Restore form and function by preserving your original windows.
What is Wood Rot?
Wood rot is a type of fungal decay in timber, the decay comes in two categories, white rot and brown rot. Decay usually starts when spores from the rot come into contact with damp timber. The damp timber allows the spores to establish themselves and grow using the wood as a food source. Symptoms of wood rot range from cross cuboidal cracking to mycelium on the surface of the wood. These symptoms vary depending on the type of rot, the type of wood, and the conditions the wood is subjected to. Wood rot usually reduces the strength of timber and is often accompanied by a fungal growth called a sporophyte or fruiting body, which is the heart of the attack and produces more spores, continuing the life cycle of the fungus. The most feared fungi is true dry rot (Serpula lacrymans) which tends to cause more widespread damage than wet rot fungi .
How does wood rot affect my home?
Wood rot shouldn’t be taken lightly. It is very important to remove all rotten wood on your home. If rotten wood is left unattended, it will eventually cause water leaks, invite mold, termites, carpenter ants, and other house-destroying insects.
What are the common causes of wood rot?
Some common causes of wood rot include prolonged exposure to moisture and water, lack of proper ventilation, and poor drainage. Improper installation of flashing and improper sealing can also lead to wood rot. Additionally, if a home is located in an area with high humidity, this can also contribute to the growth of wood rot. Other common causes of wood rot include exposure to acidic or alkaline substances, infestations of wood-destroying insects or fungi, and exposure to UV radiation. Wood rot can also be caused by the presence of bacteria or other microorganisms in the wood. Additionally, the use of pressure-treated wood that has not been properly sealed can also lead to wood rot over time.
How can I prevent wood rot?
Preventing wood rot starts with proper installation and maintenance of the wood in your home. This includes ensuring proper flashing and sealing, proper ventilation and drainage, and regular inspection and maintenance of any wood surfaces. Additionally, using rot-resistant materials and proper paint or sealant can also help prevent wood rot.
In addition to proper installation and maintenance, there are several other steps you can take to prevent wood rot. These include:
- Regularly cleaning and removing debris from gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage
- Keeping wood surfaces dry and protected from exposure to water and moisture
- Applying a protective coating to wood surfaces, such as paint or sealant, to provide a barrier against moisture
- Storing wood products off the ground and protected from exposure to water and moisture
- Regularly inspecting your home for signs of wood rot and taking action to address any issues that are found.
It is also advisable to use rot-resistant wood products and to make sure that any wood that is used in the construction of your home is properly treated to resist rot and decay.
Our Wood Rot Repair Process
Wood rot in windows is an issue that needs to be addressed at the first sign of trouble to prevent further damage. All window components affected by wood rot are removed and replaced with custom milled components that match the original profile. All of the components are rot resistant and carry a 25 year warranty! All exterior components are primed and painted white. The homeowner is responsible for putting on the final color coat, but we offer this service upon request. Once the repair is completed, the window looks just like the rest of the windows in the home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can’t I just use wood putty to fix my rotten wood window?
Sure, but it’s only a temporary solution. In as soon as a few months, it will eventually break down and you will be back to square one. In addition, rotten wood is a result of a growing fungus and it’s unlikely that you have removed all the infected wood before applying the putty.
Can you paint over rotted wood?
Not a good idea as the fungus will continue to spread under the coat of paint.
Why restore windows and doors versus new replacement windows?
You can save up to 70% versus buying new windows and, more importantly, the restoration process matches the original look and will match the other windows in your home.
Will restoration disturb the interior of my home?
No. We mostly work on the exterior of the windows and doors. Typically, you do not have to take down curtains, drapes or interior shutters. In addition, there will be no need to patch and paint walls or repair the interior casing around the windows and doors.
