How To Protect Wood From Rot (And How To Fix It)

Spotting signs of wood rot in your home can be worrying, so to help protect your home, our damp experts share some simple ways you can prevent it.

Spotting Signs Of Rot In Wood

Check your entire home for signs of wood rot at least once a year. Look for signs of swelling or discolouration in all the wood of your home as this can be an indicator of damp. If the wood is painted, gently poke it with a screwdriver or similar device. The wood should feel hard but if it is soft and the tool sinks into the wood, you will need to get it looked at by a professional.

How to protect wood from rot

Wet rot and dry rot are the two most common types of damp found in wood. There are many things you can do to help prevent the wood in your home or business developing rot, including:

Seal any gaps - Seal all gaps around windows and doors with good quality caulk. Make sure you remove all the old caulk before you begin applying the new solution.

Repair damaged roofs - Fix any damage to your roof as soon as possible to prevent water from entering your property and causing damage to your internal wood.

Look after your gutters - Repair broken gutters and downpipes and clean your gutters at least twice a year. This will help prevent pools of water building up in your gutters which can then leak over to penetrate the walls of your home.

Invest in a dehumidifier - Use a dehumidifier in rooms of the home subject to high humidity, such as basements, kitchens and bathrooms. This will help withdraw the warm air which can condense into condensation, one of the most common types of damp.

Install extractor fans - Install extractor fans in bathrooms and over kitchen hobs to help remove hot, steamy air.

Don't ignore cracked paint- Treat or repaint wooden windows and doors regularly to ensure efficient weatherproofing, especially if there are cracks in the paint.

How To Repair Rotten Wood

The first thing you need to do to repair rotten wood is to identify and remedy the damp problem that has caused it. Whether an excess of condensation or a leak in the roof or walls, it’s important to be sure what type of damp you’re dealing with in order to carry out a lasting and effective treatment. This is why it’s important to call in the services of a professional and reputable damp proofing company, such as Croft Preservation.

Once the damp problem has been rectified, you can begin repairing the damaged wood. If softwood has been damaged by rot, you will need to replace it as soon as possible to prevent the rot from spreading. If the wood passes the screwdriver test mentioned earlier, you may be able to save it by leaving it to dry out completely and them applying a wood preservative. Ensure you keep an eye on the wood as rot may appear again, even after treatment.

No matter what type of damp you have, dealing with it early is the best way to stop it spreading and costing you more time and money to fix in the long run. So as soon as you spot any signs of damp or wood rot in your property, contact the friendly team of experts at Croft Preservation today on 01202 737739.