What are the Signs of Wood Rot?

Wood rot is one of the most destructive issues that can take root in any Charlottesville home, and it is sadly common in this area thanks to the humid and fertile environment. There are three main forms of wood rot that you need to be aware of: soft, white, and brown. No matter what kind of rot takes root in your home, however, the results will be the same. Wood rot causes wood to decay. In nature, this is a necessary process that breaks down dead wood. In a home, however, where all wood is dead wood, wood rot can be devastating.

Soft and white rot are also classed as forms of wet rot, and they are more slow-moving than brown rot (which is also called dry rot). Each of these forms of rot need more moisture than brown rot, and attack different parts of a wooden surface. This means that they change the appearance of wood in slightly different ways. Soft rot attacks the cellulose and leaves a spongy, honeycomb look in damaged wood, while white rot attacks lingin and leaves the cellulose behind as a white coating.

Brown rot, by contrast, spreads very quickly and requires much less moisture to really thrive. Rather than causing wood to become soft or spongy, brown rot is more likely to make it brittle in nature. Brown rot will also cause a change in appearance. The common signs of brown rot are staining and discoloration. Wood that has been impacted by brown rot may take on a slightly burnt and cracked appearance over time.