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When you hear about continental climates in North America, you likely think about the hot summers and cold winters in Greater Cincinnati. The distinct annual temperature variations in the middle latitudes tell you why our weather is windy, wet and unpredictable. Homeowners worry about severe weather conditions that could potentially wreak havoc on their properties, such as structural damage caused by wood rot.
Repairs can be costly if you don’t keep a close eye on your materials. It’s recommended that you put away at least one percent of your home’s value for annual maintenance and minor home repairs to keep your property in shape. Hire a professional, local Cincinnati handyman from Mr. Handyman of Greater Cincinnati to stay on top of your inspections and preventive maintenance services. When it comes to expert wood rot repair, Cincinnati homeowners can always expect quality workmanship and excellent customer care from Mr. Handyman.
What Is Wood Rot, and What Causes It?
Timber can last for centuries when there is no water or remain intact underwater where there is barely any oxygen.
The combination of water, oxygen and temperature is what makes homes prone to wood rot repair. Cincinnati homeowners know that rotten wood is the result of fungal growth on damp timber at a certain temperature. Imagine a high moisture content at the heart of a piece of timber that has no way of drying, yet it’s still exposed to the elements. If the moisture content is between 20 and 22 percent and the temperature is between 75 and 90 °F, the fungus will have the means to grow and thrive.
When decaying fungi eat away at timber, it reduces its structural integrity and overall strength, which triggers a softened texture. When wood suddenly appears crumbly and dry, it may not be immediately obvious that you need Cincinnati wood rot repair until you touch it or unusual discoloration is visible.
Any structure that is exposed to outside elements like rain, snow and humidity is susceptible to rotting when not sealed or painted. It’s a maintenance process that you need to repeat at least once every two years to protect your wooden structure and wooden beams. Indoor structures are just as vulnerable, especially when exterior damages are left untreated and find their way inside your home. Plumbing leaks, roof leaks and decayed trim like window frames can also lead to wood rot repair. Cincinnati homeowners who have examined their wood from water damage should always get a second opinion from a professional handyman who has the tools and knowledge for a more thorough inspection.
Cincinnati Wood Rot Types
Dry Rot / Brown Rot Fungi
This is the most destructive, fast-spreading type of wood rot that causes structural damage in homes. Dry rot does not need very much moisture to appear and start causing problems. While it appears dry on the surface, it targets the cellulose inside the wood’s structure, sapping your wooden surfaces of strength before you know it. With how fast this fungus grows, dry rot repairs could save your entire structure, but often, a full replacement is the safest option.
Detect early signs:
- Cuboidal cracking (Forming cube-like shapes)
- Velvety skin
- Dry and powdery appearance
- Fungus grows several millimeters per day
- Lumber appears to be shrinking
- Musty smells
White Rot Fungi
This type also attacks the lignin — the integral component of your timber’s internal structure. It decomposes the wood, leaving behind light-colored cellulose. White rot doesn’t require much moisture to appear and thrives in temperatures between 65 and 90 °F, but once started, it only requires standard room temperatures to grow.
Detect early signs:
- White spots
- Whitish, gray or yellowish discoloration
- Spongy texture
How To Check For Wood Rot:
Whichever type you’re trying to identify, it’s important to note that any form of decay or decomposition shows signs of weakness. While not always easy to tell visually, there is a more reliable method to find out.
The Screwdriver Test
The name of this test has become popular over the years, but the truth is, you can use any kind of pointed tool to do the test. Simply press the tip into the timber to see if it sinks right in without any resistance. If yes and the soft texture becomes more apparent, you need professional wood rot repair. Cincinnati property owners who are aware of this test but want something more reliable can count on their local Cincinnati handyman for inspection services and preventative measures.
Where Should You Look?
Where would I grow if I were a fungus? It’s not a pleasant way to think, but it could help protect your home in the long run. When seasons come and go, and changes in weather have been affecting your mood, there is a high possibility that your house feels the same way. If thinking like a fungus is too much, put yourself in the position of your house instead. No one knows it better than you. What are the least visited areas that primarily repairmen visit?
- Roof shingles
- Attic
- Siding
- Exterior trim: gutters, soffits and fascia boards
- Deck boards, deck posts
- Railings
- Stairs
- Fence posts
- Exterior window frames
- Exterior door frames
- Interior trim boards
- Crown molding
- Bathrooms
- Basement walls, ceiling joists
- Utility rooms
Signs You Need Wood Rot Repair in Cincinnati
You don’t wake up and start looking for warning signs if you have other work on your to-do list. But when you’re in tune with your local climate, you will know where to check first. We hope this list will help you act soon enough before any disaster strikes.
Rotted Timber on Window Frames and Sills
Over time, interior and exterior window frames need wood rot repair. Cincinnati property owners that have routine sanding, staining, sealing and caulking on their seasonal checklist are one step closer to a healthy window system. An untreated crack in your head casing or sill could be a source of troublesome moisture penetration in your home. Moisture that sits on the wood will rot faster and attract pests like flies, termites and carpenter ants. Sometimes, you won’t get long-term results with wood rot repair. Cincinnati wood rot experts at Mr. Handyman will recommend an efficient replacement service instead.
Early prevention is key to stopping the spread. But how to know? Your local Cincinnati handyman recommends paying attention to air leaks or condensation on your interior window and using the screwdriver test to check your exterior window sill for rot.
The sooner you detect it and bring it to our attention, the faster we’ll be able to remove the rot and repair your frame and fill any gaps with epoxy and strengthen it with wood hardeners.
Damaged Sheathing Behind Siding
The surface underneath your siding is sheathing that is typically made of plywood and is designed to support your insulation, add an extra water barrier and serve as structural support for your home. Issues like cracks that affect your siding can often go unnoticed unless you hire a Cincinnati handyman for an annual inspection. Otherwise, in the event of clogged gutters, rainwater will spill over your roof, run down your siding and seep through the cracks. This will cause long-term damage to your foundation and even spread into your home’s interior. In comparison to foundational repairs, drywall repair will be the least of your concerns. Minor repairs as prevention could help you prevent extensive wood rot repair. Cincinnati residents with older siding, or those who have experienced severe weather, should consider inspecting their siding for issues that could lead to wood rot, so that they can be fixed before rot grows and spreads.
Paint Peeling on Fascia Boards
After a long rainy season, Cincinnati homeowners may discover an overwhelmed gutter system and fascia boards. Some newer properties have aluminum fascias, whereas older homes have wooden types. If the paint on your fascia is peeling, you may need immediate Cincinnati wood rot repair to stop moisture from further penetrating your material. Your soffits and fascias work in combination with your gutter system and are responsible for keeping your attic dry by circulating air and keeping outside elements out.
Your rain gutters and downspouts constitute your most essential exterior drainage system. If they aren’t efficiently removing stormwater from your home, your soffit, fascia and siding are in great danger.
Poor Ventilation in Bathroom and Attic
Your bathroom creates high moisture content after every hot shower. If you have no windows in your bathroom, ensuring your ventilation system is in working order is crucial. Bathrooms and kitchens require adequate airing in order to stay decently dry. Unsure if you have wooden materials in your bathroom? Shelves or vanity materials are often made of timber like plywood or higher-end types like red oak or mahogany. If you feel your ventilation fan isn’t extracting humid air efficiently, we recommend replacing it, especially when planning a bathroom remodel.
Your attic is probably one of the most sensitive areas in your home, relying on a strong roof system and exterior trim like gutters, soffits and fascia to keep it dry and fresh. Signs of poor attic insulation and ventilation will show in the form of mold and mildew, bad air quality and a failing HVAC. Roof damage and ice dams will also have a negative impact on your interior rafters and lead to wood rot repair. Cincinnati property owners are recommended to schedule attic fan inspections whenever their exterior trims have suffered damage.
Failing Floor Joists
If your floor feels bouncy and emits musty odors, your home might be a victim of high humidity, which is a problem that can lead to rot in hidden areas, like below your flooring. The first sign of failing floor joists requires professional inspection and wood rot repair. Cincinnati homeowners can expect us to check all the areas that might be affected by this problem. We hope that repairs will solve your problem, but we’ll also be honest with our findings and ensure you know when the problem is so widespread that larger replacement projects would be more cost-effective.
Rotten Wood Decks or Fence Posts
Wooden decks and fences are exposed to severe weather conditions every day. Unless you pressure-wash and seal them periodically, they will fall victim to early wear. Small cracks, holes and peeling paint will invite unwanted moisture. Decks and fences are considered exterior furniture that needs attention. Often, repairs are simple and only require you to replace one or two boards.
Prevention Methods
Wood rot is a problem that nobody wants to have, and like many types of property damage, the best way to avoid it is with early prevention. If you want to minimize wood rot repair in the future or eliminate it altogether, here are the essential methods:
- Professional Pressure Washing: An appointment for professional pressure washing service could help remove grime and other debris hiding damage that could lead to wood rot. However, when performed without an initial inspection, it’s possible for pressure washing to cause wood rot through moisture penetration, so you should always leave this job to an expert.
- Gutter Cleaning and Repairs: Rain gutters are essential for preventing all kinds of damage that occur because of moisture. Keeping them clean and in good condition will go a long way toward preventing wood rot.
- Siding Replacement: During humid summers in Cincinnati, wood rot repair is a common problem that homeowners have to deal with. Installing fiber cement is a great alternative to wood siding and minimizes the need for extensive repairs.
- Decking Replacement: There are alternatives to traditional wood decking that are less susceptible to wood rot, which can be a big benefit for anyone who doesn’t enjoy annual deck repairs and maintenance. Composite decking and vinyl are two of the more common, wood rot-resistant materials used for outdoor areas in Cincinnati.
- Vent Fan Maintenance: Kitchens and bathrooms need to be fully equipped against moisture buildup. Ensuring that you have efficient, fully functional ventilation in those areas, and using it, is a key part of preventing damage caused by moisture and wood rot.
Need Wood Rot Repair? Cincinnati Homeowners Can Choose Mr. Handyman of Greater Cincinnati!
Whether you're in Cincinnati or a nearby area, such as Landen or Mason, you can rely on the team of professionals at Mr. Handyman of Greater Cincinnati for dependable residential services and commercial services. When you need wood rot repairs, and service for a wide range of additional home improvement projects, Mr. Handyman is ready to meet your needs!
Pick up the phone and give us a call today at 513-657-2926 to schedule an appointment or find out more about what we can do to enhance your property’s safety and comfort with our repair services. Or, take a look at some of our local reviews to learn more about Mr. Handyman.