How to Inspect Your Home for Wood Rot
Wood rot can be a big problem for homeowners. The rotting process starts when water gets into cracks in wood or under a painted wood surface. If the water doesn’t dry out, the wood rot process begins. Once it starts, it can spread and destroy any wood it comes in contact with. It can even attract termites, furthering the damage. For this reason, it has gained the nickname “house cancer.” If left untreated, wood rot can cause serious structural damage to your house.
The best way to prevent wood rot is by being proactive and taking preventative measures when possible. Do a home inspection about once a year to make sure wood rot hasn’t occurred in your home. Here’s how to inspect and what signs to look for.
Look for cracks in caulking around your windows and doors. Any cracks are potential entry points for water and dampness. Re-caulk any exposed areas to ensure it is unable to be penetrated by water.
Search for any indication your roof might be leaking. This includes inspecting the ceilings, areas around the fireplace, the eaves of your home, and the attic. If you’ve discovered a leak in your roof, call a professional to assess and repair the problem.
Inspect your gutters to make sure they’re in proper working condition. Any sagging or leaks is an indication that there’s a problem, and water might be entering your home. The best thing to do is to repair your gutters if possible or replace them entirely.
Take a look at the exterior of your home and make note of any peeling or cracked painted areas. These areas should be scrapped, sanded down, and re-painted to prevent water penetration.
Inspect the exterior of your home for any areas where leaves or debris are built up, such as between deck boards or fence boards. Debris usually retains water and can cause rot if it’s not removed in a timely matter. Use a screwdriver to remove anything that’s stuck, and wash the deck down to ensure everything is gone.
If you suspect you have wood rot in your home, give us a call for a consultation. We’ll locate and repair the problem as quickly as possible so you can get back to normal life.