Almost all homes have at least some wooden features, but for many, a wooden exterior is a fundamental part of their aesthetic. While this contributes a timeless, classic visual identity, it can also bring challenges with rot, especially in the Lake Norman region.
At Mr. Handyman, our team is always ready to help our neighbors fight against rot. Contact us if you need dry rot repair to keep your home sturdy and beautiful.
A Homeowner’s Guide to Wood Rot
Wood rot comes in many forms, each with a different origin and repair approach. As a homeowner, it is important to be able to identify which sort of damage is occurring to your home, and to know which professionals you can call for help. Mr. Handyman tackles exterior wood rot repair in Huntersville, NC. If you’re not in Huntersville, no problem! We can do wood rot repair near you in Statesville, Cornelius, Troutman, Davidson, and the whole Lake Norman area.
Don't let wood rot ruin your home! For fast and dependable exterior wood rot repair, contact us today!
What Is Wood Rot?
Most people assume that wood rot happens because a piece of wood gets too damp, and the moisture causes the wood fibers to weaken. In reality, the moisture itself is not causing the damage; rather, wood rot is caused by a fungus. The reason moist wood is often susceptible is because the humidity encourages fungal growth.
However, wood can also rot when dry! Both scenarios can lead to gradually spreading rot, compromising the structural integrity of your home. If rot is affecting your wooden siding or supports, you may quickly find that problems with pests, moisture intrusion, and drafts crop up unexpectedly.
Can Wood Rot Be Repaired?
The good news is that in some cases, wood rot is repairable. Localized damage must be carved out, after which a patching material can be applied to fill the gap. After sanding and painting, many rot spots become virtually indistinguishable from the original wood.
However, not all rotten wood can be repaired. If the structural integrity of the piece is compromised, or if there’s not enough strong, unaffected wood left to hold the patching material, the entire wooden section will need to be replaced. In rare cases, the fungus that causes the wood rot may migrate nearby to non-wood surfaces, such as masonry. In this case, more substantial remediation may be necessary; otherwise, the fungus will simply overtake the new wood from its safe hiding spot.
Who Repairs Wood Rot?
The right professional for the job depends on the location and scope of the damage. You may be able to use niche professionals, such as door installers if your wooden door is affected. However, many families find that a handyman is a convenient choice. Because a handyman can handle multiple types of problems, you don’t need to juggle more than one team. Just give Mr. Handyman a call, and we can patch your wood rot no matter where it occurs!
Protect your home from damage this winter! Contact Mr. Handyman for prompt wood rot repair today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does wood rot take to develop?
The wood type and moisture level will influence how fast wood rot can occur. For softer woods in damp environments, rot may become severe in just six months. Conversely, harder or treated woods may take multiple years to begin showing signs. It is important to treat wood rot as soon as possible, as the fungus can penetrate directly into the center of the wood fibers; thus, your wooden features may be much more decayed than you can visualize.
Can you kill the fungus that causes wood rot?
Yes, it is possible to kill the wood rot fungus in some cases. However, this does not necessarily solve the problem. If the dampness issue persists, fungus may return. Additionally, killing the fungus does not re-harden the wood; the damage will remain. The best way to get rid of wood rot fungus is to use a combination of targeted fungicides and moisture removal.
What kind of wood is susceptible to wood rot?
Any kind of wood can develop wood rot, but some will begin to show signs faster than others. Softwoods, such as pine and spruce, may take just a few months to develop the beginnings of rot, and it can progress to more severe stages in a year or less. Hardwoods, including oak and maple, may take one to two years before damage arises. Many homes rely in part on treated wood, which is specifically infused with fungicidal components to resist wood rot. However, even this robust material may start to degrade, albeit after a decade or more.
Protect your home from winter damage with our expert wood rot repair. Contact Mr. Handyman today!
