How To Repair Wood Rot From Water Damage

 How to Fix Water-Damaged Wood

Have you noticed your wooden floor, windowsill, or deck—previously solid and polished brown—is now crumbly, discolored, and has a musty smell? These are symptoms of wood rot, a type of decay in wood caused in part by excessive moisture. Wood can begin to rot within seven to ten days, but noticeable signs may not appear until months later, and it can take years for the wood to fully deteriorate.

You may be wondering: Can wood rot be reversed? How do you repair water water-damaged wood floor? While treatment is possible, the decision between repair and replacement depends on the type of rot, its severity, and its location in your home. 

In this article, we’ll unpack how water damage impacts wood, the types of wood rot, when wood is salvageable, wood rot repair cost, and the steps professionals can take in the wood rot repair process. 

 

How Water Impacts Wood

The effects of water-damaged wood vary based on the type of wood and the extent of moisture absorbed. Some woods resist water and, therefore, water damage better than others. Softwoods, such as pine, spruce, and cedar, have higher absorption rates than hardwoods, so wood rot typically develops more quickly, causing the wood to deteriorate faster. Hardwoods like walnut and oak, on the other hand, are denser and absorb less quickly but can still be damaged over time. 

While the permeance of wood is considered low compared to other materials in the home, such as carpeting, the accumulation of moisture can cause warping and wood rot germination. 

Types of Wood Rot (Dry Rot vs. Wet Rot)

There are two types of wood rot that require different conditions for formation and slightly different treatments.

Dry Rot

Despite its name, dry rot does not form from moisture, but it does not require any additional moisture to spread. It is caused by a fungus, typically either Serpula lacrymans or Meruliporia incrassata, that consumes and destroys the cell walls of wood. The fungus develops in moist conditions, so poor ventilation and leaks create an ideal environment for its growth. 

Dry rot can take on a few different appearances depending on the stage of fungal development:

  • White strands on the wood known as hyphae; this is an early stage of dry rot development
  • Larger, fluffier masses called mycelium
  • Fruiting, reddish-brown mushroom bodies

Other signs of dry rot in wood include:

  • Splits and cracks in the timber
  • Brittle, crumbly wood
  • Earthy, damp odor

Treatment of dry rot involves removing the fungal bodies and damaged wood. A specialist will use a fungicide to kill all spores, inspect the area for moisture sources, and take measures to prevent future problems. 

 

Wet Rot

Wet rot is considered less problematic than dry rot because wet rot requires continuously moist conditions to spread. That said, without proper treatment, it can still cause substantial damage to a house. 

The wet rot fungus also varies, but common sources include Coniophora puteana and Choanephora cucurbitarum, both of which develop in spaces with excessive moisture. Similar to dry rot, causes include dampness, which may be caused by precipitation or plumbing leaks. Wet rot does not share the exact same appearance as dry rot. Look for:

  • Soft, spongy wood
  • Discoloration in the wood
  • Musty odor

Wet rot is treated by drying the wood and the surrounding area, applying fungicide, and possibly using wood putty. For both dry rot and wet rot, identifying the source of moisture is key in preventing further fungal development. 

 

When to Replace Wood

Whether dry or wet, not all cases of wood rot are amenable to treatment. A professional can help determine when wood has reached the point of no return and needs to be replaced. This is most common in dry rot cases because that type spreads more rapidly and causes more damage. Generally, the longer water damage and wood rot have gone untreated, the more likely it is that replacement will be necessary. 

 

How to Repair Wood Rot

The specialists at Flood Response are trained to identify wood rot, remove fungi, and repair and restore the structural integrity of wood. It’s best to leave wood rot treatment to professionals who have specialized equipment for handling fungi and wood removal.

Steps may vary depending on the case, but in general, your wood rot professional will go through the following process:

  1. Assess the Area: Identify the extent and type of wood rot and discuss treatment plans with the homeowners. 
  2. Remove and Dry the Wood: Remove the affected wood to eliminate moisture. 
  3. Remove Wood Rot: Using specialized tools, loosen and remove the large bodies of wood rot from the wood.
  4. Dry and Clean the Area: Before treating the wood, thoroughly dry and clean the area to ensure that no fungal spores are present. 
  5. Treat the Wood: Treatment per case varies, but generally, fungicides, wood preservatives, and strengtheners are applied to accelerate the restoration process.
  6. Seal and Finish Treatment: Finishing may involve applying a sealant and sanding down the treated materials. 

Wood Rot Repair Cost

As with any home repair, costs range depending on factors such as location, severity, and type of treatment or replacement required. Angi (formerly Angie’s List) provides a general price range of $500 to $3,000 for dry rot repair services. 

 

Make Your First Response Flood Response 

For suspected wood rot, do not attempt to treat it yourself. Instead, call the professional home restoration team at Flood Response. Our team consists of specially trained wood rot experts who will act quickly to remove moisture and restore the quality and strength of your wood. 

For over 20 years, Flood Response has assisted families and business owners in the Coachella Valley area with property restoration following fires, flooding, mold, wood rot, and other disasters. Along with repairing home structures and providing efficient cleanup services, we help families and property owners rebuild their lives.

For unmatched service and expertise, contact our experts at Flood Response today! Or, call (760) 343-3933.

 

 

Sources:

https://www.permagard.co.uk/advice/treating-dry-rot-wet-rot  

https://www.angi.com/articles/dry-rot-repair-cost.htm 

https://www.angi.com/articles/dry-rot-compromising-structural-integrity-my-home.htm 

https://www.angi.com/articles/dry-rot-vs-wet-rot.htm 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dry_rot 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wet_rot

https://www.ctr-nw.com/blog/how-to-spot-and-prevent-wood-rot-from-water-damage/#What_Is_Wet_RotÂ