Wood decay that is visible is unsightly. If you’ve ever seen a deck that’s past its prime, you’re familiar with the appearance of wood rot. However, in many situations, “rotten” timber is hidden below paint, eaves, or roofing materials, making it impossible to detect. The worst thing about wood rot is how badly it can compromise your home’s structural integrity, and not how it looks. Rotten wood on your roof or in your support joists can expose your home to the elements, making it especially exposed to hazards like hail or snow.


How Does it Happen?

Slowly and progressively. Wood rot is caused by fungus that can be found in the air all of the time. The fungi can only take root in moist, warm environments; wet, coated wood provides the ideal environment for them to develop. Although all fungi require moisture to develop, wood rot can take the form of “dry rot” or “wet rot.” Dry rotted wood will appear dryer and crumblier than wet rotted wood, but both have been devoured by fungus. Remember that wood rot takes time to develop – it’s a slow process – and that a once-yearly roof check can quickly uncover approaching problems with your roof’s wooden elements.


What It Can Do

Greatly Devalue Your Property

If you are considering selling your house, one of the first things you should do is treat the wood rot before putting it up for sale. It is a fact that prospective buyers will question what other postponed maintenance your home is hiding if there is visible wood rot. Invisible wood rot is a substantial fact regarding the state of your home that you are required by law to tell to potential purchasers if you are aware of it. Don’t allow a simple wood rot repair to mess up your house sale.


What To Do To Prevent It

Keep the building very well ventilated

Your home’s roof not only protects it, but is also key to permitting free and proper ventilation. Roofs with improper venting are a breeding environment for rot, and they can occur anywhere. Moisture becomes trapped in and around the roof itself if your roof has insufficient ventilation for its size, producing the ideal environment for mushrooms to thrive. Proper venting is essential for maintaining a constant moisture level in your home, particularly in your attic.


Wood rot isn’t simply a roofing issue; it may affect any part of your home. In the humid southern environment, crawlspaces, window sills, roof decks, framing, fascia, and many other components of your home are all susceptible to rot. The importance of prevention cannot be overstated.


How do you keep the wood on your roof from rotting? For a thorough assessment of your whole roofing system, you can contact Legends Roofing. The sooner you catch wood rot, the higher your chances are of a successful outcome!