Wood Rot

Wood rot is a sneaky, common problem that can eat away at your crawl space’s wooden supports. Acting fast can help prevent sagging floors and structural harm. If you live in a damp climate like Seattle, then you’re at an even greater risk of experiencing wood rot in crawl spaces.

Matvey Foundation Repair offers comprehensive crawl space encapsulation solutions to prevent wood rot while treating existing issues before they worsen. We’re dedicated to providing high-quality services and in-depth resolutions so you can feel confident that your crawl space is resistant to wood rot.

What Is Wood Rot?

Wood rot, or serpula lacrymans, is a fungus that decomposes wooden elements of your home—especially in moist, humid environments like crawl spaces. This fungus eats cellulose, causing sagging and bouncing floors if left untreated. Not to be confused with mold, wood rot is non-toxic and actively damages wood.

If you have wood rot in your crawl space, you may face other problems, like infestations, damp insulation, and musty smells. At Matvey Foundation Repair, we have the skills to address all sources of wood rot to prevent it from coming back.

What Causes Wood Rot?

Frequent moisture causes wood rot, but underlying moisture problems can vary from home to home. Here are some of the most common reasons for wood rot in crawl spaces:

Dry rot fungus proliferates fast in damp, confined crawl spaces and can go unnoticed for years if you don’t actively inspect your home. You need comprehensive moisture management to prevent dry rot from destroying wood.

Can You Fix Wood Rot?

Yes, wood rot can be fixed. While you might be tempted to temporarily solve the problem by using fungicides or replacing affected wood, this won’t keep dry rot from recurring for long. Your best bet to protect your home is by working with a professional to get to the root of the problem and offer long-lasting solutions.

Matvey Foundation Repair understands that tackling wood rot requires more than simply placing a band aid over the problem. Our trained team conducts a comprehensive survey of your home to target the source and create a customized solution to stave off future infestations.

How to Fix Wood Rot

At Matvey Foundation Repair, our approach to managing moisture leading to wood rot includes:

• Crawl space examination and repair plan
• Sealing off crawl space vents

• Replacing and sealing damaged crawl space doors 
• Installing an internal crawl space drainage system
• Sump pump installation
• Laying drainage matting 
• Affixing insulation panels
• Encapsulating the crawl space with a vapor barrier
• Crawl space dehumidifier setup
• Arranging annual maintenance checks for continuous protection

The condition of compromised joists and beams will affect how it’s fixed. If your home’s wood rot is severe, then you may need to replace joists and beams or add reinforcement. 

Opting for Matvey Foundation Repair means choosing a team with a reputation for providing personalized solutions for wood rot no matter the complexity.

Why Address Wood Rot Now

It’s essential to address wood rot promptly for the following reasons:

• Avert Structural Damage
• Safeguard Your Investment
• Evade Expensive Repairs
• Foster a Healthier Home Environment

Contact Matvey Foundation Repair for Dependable Crawl Space Solutions

Wood Rot FAQs

How much does it cost to treat wood rot?

Prices vary depending on the size of the wood rot, the severity, whether or not you need to replace any wood structures, and the strategies for treating your crawl space. A Matvey Foundation Repair specialist will break down the cost of your project during your free inspection.

What are the consequences of ignoring wood rot?

Ignoring wood rot can cause the fungus to spread and further damage any wood on your property. This can cause sagging floors, structural impairment, and health problems from increased humidity.

What are the signs of wood rot in my home?

Signs of wood rot include light brown to black discolorations that appear in isolation as opposed to clusters. It spreads gradually, decaying wooden structures along the way.