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A Guide to Wood Rot From a Rot Repair Pro
Preventing Wood Rot Around Windows In Portland Homes: A Homeowner’s Guide
If you live in the Pacific Northwest, you know that the weather can be tough on your home’s exterior. The Pacific Northwest weather can lead to wood rot, especially around windows. During the winter season it is common to see wood rot around windows in Portland, Seattle, Salem, really anywhere in the Pacific Northwest. Windows are often the first point of contact for water, and the wood frames can absorb moisture over time.
It’s important to keep an eye out for signs of wood rot around your windows to prevent any further damage to your home. Wood rot, especially around windows, can lead to costly repairs if left unchecked. It’s crucial to address wood rot as soon as possible.
Top 5 Common Signs Of Wood Rot Around Windows:
1. Soft Or Spongy Wood
If the wood around your window feels soft or spongy to the touch, it’s likely that it’s been affected by rot. Wood rot causes the wood fibers to break down, making the wood feel weak and spongy. Spongy wood is a sure sign that the wood has been compromised and needs to be repaired or replaced.
2. Crumbling Wood
Another common sign of wood rot is crumbling wood. If you notice that the wood around your window is breaking apart, it’s likely that it’s been affected by rot. This is caused by the wood fibers breaking down, which causes the wood to become brittle and easily breakable. Crumbling wood is a perfect environment for pests, like termites, to thrive.
3. Discoloration
Wood rot can also cause discoloration in the wood. If you notice that the wood around your window is turning gray or black, it’s time to jump into action. This is a sign that the wood has been exposed to moisture for an extended period of time and has started to deteriorate. Wood deteriorating around windows means wood rot is at an advanced stage and needs to be addressed.
4. Warping Wood
Warping is a sign of wood rot that is often seen around windows. Moisture in the air causes the wood to expand and bend over time. This is a result of rain and other liquid sources. Unfortunately, long exposure to water causes the wood to become weak and eventually break or crumble. In some cases, warping can even lead to cracks in the paint on wooden surfaces. If your window frames are warping or leaking, it’s best to repair them quickly. Untreated, wood rot will lead to more serious structural damage.
5. Fungus Growth
Fungus growth is another sign of wood rot. If you notice mushrooms or other fungus growing on or near the wood around your window, the wood has been infiltrated by wood rot. Fungus thrives in damp and humid environments, so if you see fungus growth around your windows, it’s a sure sign that there is a moisture problem. As the fungus spreads, it requires more nutrients, leading to compromised wood.
Health Risks Of Wood Rot
If you notice any signs of wood rot around your windows, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible. This is because wood rot is caused by moisture and can lead to serious structural damage to your home. In addition, unaddressed wood rot can cause serious health issues for family members that are sensitive to mildew and mold.
Persons with compromised immune systems and chronic respiratory diseases are also more susceptible to mold-based fungal infections. Such individuals can experience difficulty breathing and are at increased risk of infection when exposed to molds. These health hazards are another excellent reason to have your home inspected for rotting wood around your window frames.
Save Your Home: Repair Rotten Wood Around Windows ASAP
It’s important to remember that wood rot can be caused by many factors, such as poor ventilation, lack of proper flashing or sealant, or poor window installation. Due to these complex factors, its best to have a dry rot professional evaluate any potential wood rot around windows in homes. By working with a professional wood rot repair contractor, you can ensure that the problem is properly identified, and that the necessary repairs are made to protect your home from further damage in the future. It’s also a good idea to regularly check your windows for signs of wood rot and address any issues immediately to protect the integrity of your home.
Call Today for a Free Consultation!
Preserve the integrity of your home by calling a dry rot expert at SFW Construction today to schedule a FREE consultation of the wood around your windows. Find out why we’ve been able to help customers with their wood rot repairs for over 20 years.