Keller Wood Rot Repair Services

Wood rot is a more specific term for wood decay that can happen anywhere to any property owner. You will also find decaying timber in the forest where it’s seen as a part of the cycle of nature that is crucial to the habitat of wildlife. Decay has a recycling effect in nature as it enables the growth of different types of mushrooms. The timber’s leftover nutrients will filter into the soil and create more life that way.

Unfortunately, this is not how things work at home. If you have any form of dry rot, it needs immediate attention. Fungal growth signals dying organic matter and is not meant to happen in your attic, basement, or deck.

It doesn’t need much to develop; only a minimum of 20% moisture combined with an appropriate level of oxygen and temperature will suffice. Though the existing moisture level needs to be present for a decent amount of time to begin weakening the interior structure. Once it has passed the first stage, it will continue to spread by consuming the timber at the core. If any exterior wood structures are taking too long to dry, they may have internal water damage. Your Keller wood rot repair expert recommends a detailed inspection, as there is still a way to treat the damage.

Before we dive into the warning signs that you need wood rot repair, there are different types of fungi to take note of:

Dry Rot

Often referred to as brown rot, the dry rot fungus is probably the most damaging of all as it breaks down the cellulose and triggers shrinking. It can wreak severe havoc on your property or wooden structures like decks and ceiling beams. Once there, it will develop and spread rapidly from one area to another. It’s hard to detect because most of the time the surface area will look dry, and you won’t notice the damage until later.

Dry rot warning signs include:

• Cracks breaking the surface
• Velvety texture
• Darkening colors
• Shrinkage
• Musty odors
• Fruiting bodies of fungi
• Wood is brittle and crumbles

White Rot

Like other types of wood rot, this one has distinct characteristics. Surfaces are marked with white spots and a spongy texture because the fungus consumes the lignin, leaving behind a white or yellow stain. It’s also a kind of rot that affects some bulb vegetables like onions and garlic. We do not recommend storing them near wooden materials.

Soft Rot

Also known as wet rot, it begins with weakening the cellulose before it moves on to the lignin. Although it may strike you as strange, soft rot is actually the least common out of the three and also the least aggressive type as it does not spread. It will still decrease structural integrity unless you call your Keller handyman in time for wood rot treatment. Often, using a fungicide and allowing the affected area to dry will fix the problem.

Though many homeowners may not have opted for natural wood for certain structures like floors or decks, engineered or pressure-treated wood is just as prone to fungal decay if they don’t receive the necessary maintenance. However, they are not the only structures at risk.

Trim Work

Both your interior and exterior trim is at risk, especially window and door frames. Whether it’s from regularly opening and closing, that trim will weaken and deteriorate over time. Air leaks usually signal a lack of insulation, and they are known to decrease your HVAC’s performance. Your wood rot repair technician recommends inspecting your trim work for cracks and treating it with wood filler, followed by sanding and sealing.

Exterior trim includes your soffits, fascia, and house corner boards, which are all susceptible to weather damage.

Decks

Even your favorite outdoor space can fall victim to wood rot in Keller. The repair technicians at Mr. Handyman have completed multiple deck installations and always make sure that clients are aware of the maintenance requirements. Sealants wear off over time, especially during severe weather conditions. Rotten wood boards or damaged stairs are some common issues that appear as a result. It’s important to set reminders for deck sealing every year or two, along with all the other regular work that must be completed for decks, from pressure washing to deck repairs. Also check posts, railings, and stairs for potential damage.

Fences

Cedar fences are the popular choice for real wood because it’s naturally moisture-resistant, but despite this positive trait, it’s still prone to decay when installed on unsteady soil. Most of Texas’s clay soil does not always drain well and highly affects many fence systems. Soil damage like erosion can lead to wood rot. Repairs will depend on how fast your soil recovers its equilibrium.

Attics

Your attic is an important part of your home if you have sufficient insulation, a healthy roof, and an intact exterior drainage system. Your rain gutters are attached to your fascia boards at the roofline and are designed to redirect rainwater away from your property. If your gutters were ever clogged, water would leak and spill onto your roof and cause foundational damage. At the same time, your soffits, which are responsible for reducing moisture in your attic, will be compromised. While your insulation will do its best in reducing moisture, your existing passive vents might not be sufficient in venting out excessive moisture (unless you have attic fans).

If your attic has no sufficient air flow, you’ll get damp timber if your wall studs and interior wood rafters are exposed to the source of moisture. Musty smells could indicate moisture buildup but also the growth of wood rot. Repair professionals in Keller recommend regular gutter cleaning at least twice a year to prevent potential damage to your roof and foundation.

Wood Siding

Using timber for siding has become less popular these days because of the high level of maintenance it requires to stay in shape. Weather damage to wood siding is common, whether it’s the humidity or other factors. Having wood siding in Texas may require you to keep up with sanding and painting on an annual basis. The key to efficient Keller wood rot repair is not to wait too long between your first and second coat of paint. Keller homeowners who don’t mind maintaining their timber yearly will likely be protected from extensive damage, and wood rot repair won’t be a big deal.

Basement

Water goes by the law of gravity and, therefore, basements are most susceptible to floods and water damage. If you have a home with basements, consider waterproofing it to minimize your risks of moisture damage.

Other Areas Include:

• Crawl spaces
• Underneath sinks
• Utility rooms
• Crown molding
• Subfloors
• Ceiling joists