Did you ever notice where chunks of wood are missing from the main structures of your apartment? If yes, then you have probably seen the signs of wood rot. It is a severe problem that can cause extensive damage to your home. Be aware of the symptoms of wood rot so that you can take steps to prevent it from happening.
Wood rot occurs when the wood is exposed to moisture for an extended period. Decay can happen due to leaks in your roof, windows, or doors. It can also occur if your home is built on a damp foundation.
Wood rot can cause the wood to become weak and brittle. It can also lead to the growth of mold and mildew. If left untreated, wood rot causes severe structural damage to your home. After reading this article, you will have a piece of comprehensive knowledge about wood rot, its possible causes, and spotting signs.
What is Wood Rot?
Wood rot is a condition that affects wood, causing it to decay and break down. It occurs when there is prolonged moisture exposure to the wood in your apartment, and it is not quickly dried. When such damp conditions prevail for an extended time, there is a high prevalence of wood-eating fungi.
There are various Fungi notorious for doing this. However, the following three types are more important based on their target component.
1. Soft Rot
Soft rot is a type of wood decay caused by certain species of fungi that digest parts of the wood cell walls we commonly call cellulose, causing the wood to become soft and spongy. It can cause severe structural damage to buildings and other wooden structures.
Luckily, this fungus is in fallen trees and is less invasive. But It has the highest thermal resistance that makes it withstand a high-temperature range of about 0 to 110 Fahrenheit. So if somehow soft rot appears in your properties, removing it is quite a task.
2. White Rot
White rot results in the weakening and eventual collapse of the wood. The main feature of white rot is the bleaching or discoloration of the wood, which is caused by the breakdown of lignin (a structural component of wood). The decay process also breaks down cellulose, making the wood crumbly and fragile.
The fungi cause white rot to enter the wood through wounds or cracks. Once inside, the fungi spread throughout the wood, causing the decay process to begin. The fungi produce enzymes that break down lignin and cellulose. As the festering progresses, the wood becomes crumbly and fragile. In some cases, the wood may even collapse altogether.
White rot is a severe prob
lem for both Structures and trees. It can cause severe damage to apartments and other structures made of wood.
If the fungus breaks down the cellulose in wood, causing it to become brittle and crumbly, it is called brown rot. Affected wood breaks into cubical pieces.
It can cause extensive damage to wooden structures if left unchecked.
Brown rot can survive between 65-90 degrees Fahrenheit. The unique feature of this fungus is that it can travel through plastic and masonry. It is, therefore, a high probability of reoccurrence, making it difficult to eliminate
Brown rot is called “dry rot” because once the brown rot fungi have established themselves in the wood, they break down its cell walls, causing the wood to become dry and crumbly. In extreme cases, the wood may disintegrate into dust.
Where Can You Find Wood Rot in Your Apartment?
Wood-eating fungi grow in fairly enough damp conditions. So there is an increased prevalence of finding fungi where there is direct water spillage over wood. You can see Fungi growing in the
following areas of your apartment.
- Under sink
- Cabinets,
- Inside window frames
- Door Frames
- Decks
- Trusses
- Roofing
How to Identify Wood Rot?
There are a few things you can do to identify wood rot in your apartment:
- Inspect the wood for any discoloration, warping, or softening.
- Tap on the wood with a hard object to see if it sounds hollow.
- Pry off a small piece of the wood to see if it crumbles easily.
- Use a screwdriver or knife to probe the wood to see if it is spongy.
- Smell the wood for a musty odor, a sign of mold or mildew.
- Look for any signs of insects, such as wood-boring beetles or carpenter ants.
- Have a professional inspect the wood and confirm that it has wood rot.
Do You Have Nasty problems Like Wood Ro
t in your Apartment? Valet Works Can Help
Valet Works is a company that offers a wide range of services to apartment owners and renters. We are dedicated to providing our clients with the highest quality of service possible. We believe that our experience and knowledge sets us apart from other companies in the industry. Valet Works is committed to providing our clients with the best possible experience. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you with your next project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can wood rot make you sick?
Some types of wood rot can release spores into the air. These spores can cause respiratory problems in people with allergies or asthma. In severe cases, they can even cause pneumonia.
Can I repair wood rot myself?
It is possible to repair small areas of wood rot yourself. However, it is best to leave larger repairs to a professional.
What is the difference between wood rot and termites?
Wood rot is caused by fungi, while termites are caused by insects. Wood rot breaks down the cellulose in wood, while termites eat the wood itself.
What does wood rot smell like?
Rotten wood often smells musty or earthy. If you think you may have wood rot, give it a sniff test. If it smells bad, there’s a good chance you have wood rot.