Wood Rot Repair and Restoration
Wood Rot, the discoloration and decay of various types of wood, is caused by fungi. These microscopic organisms feast upon wood and rot it when they've got oxygen, temperatures ranging from 40 - 100 degrees F, and moisture. Mildew merely discolors wood, but does not otherwise rot or affect it. Just about all paints, stains, and water repellant finishes are susceptible to mildew, but mildew is easily treatable with mildewcide-containing primers or topcoats and should not be confused with real rot repair.
While fungi like mildew and mold change the appearance of wood, other fungi attack the structure of the wood itself. Wood decay or rot is the process of fungi eating the wood's structural cells. Moisture laden wood, with water in the wood cell cavities, is the breeding ground for this fungi. The early stages of rot can be difficult to visibly detect, but wood begins to lose strength quickly. Trouble signs include the wood's lustre fading, the surface become discolored and dull, and often a musty aroma is present. The acceleration rate of wood rot depends on the type of fungus, temperature range, and how much moisture is present. The later stages of wood rot, when saving the wood becomes much more difficult, is evident when the wood appears discolored, spongy, and musty. Wood surfaces can show splits across the grain, shrunken, or stringy. When this happens, the decay or rot has gone deep into wood, and the wood loses most of its strength.
There are three main types of rot. Soft, brown, and white. Your strategy to repair, replace or preserve the damaging wood depends on the situation, climate, and application. Understand that preserving the original wood might not always be possible, and that reinforcing or filling with epoxy will not itself prevent further decay. Much like a dentist treating a cavity, the affected area must be cleaned out and treated before being sealed. Treating the bare dried, rotted, or weathered wood first is key to a successful and lasting repair. Consider each product carefully, as some are all-in-one treatments, and others are single steps.
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