Rot is an inevitable issue that homeowners deal with sooner or later. In today’s post, local gutter protection contractor Gutter Helmet® of Cookeville shares a quick guide on how to prevent rot from causing damage to your home.
What Causes Rot?
Rot is the decomposition of organic matter, which happens to include building materials like wood. Oxygen, moisture, and temperature changes all contribute to rotting. Wood rot doesn’t always look like it’s happening on the surface, which is why it is common for homeowners to not notice rot until they perform a closer inspection. Dry rot is different from rot in that it’s primarily caused by fungi, but the end result is similar.
Common Locations of Rot Around Your Home
It goes without saying that rot can cause damage that’s beyond cosmetic. It may even compromise your home’s structural integrity. Rot can be found in the house foundations, outdoor deck, wood siding, landscaping, and the roof’s framing components, decking, and fascia.
How to Prevent Rot
Fortunately, rot is preventable. From the inside of your home, make sure that moisture levels are controlled. The attic needs to have proper ventilation to prevent moisture from getting trapped within. You may need to have ventilation fans installed if the ridge and soffit vents are not providing enough. Leaks from plumbing will also need to be addressed.
The roof edge is a vulnerable part of the roof. It bears the brunt of wind damage that may expose the roof deck to moisture. Overflowing gutters may also cause water infiltration. Regular roof inspection and timely repairs can take care of damage to the roof, while regular gutter cleaning can prevent overflowing gutters. Installing gutter protection systems like Gutter Helmet® can help prevent leaves and debris from getting into the gutter troughs, eliminating the need to clean it.
Other exterior parts of the house that’s made of wood, such as wood siding, decks, and staircases, can be protected from rot by regularly checking them if their waterproofing still holds. Choosing vinyl, composites, or materials other than wood can also help reduce the risks of rot.
Gutter Helmet® of Cookeville is your leading provider of the best gutter protection system on the market, Gutter Helmet®. Give us a call at (866) 985-9982 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Cookeville, Tennessee and the surrounding communities.
