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What Are the Common Causes of
Wood Rot and Termite Damage?
Causes of
Dry Wood Rot
Dry rot happens due to poor ventilation and humidity of between 20 and 30%. This creates an environment that dry rot fungi love. A few conditions necessary for the creation of dry rot include:
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Moisture
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Wood
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Oxygen
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Poor ventilation
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Dry rot spores
Because dry rot spores are constantly floating in the air, homes that meet these conditions are always at risk for dry rot damage. Dry rot spores don’t typically settle on wooden structures unless they have the perfect environmental conditions for them to proliferate in. However, once dry rot has begun to eat away at the wood in your home, it can easily spread to other parts of the structure. That makes treating it right away extremely important.
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Cause of
Wet Wood Rot
Dry rot isn’t the only type of rot that can affect wood. Another type of rot, known as wet rot, can also cause significant damage to your home or business’s structure. Wet rot happens because wood is continuously exposed to a source of moisture. This can happen from moisture leaking in from the outside of the building or from water moistening the wood from inside the building.
A few typical causes of wet rot are:
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Roof damage
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Plumbing system leaks
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Bath and shower trays
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Dampness penetrating the walls
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AC Condensation
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Blocked or leaky gutters
Failing to address these issues right away can lead to dry rot developing and then spreading throughout the home. The faster you treat the rot, the less likely you are to struggle with ongoing issues.
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Causes of
Termite Damage
Termites are typically attracted to wood that suits their living environment. For one, they prefer to munch on wet wood. If your home has damp spaces or wood that’s often wet, you’re at much greater risk for termite damage. What’s more, termites like wood that’s in contact with the home’s foundations. This is because they’re able to move through the soil and get into the wood to start having a feast. Finally, other cracks in walls and structures are ideal for termites because they let them have easy access to the center of the wood. Termites look for holes that they can get into so they can begin chowing down on your wooden structures. If you notice cracks, wet wood, or have a wooden foundation, it’s a good idea to get your home checked for termite damage regularly. Using preventative treatments can help keep these critters at bay, even if your inspection shows that you don’t have termites.
