Covid-19, Self Distancing and Spring Cleaning
Megan Pinneo
Spring Cleaning against Wood Rot
In this time of uncertainty presented by Covid-19 many of us are choosing to stay home from work in efforts to self quarantine and others have no choice but to be kept indoors for an unknown amount of time. We all are scrambling to keep ourselves busy around the house. Many may find themselves Spring Cleaning and as it has been recommended by the CDC to clean and disinfect your home regularly in efforts to slow the spread of the Coronavirus, why not slow the spread and prevent wood rot at the same time. Wood Rot can cause major damage to a structure if given the time and can cost a home owner hundreds to thousands of dollars in repairs. The rain is here which is perfect time for wood rot to continue its growth its started on a structure.
What is Wood Rot and what does is look like?
There are two types of wood rot you may see. One being wet rot and the other being dry rot.
Wet rot is a form of decay that is caused by moisture and fungi. Typically what’s seen is a black fungus that appears on the wood. The effected wood will feel soft and spongy, which is an indication that there is damage to the wood. There are cases where the exterior paint will look completely normal but the wood may be rotted underneath. If the fungus has reached its highest stage it will have dried out the wood, causing it to crack and fall apart.
Dry Rot is the more serious of the two because of its ability to cause damage to a larger area compared to wet rot. Dry rot is able to spread on surfaces with about 20% moisture as apposed to wet rot spreading at 50% moisture. In the light the fungus will appear yellow in color, leaving deep cracks in the wood. It can also look like a flared mushroom and can grow on other decorative surfaces of a structure. Wood is the food source for dry rot and will seek it out relentlessly, especially when the weather is right.
Wood Rot
Bottom line is whether you are dealing with wet or dry rot both can be devastating to a structure. When you first suspect fungus growth it is important that you asses and treat the damage accordingly. Calling in a professional is often recommend to asses damage and recommend treatment. Often, companies will be able to not only provide an inspection but also be able to complete work needed to repair the damage.
Black Knight Pest Control can service wood rot from beginning to end. Black Knight offers inspections preformed by licensed technicians and availability of a full crew to preform necessary repairs to a structure to get it back and better than ever before.
Conclusion
While we don’t have an answer for when exactly the Coronavirus/ social distancing will be over, we do know that we need to stay calm and keep busy around the house. Be productive and CLEAN. It’s time to take on tasks around the house you have been meaning to do yet never really had the time to before. Now is the time people, so grab a screw driver and start gently poking those areas of concern for wood rot. Wood rot needs to be treated before it causes major damage. It may have been undetected for a long period of time. There is humidity in the air and this is prime season for the fungus to grow. The best thing we can be doing right now is staying positive and keeping busy. Share a smile with your neighbor and do a walk around the house for routine maintenance.
Stay safe.
Black Knight Termite and Pest Control is here to serve the community in all the ways we know how for
over 20 years of the Temecula Valley and the surrounding areas.