Areas Most Susceptible Wood Decay

Wood decay, also known as wood rot, can present a big problem for a homeowner and, if it is left untreated, can end up being very expensive to fix. So, what parts of the home might be more susceptible to wood rot?


There are several reasons why wood can become damaged in a home and you will want to find out exactly what the problem is before knowing how to treat it, as in the case of carpenter ants or termites, for example. Wood rot, however, is a type of wood-destroying fungus. To survive, wood rot simply needs a few basic things, oxygen, moisture, and a food source and while it can survive in many conditions it particularly enjoys a warm, damp environment.


So, what areas of a home are most likely to experience wood rot? Here is a list of some of them:
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• Decking. Particularly support posts and ground floor exterior decking.
• Beneath windows or sliding doors that have been fitted incorrectly.
• The surrounding subfloors of toilets and bathtubs.
• Areas surrounding leaking or corroded plumbing fixtures.
• Roof penetrations that have incorrect or damaged flashing.
• Wood that comes into direct contact with concrete, soil, or masonry.
• Cracks in foundations or areas that collect water around the foundation because of inadequate grading.

As we have highlighted, wood decay can become a serious, not to mention, expensive problem. If you feel concerned that areas in your home have wood rot, don’t hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to assist you.
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