Despite its strength and durability, wood has one large weakness: it's vulnerable to rot. That's why it's important to properly maintain and repair your wooden structures and exterior features. Whether you need fascia board repair, deck repair services, or a wood window rescue, Mr. Handyman can deliver the wood repairs you need.
But what are the signs that you're going to need a wood rot repair in OKC? Wood rot is common and can affect any wood, but sometimes, it's difficult to know whether a wood rot treatment in North Oklahoma City is necessary. However, the earlier you discover the issue, the easier and less costly the subsequent repair project will be.
How to Tell if You Have Wood Rot
Wet Rot versus Dry Rot
The first step is knowing that there are two main types of wood rot: wet and dry rot. Wet rot, as implied by its name, refers to a species of fungus that feeds on damp wood and other fibrous materials, like carpets and drywall. Dry rot, though, spreads quickly and eats wood from the inside out. Both of these forms of wood rot are a serious problem. However, dry rot is often viewed as a more severe threat, because it can spread quickly and easily. Wet rot, on the other hand, spreads slower because it needs an existing moisture source to grow, so it's not likely to spread beyond wet areas.
Spotting the Signs of Wet Rot
If you don't know, then it can be difficult to distinguish between wet and dry rot. However, there are some key differences between these two forms of wood rot. If you suspect you have wet rot and need a wood rot repair in OKC, there are several signs to watch out for. You'll want to pay special attention to the color of the wood, its texture, and the shape and size of the damage (i.e., fracturing), along with the smell.
The most common signs of wet rot are:
- A softened texture (i.e., spongy and easily penetrated with a sharp object)
- Darkened appearance (certain areas might appear to be darker than others)
- Shrinkage and warping
- A musty, earthy smell
- Cracking and crumbling wood
- Localized fungal growths
- Chipping paint (i.e., deck paint or stain)
And because wet rot only occurs in areas with a high moisture content, it's usually easy to identify when you know where to look. For example, anywhere that experiences high levels of moisture is very likely to experience wet rot—although dry rot can still occur in such places.
Spotting the Signs of Dry Rot
Dry rot tends to be much more difficult to identify than wet rot because the identifiable signs are much more obvious when it's late in its lifecycle. However, those experienced with wood rot, carpentry, and deck repairs can spot dry rot when it occurs. This is why it's so important to call for a wood rot repair in OKC when you have suspicions.
The typical signs of dry rot include:
- The appearance of what are known as fruiting bodies (typically mushroom-like, shaped like a pancake, rust-colored, and porous).
- Being able to spot spore dust on wood, which is typically a reddish color and found near fruiting bodies.
- The spread of white mycelium (white strands of fluff) across the wood.
- A yellow-grey-whitish "skin" that overlaps the wood in patches.
- And, lastly, a damp, musty odor that's reminiscent of mushrooms.
