Is Your Home Ready for the Rain?
Photo by Ram Palaparty on Unsplash
One of the features of the Pacific Northwest is all of the stunning greenery of nature that we have the privilege of enjoying. The high presence of rain is what we have to thank for nature looking so luscious and green. Fall has just begun which means the rainfall will increase again! While many of us enjoy sitting at home and enjoying the sound of rain outside, but that can be quickly less cozy if your roof begins to leak.
Your roofing and siding can let in water that causes an immediate need for expensive and frustrating repairs or replacements. Your roof and siding will be differently affected by water damage, but both come at a hefty cost if you wait to have it fixed.
Wood Rot
Wood rot is a highly disputed topic in several ways. First, the terminology of "wet rot" and "dry rot." May sources refer to these two terms, whereas others say that there simply is no such thing as "dry rot" as moisture is needed to be present at some point to begin the process. Ultimately, both terms refer to brown rot, but different types. Sources also argue about which is more costly to replace or repair. The bottom line is neither are good for the structural integrity of your home and will come with a growing expense the longer you wait to have it repaired or replaced.
Wikipedia notes that "Brown-rot fungi break down hemicellulose and cellulose that form the wood structure. Cellulose is broken down by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) that is produced during the breakdown of hemicellulose. Because hydrogen peroxide is a small molecule, it can diffuse rapidly through the wood, leading to a decay that is not confined to the direct surroundings of the fungal hyphae. As a result of this type of decay, the wood shrinks, shows a brown discoloration, and cracks into roughly cubical pieces, a phenomenon termed cubical fracture. The fungi of certain types remove cellulose compounds from wood and hence the wood becomes a brown color. (2021)"
Here is a video from The Honest Carpenter that is filled with very useful information on how to spot dry rot. At Accountable Siding, we want you to be equipped with the tools to feel empowered in your decision-making process. We want you to feel confident in the investments you make on your home or business property.
Check out more videos from The Honest Carpenter here!
Roof
Your roof is such an important feature of your home. It keeps the weather out, but sometimes things like storms and trees over hanging on roofs can get through to the wood on your home and result in leaks. As much as you may like the pitter patter of raindrops, if you wanted to be in the rain, you would go outside. Leaks are not just annoying, but they are difficult to slow the damage as you cannot simply turn off the weather outside. If you are experiencing a leaking roof, please contact one of our installation pros as soon as possible to make sure the leaks do not become worse.
Even if it isn't quite raining inside your home yet, does not mean that rot is not present. The wood in your roof can be affected by brown rot and begin to deteriorate every time moisture is reintroduced. This can severely damage the structural integrity of your roof, which can be very dangerous.
If you have reason to believe you have an issue with moisture and your roof the best thing to do is to have it inspected, before it progresses too far.
Siding
At Accountable Siding, the type of brown rot that we encounter most regularly is either on or behind siding. If the sealing process has not been done correctly, you could have new siding over wood rot. Wood siding can be more vulnerable to wood decaying rot, because it can begin storing moisture on the most exterior layer of your home or commercial property. James Hardie fiber cement siding is durable and the prepainted and cured ColorPlus siding has the color baked in to provide an even stronger defense against moisture being stored and causing issues with rot.
Windows & Doors
Leaking windows and doors are another pitfall of living in rainy areas. If a door or window is leaking water, then it surely is also leaking wind, which can heavily impact your electricity costs. No one wants to pay more than they should be for electricity especially when it can be the difference of feeling comfortable in your home or office. Replacing windows or doors can be a good tactic to protect your home from the elements.
Above is some of the brown rot we have encountered. Protect your home and commercial properties this fall by ensuring your home is protected against the rain, so that you can enjoy all the wonderful things the season has to offer.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us! We have got you covered!
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood-decay_fungus
http://archive.bio.ed.ac.uk/jdeacon/FungalBiology/woodrots.htm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2P9Br1DoL_A