How Can I Tell if Wood Rot Is Spreading During the Colder Months?
How can you tell if wood rot is spreading during the colder months? It’s a worthwhile question. While most of us think about our wooden features during the warmer months, winter weather takes a toll on wood, making your deck, fence, rails, trim, and even interior features susceptible to damage that might require repair come springtime. The more you know about the causes and effects of wood rot, the better equipped you’ll be to protect and repair your property in the year to come.
What Causes Wood Rot?
Wood rot in the home is decay caused by fungi that feed on cellulose in the wood. It develops in areas that are moist, warm, poorly ventilated (trapping moisture and creating a damp environment), and where oxygen is present. These are the conditions in which fungi thrive.
Wet rot is an isolated type of timber decay caused by fungal growth resulting from excessive or prolonged moisture in wood. It’s usually linked to leaky pipes, rooftops, gutters, downspouts, or condensation buildup. Compared to dry rot, wet rot is far less destructive and does not spread beyond the damp areas.
Dry rot is predominantly caused by the fungus Serpula lacrymans. It attacks timber with a moisture content of 20% or higher and spreads aggressively. This fungus can even make its way through brick and concrete to reach new wood, seriously impacting a home’s structural integrity.
Dry rot often thrives inside walls and subfloors, making it difficult to detect. One of the most common giveaways is its musty, mushroom-like odor. If you smell this in your home, it’s important to contact a specialist quickly. Without intervention, dry rot can travel rapidly, producing spores and continuing its spread throughout a property. Left untreated, it can damage floorboards, joists, and staircases, sometimes causing them to collapse.
Does Wood Rot Spread During the Colder Months?
Does wood rot in winter? Yes, but at a reduced pace. Wood rot fungus activity slows significantly during the colder months and can go dormant in temperatures below 32°F. Dormancy does not stop the spread, as the freeze-thaw cycle can allow the damage to keep progressing. This is why understanding how to stop wood rot from spreading is important year-round.
Signs Wood Rot Is Active
Even in winter, look for consistent signs of decay and the presence of moisture. Use a screwdriver or sharp knife to probe suspicious areas. Healthy wood will be difficult to penetrate, but rotting wood will be soft and spongy. If the wood crumbles or breaks off, this is a sign of significant decay. Discoloration, cracking, warping, or peeling paint can all signal trapped moisture and active wood rot.
What To Do if You Suspect Wood Rot
If you suspect wood rot in your home, or you’ve confirmed it using the ‘poke test’ call a professional promptly. Quick intervention is essential for effective wood rot repair and long-term protection.
At Anderson Painting, we help homeowners address both wet rot and dry rot quickly and efficiently—inside and outside the property. We determine the cause of the moisture intrusion, identify the type of rot, and provide proper wood rot treatment, including sealing, structural repairs, and repainting.
For close to 20 years, we’ve helped home and business owners in the Wilmington, Raleigh, and the Greater Triangle Area with carpentry, painting, and floor covering services of the highest quality.
If you think you might be dealing with wood rot, or you want to protect your home from the winter elements and summer’s humidity, contact our team at Anderson Painting today.
