Damaged wooden supports are dangerous, whether part of your deck or home. You'll need expert repair services to find the right solution, which depends on the type of wood rot you have. It's important to know the differences between wet and dry rot damage and what they look like on damaged wood. In either case, wood loses its strength, meaning a catastrophe looms if nothing is done. You need a prompt wood rot repair.
Walnut Creek, CA, handymen can help restore areas of wood rot, but it's important to address the source of the rot problem first. Lumber is an ample food source for rot, which feeds on it and weakens it. Although small areas can be repaired with a DIY repair using wood putty, severe cases require professional intervention. That's because you need to ensure the structural integrity, and, likely, the wood rot repair will require complete replacement of the affected areas as a long-term solution. This is especially true of rot caused by moisture or dry rot, which can easily penetrate wood. You'll need an expert in dry rot repair in Walnut Creek, CA.
Our wood rot repair services are slightly complex, beginning with an inspection and assessment and ending with a thorough diagnosis of the extent of the damage. Our process for a wood rot repair in Walnut Creek, CA, follows these steps:
- Inspection and Assessment: We'll identify all areas affected by dry rot, including visible damage and if there are hidden pockets that aren't visible. We'll pay close attention to signs of discolored or brittle wood, visible fungal blooms, and growth.
- Removing Damaged Wood: Once we've completed our inspection, we'll remove all of the damaged wood plus an additional buffer (typically around 3 feet) of surrounding wood to ensure that the fungus has been completely removed.
- Treating the Surrounding Areas: With the affected wood removed, a fungicide is applied to all surfaces within a five-foot radius of the affected area to kill off any surviving spores. We'll also treat any brick or masonry in contact with the dry rot to protect your building from a recurrence.
- Repairing or Replacing Wood: Minor damage can be repaired using epoxy or wood hardeners to stabilize and strengthen wood fibers. However, severe damage that affects the wood's structure requires an entire replacement with pressure-treated lumber to restore the best structural integrity. For damage to window frames or shutters, we'll likely use a polyester resin filler or wood block patches for repairs.
- Refinish and Protection: With the repairs done or replaced wood in place, we'll sand down the areas for a smooth finish, applying sealant or exterior-grade paint to prevent rot from returning. This is the last step of your wood rot repair in Walnut Creek, CA.
