6 Wood Rot Repair Questions to Ask a Pro

Even a small section of wood rot—whether it's around a door, window, or parts of the roof—is not something to ignore. Hiring someone to repair the wood rot is an important first step in ensuring your home is not compromised. You’ll want to discuss the extent of the damage with a pro before deciding if the trouble spot can be repaired or needs to be replaced. Here are five questions about six wood rot repairs you should always ask.

1. What does the damage look like? 

Let the general contractor or water damage restoration professional know if the wood looks spongy or brittle, if you see mold, and if the wet area seems to be spreading. Describing the damage is essential in helping the pro identify whether the wood issues are a result of wet or dry rot. 

2. Where is the damage located? 

Knowing where the damage is located will help the professional decide on the best way to stop wood rot. The location of the wood rot can clue the water damage restoration pro about the potential cause of the problem, such as leaking pipes or a poorly fitted window frame. 

3. What will the repair process involve?

Repairing wood rot is usually a multi-step process. Depending on the extent of the damage, the professional may recommend repairing or replacing the wood entirely. For example, if you're dealing with a partially rotted window frame, the contractor may first remove the rotted areas, and fill in with epoxy. On the other hand, a completely rotted window frame may be too fragile to repair and will need a new installation.

4. When do you need this work done?

A recurring window leak, say every time it rains, should be repaired ASAP. However, if the damage is small and is located in an out-of-the-way area, like the baseboards in a basement, you can likely wait. But it is worth noting that since wood rot is caused by moisture, you’ll want to address it sooner than later so as not to impact the structure of your home. 

When discussing the project timeline with the professional, ask how long it will take. A small repair job may be completed in a few hours. Something larger, such as damp wall paneling, may require days or weeks.

5. What is your budget for this project?

The average cost to repair dry rot is $1,400, but your project may cost more or less, depending on the scope and the location. Be sure to discuss your budget with the professional, so that you're both on the same page regarding the cost. Based on the complexity of the work, you may be able to fix a small wood rot spot on your own.

6. How can you prevent wood rot in the future?

Wood begins to rot when there is excess moisture or if the piece of wood in question is not properly sealed. Ask your water damage restoration professional about prevention tips specific to your home and location. Perhaps you need to install a dehumidifier in the basement or clean gutters more regularly to prevent rain from spilling over and damaging the fascia board.