The Differences Between Wood Rot And Termite Damage
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Wood rot and termite damage- both are bad news for homeowners in the Greater Birmingham metro area. While one is water damage caused by the breakdown of wood and triggered by fungi, the other is the work of a well-known wood-destroying pest in Alabama that infests structures, initially feeds on decaying wood or wood damaged by water, and then moves on to attack sound wood. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at both.
What is wood rot?
Wood rot is structural decay that is often caused by a combination of moisture problems and fungi. In fact, it is typically constantly damp conditions that lead to fungi (it is not capable of growing on dry wood). While there are various types of fungi that trigger wood rot, here in Alabama we most often encounter the kind that cause the development of brown rot and white rot.
Brown rot
Oddly enough, brown rot makes wood appear dry even though it’s not. It targets and breaks down the cellulose of the wood causing it to contract, grow darker in color, and then flake into cube shaped bits. Ideal temperatures for brown rot to grow and spread rapidly hover between 65- and 95-degrees Fahrenheit.
White rot
As you may guess, white rot appears white in color but it may also show in shades of light yellow. White rot will make wood feel like a wet sponge and works to break down the wood lining. Like brown rot, white rot fungi thrive in temps between 65- and 95-degrees Fahrenheit.
Soft rot
Though soft rot isn’t a common problem in homes throughout Alabama, it’s worth mentioning. This fungi breaks down a structure much slower than the previous types of rot discussed. It can survive much harsher conditions (anywhere from 0-110 degrees Fahrenheit) and while commonly found in old fallen trees and logs, soft rot attacks cellulose of wood in homes too if the conditions are right.
What is termite damage?
Rather than fungi breaking down cellulose or lining, termite damage is caused by termites that need the nutrients contained in the cellulose of wood. Subterranean termites make their way from underground colonies, infiltrate homes in search of water damaged or decaying wood, and once they’ve found what they’re looking for, will consume said wood from the inside out, leaving behind a wavy pattern in the wood or hollowed out areas behind the surface.
Where to look for wood rot
Damp areas in and around the home are where you should start your search for wood rot. Oftentimes, it is discovered during home remodel or renovation. It’s also common to uncover wood rot when termite damage repair services are being performed – more on that later though.
Homes that have wood rot will most certainly have trouble with moisture. A leaky A/C unit, leaking pipes, or old gutters that are clogged, in need of repair, or whose downspouts do not divert water away from the home are all problems capable of promoting wood rot. Additionally, it is common to find wood rot in the following places:
Windows
Door jambs
Corner boards
Basements
Mud rooms
Damaged roofs
Decks
Where to look for termite damage
Because of the unique way termites operate, termite damage is often not detected until they’ve been infesting a structure for years or until a pest control company uncovers it during an inspection or routine service. Of course, if you know what to look for, you may be able to identify a termite problem before they’ve had a chance to threaten the structural integrity of your home. Signs of termites and termite damage include, but are not limited to:
Hollow sounding wood when tapped
Swollen floors and ceilings
Visible damage to wall studs, roof supports, and joists
Winged insects swarming from walls
What are the differences between wood rot and termite damages?
Let’s recap – wood rot is fungi whereas termite damage is the result of an infestation of wood-destroying termites. Wood rot grows on water damaged wood while termites are attracted to wood that has been damaged by moisture or is in the process of decaying because of water damage. While fungi cannot grow on dry wood, termites will move on to sound wood if left un-treated. Wood rot may be easier to spot while termites may avoid detection for long periods of time -even years.
Does Serve One Construction Fix Wood Rot?
Yes, we do! In most cases, we find wood rot when making a termite repair. Our practice is to check around the house for rotten wood that needs attention. In 10+ years’ experience in repairing homes that have been affected by wood rot, most of the rot we find is related to the breakdown of caulking on house exteriors. This includes that of siding and windows. If you’re concerned about wood rot in your home, please reach out today!
Greater Birmingham Termite Damage Repair Services
At Serve One Construction, we’ve been repairing damage caused by termites since we opened our doors. In fact, for over 10 years our locally owned and operated company has worked closely with Wayne’s, Birmingham termite control experts, fixing the termite damage in their clients’ homes and businesses. When you contact us for termite damage repair services in Greater Birmingham including Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills, and Hoover, you can expect a team to arrive that knows how to fix your problem.
If you’re worried that the termite damage can’t be fixed, don’t be! Whether it’s cosmetic damage or damage that has been inflicted to structural supports and other timbers that jeopardize the integrity of the structure, we can help! What’s more, we’re so confident in our work, we’ll include a one-year warranty on our labor.