Inspecting For Wood Rot

Wood rot also referred to as wood decay is a type of wood-destroying fungus that can cause major damage to a home if left untreated. Isn't it a good idea, then, to know the areas of your home that may be more susceptible to wood rot?

Firstly, it's good to know a couple of basic things about wood rot. For example, to survive it requires oxygen, moisture, and a food source. It particularly thrives in damp, warm environments but it has the ability to survive in many other conditions. You should also be aware that there are other things that can damage wood in a home such as carpenter ants or termites so its good to have the problem diagnosed by a professional.
 
There are many areas in a home that can become affected by wood rot, here are a few of them:
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• Wood that comes into direct contact with masonry, concrete, or soil.
• The surrounding subfloor areas of bathtubs and toilets, also around corroded or leaking pipes and plumbing fixtures.
• Foundations. Look for cracks in the home’s foundations or any places where water pools around the house due to insufficient grading.
• The underneath of sliding doors or windows that have not been installed properly.
• Roof penetrations with damaged flashing.
• Decking, especially ground floor exterior decks and support posts.

 
If you have some concerns that wood rot may be a problem in your home, why not have it inspected? This way the problem can be diagnosed and hopefully remedied before it becomes a costly repair. 

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