Rotted wood is a problem for many Scripps Ranch households plagued by water damage. Generally caused by excessive moisture, rotted wood can happen both outdoors and indoors. In most cases, you’ll find rotting elements near your fences, decks, door jams, basesments, attics, and near water pipes.
As a consequence, many pieces of expensive furniture can get harmed, which makes homeowners look for a method to fix rotted wood without replacing it. In this article, we’ll show you how to repair your rotted wood elements and help you cope with your water-related concerns. Read on!
How long does it take for wood to rot from water damage?
Sometimes, you may not notice signs of water damage immediately after the incident that causes it to take place. Still, you may want to have your home inspected since water can damage homes in many ways. For instance, if water gets inside your walls, wallpapers can soon start bubbling and falling off, which warrants extensive repairs.
But how long before your wooden elements start rotting? The time before wood starts rotting varies, depending on whether you’re dealing with wet or dry rot. On the one hand, wet rot causes your wood to take on a spongy texture and a dark appearance. Dry rot, on the other hand, leads to brown/yellow/white patches and brittle wood.
Both of these cases require specific conditions to develop. This includes oxygen, temperature (between 65 and 95 degrees), moisture (20% for dry rot and 50% for wet rot), and food (wood). In general, dry rot can appear between 7 and 10 days after the wooden element has received enough dampness. If the spores are older, they may take longer to germinate.
In terms of wet rot, establishing a regular timeframe for its onset is difficult since there are more factors at play. That being said, it can only affect the areas that are damp enough to grow it. Therefore, if you see any wet rot, it can be mitigated by removing moisture.
How do you fix rotted wood without replacing it?
Here’s how you can fix your rotted wood elements without replacing them:
Remove rotted wood
Get rid of the rotted wood with a chisel or rasp. Work carefully and clear the area once you’re done.
Apply your wood hardener
You can get a wood hardener at a home improvement store. Take a small paintbrush and spread the hardener to the affected area. Let it air dry.
Add filer
The best agents to fill wood are wood epoxy or putty. Use a putty knife to apply your filling agent to the exposed areas. Smooth it and clear any excess before it’s dry. Let the rest of the filler dry, preferably overnight.
Sand the wood down
Use sandpaper or a sanding block to sand down the putty to match the surrounding area. Make sure to wipe or blow away remnants of dust and wood.
Prime
If you want to paint the surface, you may need to prime it first. Take a paintbrush and apply the primer according to the manufacturer’s instructions and allow it to dry.
Paint
Finally, apply paint to the area. You may need one to three coatings, depending on the desired results. Let the area air dry, and you’re good to go.
Scripps Ranch knows no better and more dedicated water damage professionals
Don’t let your wooden elements suffer for a second longer due to water intrusion. Contact KIC Restoration and we’ll get to the bottom of the problem. Whether you need us to handle a water damage issue in your home near the Coronado Bridge or anywhere else in the surrounding area, we’ll be at your location before you know it. Once we’ve inspected the entire house, we’ll deal with the leak or other culprit of your water damage and restore your wood to its former condition. (Ambien)
At KIC Restoration, we are known for comprehensive services and unrelenting dedication to customer satisfaction. Reach out to us and we’ll handle your water-related difficulties.
Book KIC Restoration and leave the rest to us!