A Wood Rot Warning for Greater Columbia and Eldersburg, MD

Wood rot damage on wooden boards.

All properties in Greater Columbia and Eldersburg are susceptible to moisture and water damage—especially wood rot. Rain and storms are the first possible cause, but even slowly accumulating moisture in poorly ventilated rooms could create problems for property owners. If rotten wood isn't treated, repaired, or replaced quickly, it could lead to more severe structural damage. If you've spotted the signs of decomposition, it's best to act fast.

Your options for responding to wood rot depend on both the causes of the issue and the extent of its spread. The earlier you spot and remove fungal growth, the lower your repair costs will be. A slowly festering structure creates stress for both you and your property. Help from your local repair professionals will remove that stressor and restore your happiness.

Mr. Handyman of Greater Columbia and Eldersburg is here to make sure you're well-informed about wood rot, the potential causes that affect local property owners, and the best solutions for dealing with rotted wood. We'll even help you identify vulnerable places around your home, so you know exactly where to look for decay. If you find any deterioration—or any other issues—we're always here to help with professional service and expert advice.

How Do You Identify Wood Rot?

Moisture damage in wood is actually caused by fungi. There are three different types of fungi that damage timber in Greater Columbia and Eldersburg. Dry wood rot might be the most well-known variety among homeowners, but there are two other types which are just as common—if not more so. Any of them could invade your property.

The best way to find decayed wood is by performing a regular inspection to look for signs of wood rot. The most common characteristic is softness—surfaces that push-in or crumble away easily—but each type has its own unique characteristics. Check all vulnerable spaces for the characteristic warning signs of each type, and take immediate action if you find any red flags that wood rot is in your home.

Brown “Dry” Rot:

This type of destructive fungus targets the cellulose in timber and destroys it. As that happens, the surface of affected areas appears dry and cracked, which is the process that gives this variety its nickname. This fungus grows quickly in the presence of moisture at any temperature between 65 and 90° Fahrenheit.

Characteristics of Dry Rot:

Dark-brown discoloration
Fruiting bodies of mushrooms
Red dust
Dried appearance
Cubical fracture—small, cube-shaped fragments

White Rot

This fungus spreads in the same conditions as its dry relative, but it targets a different part of the inner cell structure. It feeds on lignin rather than cellulose, which results in natural color draining away, creating a petrified, drained appearance. Unfortunately, it often weakens the cellulose too, weakening the wood.

Characteristics of White Rot:

Whitish, yellow discoloration
White or gray spots
Thin, light strands of white mycelium
Spongy textures

Soft “Wet” Rot

The fungus associated with this type is more resilient than white or dry rot fungus. This fungus survives in temperatures that range from zero to 100° Fahrenheit, which means that it's much more likely to appear outdoors. It's found throughout Greater Columbia and Eldersburg on logs, stumps, and fallen trees. But, it also infects the exterior surfaces of local buildings—and it can even spread indoors.

Soft rot works more slowly than the other two types, but it's also more severe. It's strong enough to decompose compounds that are resistant to fungal attacks. This fungus has evolved to break through natural barriers like bark, and the compounds that protect plants from biological infections.

Characteristics of Soft Rot:

Extremely soft textures
Dark discoloration
Musty, damp scents
Visible fungus growth
Groups of small cavities & cracks

Where Should You Look?

The exteriors of homes in Greater Columbia and Eldersburg are most vulnerable, but you should also check any indoor rooms that could develop excess moisture build-up. Rot is a common siding repair warning sign, and it infects other parts of exterior trim too, like fascia boards. Your windows are important areas to check because they're often exposed to moisture. An affected window sill could be a bridge for wood rot to creep inside.

You should give special attention to your kitchen, bathroom, and other indoor areas with plumbing fixtures. These rooms are more at risk for problems caused by water and moisture. The last thing anybody in Greater Columbia and Eldersburg wants is a bouncy floor near their bathtub. Humid attics and crawl spaces are common breeding grounds for timber-eating fungus too, so be sure to check them. If you spot the signs of fungal growth early, you won't have to worry about the issue spreading further.

Check all the following areas:

Wooden decks
Window frames
Door frames
Wood siding
Fascia & soffits
Attics & crawl spaces
Cupboards below sinks
Kitchen & bathroom surfaces

Can Decomposed Wood be Repaired?

Damaged wood repair is an option for some situations, but replacement may be the only option in disastrous cases. If structures are so damaged that their strength is entirely compromised, it would be unsafe to address the problem with repairs.

In cases of widespread growth and damage, it's necessary to replace entire structures—especially if decomposition has covered a wide area. If rotten material makes physical contact with wood nearby, your problem will continue to spread and worsen.

How Should You Handle Wood Rot?

Inspect the affected area: Determine whether the damage has spread across more than 50 percent of the affected structures. If it has, replacement is a better option. It would be best to make an appointment for a professional repair service if you're unfamiliar with the required repair process or unsure about the extent of the damage. An experienced service professional will help you remove rotten material, repair affected surfaces, and prevent the problem from coming back.
Remove the ruined material: You need to remove all affected material to stop future growth. Use a chisel to carefully scrape away soft, crumbling debris. Don't use bleach to kill the fungus and forget about it. While it's true that the disinfectant quality of bleach may kill fungus, it won't get deep enough into affected areas to stop it from spreading.
Apply hardener: Wood hardener is a sealant that protects against moisture and pests. Applying fresh sealant is an essential part of routine deck repair and maintenance for wood materials. It's especially important to seal spots that have already been affected by rot—after it has been removed—to stop it from coming back.
Add epoxy: Once your hardener has dried, fill the area with epoxy wood filler to replace any material you removed. Be sparing. Only use enough to fill the empty hole and create a level surface. Creating a smooth, level layer during this step will save time when you sand it later. It's best to let the epoxy filler dry overnight before refinishing repairs.
Sand, prime, & finish: For a seamless repair, you'll need to sand the dried filler, prime for painting or staining, and refinish the surface with a fresh coat of your preferred color. Refinishing a repaired structure doesn't just create a shiny, perfect look. It also protects your home from further problems caused by rot.
Address underlying issues: Don't forget that wood rot doesn't appear randomly. It's created through moisture buildup. That's a difficult problem to avoid outdoors, which is why sealing is so important. But you should also check nearby areas for sources of excess moisture. Clogged gutters could create rot. Indoors, you should inspect areas for poor ventilation or damage that might allow moisture to creep in. If you don't fix those underlying issues, you're at risk for future damage.

Do You Need Wood Rot Repairs?

The team of service professionals at Mr. Handyman of Greater Columbia and Eldersburg can help! We're your local indoor and outdoor repair experts. Whether you need repairs or replacement, we've got the skills and expertise to restore your wooden surfaces—and your peace of mind.

If you've seen signs of wood rot, call us to get courteous, guaranteed service from a local, professional handyman. We proudly serve many nearby communities, such as Elkridge, Clarksville, and Dayton!