How To Prevent Wood Rot

The easiest way to prevent wood rot is to keep the wood dry.  For wood to rot, all you need is wood, water and fungi spores. Fungus and fungi spores are just about everywhere. In order to prevent rot, we must find a way to prevent water from penetrating the wood.

An effective way to prevent wood rot is to create a barrier by painting the all surfaces and edges of a board with paint. Another way to create a barrier is to pre-treat the unfinished wood with a borate chemical solution available at most building supply stores.  Neither solution is considered common building practices so your home is not likely to be protected in either of these ways.

Tips to Prevent Wood Rot:

·         Keep wood painted and maintained

·         Install and or maintain gutters

·         Maintain at least 6” or more separation of wood from soil

·         Maintain at least ½” separation where wood siding meets masonry

·         Use and or maintain flashing to direct water away from wood

·         Calk joints to prevent water penetration

·         Direct water away from foundation. Should have at least 6” fall away from the house over the first 8’