rain will seep in and cause damage to your wooden window sill. The door may also suffer from wood rot if it is not properly protected from the elements.
Wooden Siding
Wood siding is strong and can endure a long time, but it is highly susceptible to wood rot. Because the siding of your home is subject to the weather, especially rain, snow, and humidity, it will soon deteriorate. Therefore, you should be looking for signs of wood rot on your sidings, such as discolored windows and swelling. In addition, cosmetic bandages, such as paint, can conceal wood decay on the siding surface, so it is essential to look for these signs before the wood rot causes severe damage.
How to Prevent Wood Rot
Install a Dehumidifier
You can prevent wood decay by hiring a basement waterproofing professional to install a dehumidifier in your crawl space or wherever there is too much moisture. Dehumidifiers dissipate dampness from the room while also saving you money on your power bill. Dehumidifiers can also help prevent mold, mildew, and musty smells by keeping your wooden buildings free of moisture.
Examine Your Roof
Moisture can enter your home’s attic if there are holes and cracks in the roof of your house. You can prevent this by regularly inspecting your roof for any damage that might allow water inside your home. Any cracks or damage discovered should be repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your home.
Fill in the Gaps
Check for voids or cracks, particularly in your house’s foundation, crawl space, and attic. You should even look for any cracks in your windows or doors that may be allowing moisture and humid air into your home. To effectively seal the damage and prevent water from seeping through, use caulk to fill any cracks. In addition, contact foundation repair professionals to help you fill in any gaps in your foundation to avoid wood rot.
Read here: Does Crawl Space Encapsulation Add Value To A Home?
In Conclusion
Waterproofing your home is essential to preventing wood rot. By examining your home for any signs of water damage, such as warping or discoloration of the wood, you can catch wood rot before it causes serious damage to your house. In addition, you can prevent wood rot by installing a dehumidifier, examining and repairing your roof, and filling in any cracks or voids in your home. Get in touch with professional home foundation repair services to help you waterproof and improve your home to avoid wood rot.
