Over time, wood exposed to weather or water can begin to rot, and replacing it quickly is essential. Often, parts of your home that are exposed to the elements are treated or covered to reduce water exposure. When you do find an area that is rotting, work with a contractor that specializes in wood rot repair.
Damage Inspections
When you find an area of your home that is beginning to show signs of wood rot, it is essential that you have it inspected by a contractor to determine how bad the problem is. Often wood rot can start as a minor repair, but the rot can spread quickly in areas you don't see.
The wood rot repair contractor may need to remove some material to see what is happening and how bad the rot is behind the initial area of concern. Without an inspection, some rotting material could be missed and cause a significant issue later, so taking the time to look closely at the damage and what needs replacing is critical to a proper wood rot repair.
Whether the damage is inside or out, the process is the same, but if there is rot inside the home, it is crucial to determine why. Water leaking inside the home can cause rot, so the contractor needs to look for signs of water infiltration during the inspection process. This way it can be dealt with before new material is installed and the same damage occurs again.
Wood Rot Repair
Once the damaged area is isolated and the extent of the rot determined, the contractor can begin to remove the rotted material and replace it with new wood. If the decay extends to structural elements of the home, the contractor must take special care to support the structure as the old material is removed and the new wood is installed.
In some situations, the contractor may suggest using a treated wood product to replace the rotted wood to help protect it in the future. Using pressure-treated lumber is common outside your home, but your contractor can also use it to replace sill plates and structural elements that are often not seen once the work is complete.
The wood rot repair contractor will know the best solution for the issue and can go over the reason for the damage and how they will correct it if you ask. Understanding what caused the problem is often the best way to ensure it does not reoccur, so don't be afraid to ask questions about the damage and how to protect against it in the future.
