Wood rot is a common problem that happens to certain areas exposed to rainwater from leaking gutters. Gutter Helmet® of Western North Carolina, your local provider of the best gutter guard system on the market, takes an in-depth look at the areas that develop wood rot from leaking gutters.
Causes of Wood Rot
While wood fibers absorb moisture, wood rot doesn’t occur right away. Wood rot is caused by saprophytic fungi, a type of fungus that feeds on cellulose and lignin, the building blocks of wood. This organism releases enzymes that penetrate the wood and dissolves its fibers, resulting in wood rot. Saprophytic fungi thrive in warm and high-moisture environments. This includes basements, attics, and—as we will look into shortly—areas that come into contact with rainwater from leaking gutters.
Exterior components made of wood such as siding, window frames, and deck support posts are at risk of developing wood rot. Most of these products feature waterproofing, but it can get worn over time. The same goes for wood window frames and patio doors. The parts that are most at risk, however, are roofing components such as the fascia and the roof deck. Since these components are not readily visible, chances are you won’t find out if it has wood rot until it’s in its later stages.
Keep Your Gutters Clear
The best way to minimize the chances of wood rot is to make sure you have clean gutters. This means you have to stick to a regular cleaning, inspection and repair schedule, or make sure you have a reliable gutter contractor who will do it for you. You also have to perform regular maintenance to the aforementioned wood components, including reapplication of the waterproofing layer.
Better yet, stop the causes of clogged gutters in the first place with a reliable gutter protection system like Gutter Helmet. It prevents dirt and debris from getting into the gutters while efficiently keeping rainwater in the gutters instead of letting it overflow.
Gutter Helmet of Western North Carolina is your leading provider of the best gutter guard system on the market. Give us a call at (828) 237-3001 or fill out our contact form. We serve clients in Mill Springs, North Carolina, and the surrounding areas.
