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All Rights Reserved Copyright©2021 Perry’s Termite Service
Wood Rots (decay)
Perry's Termite Service & Repair
(505)-503-8339
To see photos of our repair work (before/after) or
a list of our treatment options, see the various
pages available to you (listed to the left).
a list of our treatment options, see the various
pages available to you (listed to the left).
CUBICLE BROWN-ROT: Wood is very brittle and has the appearance of burnt wood with cracks cutting across
the grain. The cracking is caused by shrinking of the wood during the decay process and as the wood twists, the
cracks develop. The wood will crumble in your hand and turn to fine powder with tiny slivers. This is the most
common type of wood-rot that is discovered in homes today. When the wood is dry, it can be in a dormant stage
and once wet, will continue to decay. This wood needs to be replaced entirely or cut (4-6 inches) above decay line
and joined with new wood. This rot is often improperly identified as termite damage.
the grain. The cracking is caused by shrinking of the wood during the decay process and as the wood twists, the
cracks develop. The wood will crumble in your hand and turn to fine powder with tiny slivers. This is the most
common type of wood-rot that is discovered in homes today. When the wood is dry, it can be in a dormant stage
and once wet, will continue to decay. This wood needs to be replaced entirely or cut (4-6 inches) above decay line
and joined with new wood. This rot is often improperly identified as termite damage.
WHITE-ROT: Wood is a bleached color and has a spongy feel to it and when crumbled, becomes a fibrous mess.
You will be amazed that this spongy feel is actually wood! Like Brown-rot, this wood needs to be replaced entirely,
or cut 6 inches above the decay line and replaced.
You will be amazed that this spongy feel is actually wood! Like Brown-rot, this wood needs to be replaced entirely,
or cut 6 inches above the decay line and replaced.
WHITE POCKET ROT: Wood contains hundreds, or even thousands of small oval shaped indentations all along
the surface of the wood. This rot is a fungus that attacks the heartwood of living trees. This wood is still used for
construction and can often be found in crawlspace floor joists. The fungus - that causes white pocket rot - dies in
seasoned wood, thus the reason that this wood is still used in common construction today. The wood is usually not
weakened to the point that it cannot serve its intended purpose. This wood can confuse the new termite inspector
that is still learning the ropes as he/she stumbles upon it.
the surface of the wood. This rot is a fungus that attacks the heartwood of living trees. This wood is still used for
construction and can often be found in crawlspace floor joists. The fungus - that causes white pocket rot - dies in
seasoned wood, thus the reason that this wood is still used in common construction today. The wood is usually not
weakened to the point that it cannot serve its intended purpose. This wood can confuse the new termite inspector
that is still learning the ropes as he/she stumbles upon it.
WATER-CONDUCTING FUNGI (rhizomorphs)- Most decay fungi will only grow on wet or moist wood and they cannot attack dry wood. In fact,
the drying process can kill or send the fungi into a dormant stage. All structure wood that is exposed to the elements should be inspected
periodically, for weathering, cracks or blistering paint. These conditions should be corrected in order to keep moisture from gaining entrance into
the wood. Water-conducting fungi known as Poria Incrassata and Merulius Lacrymans can conduct water from as far away as 25 feet and the
wood does not have to be in contact with the soil for this process to take place. Water is conducted through root-like thick strands called
Rhizomorphs. Rhizomorphs are white, light brown gray or even black.
When repairing wood rot (or joining new wood to rotted/moist wood), moisture meters should be used to ensure that the moisture content of the
new wood is below 20%. Otherwise, the decay process can start all over again.
Damp areas (such as a crawlspace) should have the proper ventilation (which is one square foot of opening for every 25 lineal feet of wall) and if
humid conditions exist (even with the proper ventilation points), then consideration should be given to a moisture barrier (4-6 mil.polyethylene
sheeting placed on top of the soil). If a crawlspace has a current excessive moisture problem, then caution should be taken when installing the
moisture barrier. The crawlspace should be allowed to dry slowly, otherwise cracking and splitting of the wood can occur (if the wood dries too
fast). Always consult with a professional before having a moisture barrier installed.
the drying process can kill or send the fungi into a dormant stage. All structure wood that is exposed to the elements should be inspected
periodically, for weathering, cracks or blistering paint. These conditions should be corrected in order to keep moisture from gaining entrance into
the wood. Water-conducting fungi known as Poria Incrassata and Merulius Lacrymans can conduct water from as far away as 25 feet and the
wood does not have to be in contact with the soil for this process to take place. Water is conducted through root-like thick strands called
Rhizomorphs. Rhizomorphs are white, light brown gray or even black.
When repairing wood rot (or joining new wood to rotted/moist wood), moisture meters should be used to ensure that the moisture content of the
new wood is below 20%. Otherwise, the decay process can start all over again.
Damp areas (such as a crawlspace) should have the proper ventilation (which is one square foot of opening for every 25 lineal feet of wall) and if
humid conditions exist (even with the proper ventilation points), then consideration should be given to a moisture barrier (4-6 mil.polyethylene
sheeting placed on top of the soil). If a crawlspace has a current excessive moisture problem, then caution should be taken when installing the
moisture barrier. The crawlspace should be allowed to dry slowly, otherwise cracking and splitting of the wood can occur (if the wood dries too
fast). Always consult with a professional before having a moisture barrier installed.
Wood-Decay Rot &
Water-conducting
fungal rot to a patio
(Click to view larger)
Water-conducting
fungal rot to a patio
(Click to view larger)
Welcome! You have reached the wood-rots
page of our site.
page of our site.
*Free estimates on all rot repairs and treatments*
For real-estate agents: we can bill title company
Photo of a joist with white pocket rot. White pocket rot
does not require treatment and affected lumber can
be used for framing.
does not require treatment and affected lumber can
be used for framing.