Natural hardwood floors and surfaces have an undeniable appeal. They look beautiful when well maintained, are easier to clean than carpeting, and are more durable and long-lasting than other alternatives.
But durable or not, wood surfaces are susceptible to rotting. Understanding how to properly maintain wood surfaces is important to extending their longevity.
What causes wood rot?
Wood rot is primarily caused by fungi. Just because you don’t see mushrooms growing out of your floor doesn’t mean that it’s safe. Fungi is one of the simplest forms of plant life, and we are surrounded by microscopic fungus spores. On the whole, these spores are harmless; however, with the right conditions, they can seriously deteriorate wood surfaces. When combined with oxygen, warmth and moisture, these spores can fester and grow, rotting the wood from the inside out.
Wood rot is more common in warmer climates due to a greater amount of warmth and moisture in the air. But don’t think you’re safe in the Midwest, because wood rot can occur even in colder regions. The process moves slower during the winter months, but once it starts, it can be difficult to stop.
Safeguarding against wood rot
The most effective way to safeguard against wood rot is to focus on the cause over which we have the most control: moisture.
Wood surfaces will get wet from time to time, especially in areas like the kitchen, bathroom and any other area that is likely to come into contact with a regular source of water. Making sure to immediately dry standing water from unprotected wood surfaces is the best defense. Even a quick wipe down with a paper towel or cloth can help prevent fungal spores from spreading.
Aside from rooms in your home that contain faucets, there are a few other areas to keep an eye on:
- Around your pet’s water dishes
- Wood surrounding entrances and windows
- Dining tables and food prep areas
During the winter and rainy months, make sure that everyone who comes into your home removes their shoes on a protected surface so that they do not track water into the home. Be mindful of any spills, and always be on the lookout for leaks in your plumbing and ceiling that could come into contact with wooden surfaces. It may sound like a lot of work, but it quickly becomes second nature.
And if your wooden surfaces have already begun to show signs of rotting, call the team at Bauer Construction for help. Our experienced professionals can assess the damage and replace virtually any wooden surface that is suffering from rot. We can even assess areas that are at risk for wood rot.
When your home needs a handyman, Bauer Construction is the only call you will ever need to make.