Have a Happy Superbowl Sunday & Groundhogs Day!

Wishing all a Great Super Bowl Sunday this weekend! Enjoy! And hey! Do you think I'll see my shadow this Sunday? - Randy

Wood Damage: Is It Termites or Dry Rot?

  Am doing an LA area home that shows signs of both - so I thought I'd share some insights on these topics -

    Have you noticed there is wood somewhere in your home that is damaged in some way? There are four common reasons wood can be damaged: impact, dry rot, termites and improper maintenance or sealing of the wood.

     It could be that the wood has suffered some impact, such as a vehicle running into it or something hitting it.

     It could be you have what’s called dry rot which occurs because of excessive moisture penetrating the wood and the breaking down, rotting and becoming a soft, mushy, weak and of useless consistency. This generally occurs because of improper or ineffective protection (paint or wood sealer which prevents water from penetrating the wood). Also the top of wood surfaces which water collects on are more prone to this problem because the water itself can stand on the surface and break down quicker any surface protection on the wood. Dry rot is caused by one of various fungi which decay wood. Moisture apparently activates it. The handling for dry rot is to remove it back to good wood or patch it (in the case of a small area).

     Another form of damage is caused by termites. There are two forms of termites I know of. Dry wood termites eat wood and live in wood, but subterranean termites live underground and come up to eat. There are two types as there are humans: those who like to stay at home and eat and those who like to go out. Both forms eat and damage wood. Often people don’t know the difference between dry rot and termite damage as they both are similar in that it weakens the wood and you end up with damaged and missing wood.

     It is, however, easy to tell the difference. The best way to tell the difference is to gently pull off the surface of the damaged wood and look at the inside of the wood. If you see smooth surfaces like a quarter inch diameter tunnels or channels, like a worm has eaten its way through, that is what termites do. The tunnels will lead into caverns that have been tunneled out. Another thing that indicates termites is small, pencil-tip sized black beads laying on the surface below the damaged wood. That is what termites do after eating the wood. Also, when a termite breaks the surface, it makes a small hole and then goes back into the wood. They don’t eat out big holes on the surface, apparently because they don’t like being outside of the wood. You can see a surface full of little holes that, when you touch it, is hollow because they’ve eaten the wood below the surface. You can just pull that surface off. If you determine that you have termites, call the exterminator before call me to repair the damage.

     Dry rot damage, however, is more like dirty brown shredded wheat. It is sometimes wet, sometimes dry, depending upon if exposed to rain. Generally dry rot is found outside; you’ll seldom see it indoors. It generally starts at the surface and goes from there on in.

     Unpainted bare redwood gates, fences, lattice and patio covers if not sealed regularly will weather and deteriorate in about 10 years depending on weather conditions. If sealed with water repellant sealer that soaks into the wood, the wood can possibly last 100 years. If you want longevity in a redwood fence, use 2” metal fence posts and seal the redwood every year.

   Have more questions? Need me to estimate some repairs? Give me a call at (818)548-8760 - Randy Mate

Started Remodel at this LA Area Home . . .

Got some remodeling going at this Los Angels area home. Remodeling plans for your home? Estimates are free. Call or text me at (818) 548-8760 - Randy