How to Repair Wood Rot in Walls

When you notice the wood in your home has rotted, it’s important to know how to repair it. It can be a big eyesore and could lead to damage to the structure of your house. It’s easy to fix, though. You can use epoxy, a wood filler or a fungicide to seal your wood and prevent future outbreaks.

A fungus causes dry rot. This fungus extracts hemicellulose from the wood, leaving behind a brittle “skeleton” structure that can crack or collapse. To detect this fungus, you can look for discoloration or a crumbly appearance. It’s often seen on windowsills and doors. The fungus also can cause blistering and green algae on the wood. If you spot the symptoms of dry rot, you can begin fixing it. It is a multi-step process that involves removing the rot, sanding the surface and applying paint or a fungicide.

Wet rot is caused by water. It can be more difficult to identify than dry rot, so you may have to take a closer look at your home to determine whether it’s former or the latter. If you suspect it’s wet rot, the first step is to clean up the area and find the source of the moisture. For example, a leaky roof or plumbing can result in moisture buildup, so ensure it’s properly tended to.

Depending on the severity of the rot, you should remove the affected wood. Doing so will help speed up the drying process and allow you to see if the rot has spread. If the rot is extensive, you may have to replace the whole piece of wood. If you do not remove it, the rot will continue to grow.

You can hire a professional if you cannot remove the rotten wood yourself. These individuals will provide free estimates. They will remove the rot and treat the area with a fungicide or an epoxy penetrant. These treatments will protect the wood from further moisture and strengthen it.

The first thing you need to do is to determine whether the rot is wet or dry. If the wood is in the wet rot stage, you can use a screwdriver to poke the siding with the tip and check for discoloration. You can sand the surface and remove the loose or damaged wood if the rot is dry. Then, you can apply a wood preservative containing borate, copper or iron. These products are designed to inhibit the spread of fungi and stop the wood from rotting.

After identifying the type of rot, it’s time to take the necessary steps to repair it. You can find epoxy, a wood filler or fungicide at most home improvement stores. You should use one that is formulated for structural use. You can also use a putty-like material to patch the rotted area. The repair can be shaped using a chisel or sandpaper. It’s best to complete the job from start to finish.