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Good Reasons Why You Have Rotted Wood on Your Sacramento Home

By
Home Builder with Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 CSL#642819

 

 

I Can Think Of Several Good Reasons Why You Have

Rotted Wood on Your Sacramento Home

 

Having wood that is rotted is not the end of the world, it’s just something that needs to be addressed. In Sacramento, we see that the wood rot can be traced back to some common causes. If we can correct the causes of the dry rot, then we can repair the damage that the moisture created. Just repairing the water damaged wood would only be a temporary fix.

 

What are some causes for wood to become damaged in Sacramento?

 

Water – This is probably the obvious answer but it is important because we have to correct the problem. Sprinklers spraying on the building, water splashing from a clogged gutter or downspout, or a plumbing leak will damage wood over time.

Weather – The sun, cold, wind and other elements can cause the paint and caulking that protect the wood surfaces to fail. Once this has happened the water and moisture can get into areas that were once protected. A freshly caulked and painted wall will shed the water to the ground; if not maintained, the moisture begins to soak into the wood.

Soil and Debris– We have to keep the wood away from contacting soil, the moisture in the soil is bad news for wood. This goes for the collection of material above ground too! Imagine a horizontal beam that is exposed to the weather collecting dust, leaves, and pollens over a long period of time; this creates a moist environment and can lead to wood rotting. A regular power washing can help prevent this from happening.

Door and Windows– These are necessary in our home but can lead to water intrusion if not maintained. Doors and windows tend to be areas where paint clips away, water collects, or condensation occurs. Regular maintenance of the surfaces, clean out the sweep holes, and provide air circulation inside the home can help here.

 

These are just a few of the most common reasons why dry rot and moisture damage is found in the Sacramento area. Rotting wood is not exclusive to our area, you probably have it too. Regular maintenance, contacting a qualified contractor in your local area, and an understanding of what needs to be done can help prevent wood from rotting at your home.

 

When was the last time you checked your home for areas of wood rot?

 

Tony & Darcy Cannon
Aubrey and Associates Realty - Layton, UT
The C Team

Tom, No one like wood rot!  That is why it is important to stay on top of the maintainence of their homes.

Jun 10, 2014 03:56 AM
Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

Tony & Darcy - There are common causes. If we know what to look out for, we can help can our homes safe from wood decay.

Jun 10, 2014 04:14 AM
Lenn Harley
Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate - Leesburg, VA
Real Estate Broker - Virginia & Maryland

About powerwashing.   If a home has vinyl siding, is it safe to powerwash?
Is water likely to get behind the siding and invite mold????

Jun 10, 2014 06:57 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Tom, maintenance if the key to avoiding/preventing dry rot. It seems that many homeowners tend to avoid maintenance which only ends up causing issues and, in the end, is more costly to repair.

Jun 10, 2014 07:34 AM
TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc.
Complete Home Inspections, Inc. - Brentwood, TN
Home Inspectons - Nashville, TN area - 615.661.029

 Good evening, Tom. Like with any property, maintenance is paramount. With our damp climate here in Tennessee it is not uncommon to see wood rot at windows and doors.

Jun 10, 2014 07:47 AM
Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

I think pressure washer done carefully could be okay Lenn. I prefer to wash with a cleanser and brush when doing siding, otherwise there seems to be a layer of dirt that just doesn't seem to come off. I like the brushes that you can put on an extension personally.

Jun 10, 2014 03:37 PM
Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

Maintenance can be a simple process if done regularly, most do not do anything until it is too late Kathleen.

Jun 10, 2014 03:37 PM
Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

We don't live in a damp climate, but I can imagine how it can be a problem in your area Michael.

Jun 10, 2014 03:37 PM
Jay Markanich
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - Bristow, VA
Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia

Well, silly me.  And here I only thought there was one reason - water!

Rot loves water.  No matter the source...

Tarzan wink.

Jun 10, 2014 07:59 PM
Suzanne Otto
Six Twenty Designs - Lansdale, PA
Your Montgomery County PA home stager

It's a good idea to do a once over of your home once in a while to make sure you don't have a little problem that turns into a big problem. 

Jun 10, 2014 10:09 PM
Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

The bottom line is moisture Jay, where it comes from is often overlooked.

Jun 10, 2014 10:54 PM
Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

Sometimes the problem is obvious Suzanne, we just need to look for it once in a while.  :)

Jun 10, 2014 10:55 PM