Wood Rot Repair in South Bend, IN

If you've ever dealt with rotten wood, then you're aware of the structural damage it can do. Water damage is most often the cause of rotted wood. So it's important to eliminate the water source and make repairs as quickly as possible. But what happens if wood rot develops? Then you need a wood rot repair in South Bend, IN. For that, you need a trustworthy South Bend handyman.

When you need comprehensive wood rot repair in South Bend, IN, trust the handyman experts at Mr. Handyman of Northern St. Joseph and Elkhart Counties. We can repair and replace rotted wood with wood filler or brand-new replacement wood. If you need help with preventative measures, our team of handymen can help with that, too. No matter what type of rot you might have, our experts are ready to deal with it and get you the South Bend wood rot repair you need.

Identifying Wood Rot: The First Step in a Wood Rot Repair in South Bend, IN

Wood is commonly used in construction. From your home's structure to your deck to your fence, wooden structures are everywhere. And even if you use pressure-treated wood, there's still a risk of wood rot developing due to damp conditions or exposure to moisture. That's why you need to be able to identify wood rot when it occurs, so you can take the appropriate steps and book a wood rot repair in South Bend, IN.

However, it's important to know that there are two main types of wood rot: wet rot and dry rot. These two types of rot require different treatment methods and wood rot repair methods. Both, though, can still cause extensive damage if left untreated. If the proper conditions are met, your wood can develop common types of wood rot and require potentially costly repairs. That's why you need to know what to look for to book a wood rot repair in South Bend, IN.

Defining Wet Rot

Wet rot is a type of fungus that feeds on wood. It sustains itself by feeding on the nutrients and moisture in wood, but it also tends to cause plaster, wallpaper, and carpets to decay as well. Wet rot spreads by releasing spores, which then cause more fungus to grow when they find an appropriately damp wooden surface.

Now, it's important to know that wet rot might not be as damaging or destructive as dry rot, but it still needs to be treated immediately as it can affect your home's structural integrity.

Types of Wet Rot

There are two common types of wet rot, which are mostly identified by their color.

• White Rot: As evidenced by its name, the decay has an appearance that looks white. With white rot, you're likely to notice a soft, spongy feeling when you touch the wood.
• Brown Rot: Brown rot often looks similar to the affected wood. Brown rot typically feeds on the sugars and cellulose present in the wood, which gives it a dark brown appearance.

The Causes of Wet Rot

Often, wet rot (which is a fungal growth) is caused by exposure to excess moisture. You might start noticing signs of wood rot or wood decay in your solid wood if any of the following have occurred recently:

• Roof leaks
• Leaky pipes
• Leaky or blocked gutters
• Shower trays or around your bathtub
• Moisture penetrating through your home's walls
• Condensation

Defining Dry Rot

Dry rot is the more serious form of fungal decay that affects wooden structures. As a form of rot, it attacks the wood itself and digests the parts of the wood that lend it its strength and durability. Typically, it spreads without a source of moisture as it generates its own by digesting the wood. Once it begins to spread, it causes severe structural damage.

You must arrange for a professional inspection should you suspect that you have dry rot. It needs to be treated quickly. The most common result of leaving it untreated means a costly repair, as you'll need to remove and replace all of the affected wood.

The Causes of Dry Rot

The moisture content within the wood that allows for dry rot to develop is often because of some sort of fault with your home. Dry rot is most often caused by the following:

• Leaking gutters and downspouts
• Penetrating water, creating high moisture content within the wood
• Poor ventilation
• Rising damp conditions

Need a Wood Rot Repair in South Bend, IN? The Experts at Mr. Handyman are Ready for Your Call!

No matter what form of rot you might be dealing with, you're likely worried about extensive repairs or even a complete replacement of all the affected wood. That's why you need to call in a professional handyman from Mr. Handyman to help with a professional wood rot repair in South Bend, IN.

Not only will we complete a thorough inspection and evaluation of the damage, but we'll present you with a comprehensive South Bend wood rot repair solution that's tailored to your unique needs. Whether you need replacement wood or just some wood putty to fill in the damage, our handymen are ready to help.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wood Rot Repair in South Bend, IN

How do I identify if I have dry rot?

Several factors can identify whether you have dry rot. The major symptoms to look out for include:

• A fine and fluffy white substance spreading across your wooden surface
• A gray, whitish skin that's tinged with yellow and lilac
• Mushroom-like fruiting bodies, often orange in color
• Red dust that's from the spread of spores

If you notice any of these signs, then it's time to call for a comprehensive wood rot repair in South Bend, IN. Mr. Handyman is an expert in repairing wood that's been damaged by dry or wet rot.

What does rotted wood look like?

Several signs indicate that wood has rotted. You want to look for wood that's shrunk back from the surrounding surfaces. This is because wood that's decayed loses its density, so it shrinks when dry. Now, if you have advanced decay, you're likely to notice that the wood is spongy to the touch, pitted, or even stringy. You might also notice fungal growths, depending on the type of rot you have.

Is it possible to reverse wood rot?

There are several ways to repair wood rot, especially when you call in a professional in South Bend wood rot, like the experts at Mr. Handyman. In cases of minor damage, we can likely patch it with an epoxy or wood filler. But if the damage is particularly extensive, then it's likely that we'll need to remove and replace all the affected wood.

Need Wood Rot Repair in South Bend, IN? Call Mr. Handyman Today!

Need wood rot repair in South Bend, IN, today? Call the experts at Mr. Handyman! Our team stands ready to deal with all forms of South Bend wood rot repair. We can repair rotted wood or replace rotted wood, depending on the type and extent of the damage. Don't attempt wood rot removal yourself; call the experts today.

To book an appointment for a South Bend wood rot repair today, give us a call or book online!