Recognize and Repair Wood Rot to Keep Your Home or Building in Good Condition
Wood rot occurs when wood is exposed to a combination of oxygen, moisture, and fungi. You can expect that spores of wood-rotting fungi will be seeking ideal growing conditions wherever wood is used, including your home or building.
Preventing wood rot is key to protecting your real estate. Prevention requires protecting wood used in construction from the elements. A few ways to protect wood against wood rot include:
- Using decay-resistant or pressure-treated lumber for decks.
- Exterior wood wall planks should be stained or painted on all sides before assembly.
- Do not let anything lean against wood siding, particularly old wood pieces or ladders.
After construction, protection is equally important. A fresh coat of paint can keep out the air and moisture spores need in order to grow. Property owners need to be aware of wood rot no matter how small the area because it can easily spread to healthy wood. Pay particular attention to attics and basements, under sinks, windowsills, thresholds, steps and stoops, decks and eaves, wood siding, and fences.
Repairing Wood Rot
If you find wood rot in your home or other structure, it must be treated. Fortunately, there are successful ways to treat wood rot before it does more damage. To do it yourself, you will need the following tools:
- Paintbrush
- Putty and utility knives
- Chisel
- Sanding block
- Polyester filler
- A wood hardener
The repair process involves removing rotted areas with a sharp tool, then coating the area with a wood hardener. Then, mix polyester wood filler and press it into the recesses with a putty knife.
Next, carve the partially hardened sagging wood filler with a putty knife or chisel. Add another layer of filler if necessary. Depending on the temperature, you will have between 10 to 15 minutes to work before the filler begins to harden. Small jobs can usually be treated with one layer of filler, but larger repairs need at least two layers. Complete the job by sanding and priming the filled areas and then painting.
At Major Painting, our expert painters are experienced in both commercial and residential painting services and can help repair wood rot and prevent future occurrences. We serve residential and commercial customers across the Kansas City metro area. To learn more about our painting services, or to request an estimate, contact us today!
