(1)  Wood rot is evident in many home construction materials, the repairs for which constitute 10 percent of wood production sales. While many blame termites for such damage, no evidence supports this. Termites leave visible signs of their presence, deteriorating wood as they tunnel within and eat it. Sawdust particles are telltale signs of their encampment.

(2)  Wood rot, on the other hand, is caused by undue exposure of untreated wood to moisture. Consequently, prevention constitutes both avoiding such exposure and employing a prevention and treatment program where rot already exists. Wood with 20 percent moisture content remains at risk.

(3)  Two types of rot trouble homeowners. The first is white and yellow with a stringy and spongy look. The other is brown and crumbly in appearance, and a tendency to break into cubes has earned it the nickname "brown cubical rot." These visible manifestations of wood rot are called "fruiting bodies."

(4)  To prevent wood rot in the future, have your repair company use treated wood, or the heartwood of a decay-resistant species.

(5)   Often, poorly vented crawlspaces develop wood rot as moisture from the soil penetrates the floor joists. Additionally, a vapor barrier on the soil assures that any moisture escaping the soil will be reabsorbed by the soil rather than the wood. Asphalt roofing paper or polyethylene sheets provide adequate protection.

(6)  To repair damaged wood, first find and remove the source of moisture. Then, call one of our 5 Star Rated repair companies to remove, repair and replace the rotted area.
 
(7)  Also, in the case of wood rot in crawlspaces, ask your repair company to either improve ventilation and drainage issues in the crawlspace before replacing wood or hire another ventilation/drainage expert to assist.

(8)  Contractors should carry personal liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance.  Avoid doing business with contractors who don’t carry the appropriate insurance.  Otherwise, you may be held liable for any injuries and damages that can occur during a project.

(9)  When comparing estimates or proposals, make sure each one is based on the same scope of work.

(10)  Comparison shopping should be based on reputation, reliability, experience and price ‘value’, not just lowest price.