Wood rot and mold have many similarities. There is no doubt that both mold and wood rot are bad for your home; both are caused by fungi and often have similar underlying causes. However, there are a few distinctions between them that help homeowners determine whether their home is affected by mold or wood rot.
What is Wood Rot?
Wood rot occurs when fungus grows on wood, breaking wood structures down as it spreads. If there is moisture and warmth present, wood rot thrives. Wood rot eats up the wood it has infected and spreads at a remarkable rate, which can require major repairs in your home.
Wood rot appears in three types: brown rot, white rot, and soft rot. Humidity and leaks create a perfect environment for wood rot to thrive. If you spot decaying wood structures in your home, it might be caused by wood rot.
Causes of Wood Rot
Here are the most common causes of wood rot in your home.
Moisture
Wood rot is essentially a fungus that causes wood to decay, and all fungi require moisture to grow. If you have moisture in your crawl space or basement due to standing water, humidity, or leaks, you might be at risk of wood rot as well.
Source of Food
Fungi need something to feed on to grow and spread. In the case of wood rot, unprotected or untreated wood becomes a source of food. Cellulose and other components of wood all provide suitable nutrients to support the growth of fungi.
Temperature
A temperature between the range of 65 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit encourages the growth of wood rot. Fungal growth slows down when the temperature is higher or lower than this range.
Poor Ventilation
Poor ventilation in the crawl space or basement is one of the primary causes of wood rot. Lack of sufficient airflow under the floor causes moisture to accumulate, which creates ideal conditions for fungal growth.
Roof Damage
When wooden parts of the roof, such as decking, are exposed to moisture for an extended period of time, it creates a risk of wood rot. The decking connects the roof to the rest of the home, and when it absorbs moisture, it will start to rot and decay.
Poor Drainage
Poor drainage can lead to increased moisture levels inside a building. The excess moisture contributes to fungal growth and causes wooden elements in the structure to rot. This can weaken your building’s structure and potentially lead to substantial restoration costs.
Untreated Wood
Wood is highly porous. If left untreated, it will absorb any water that comes into contact with it, causing fungal growth and decay. Wooden elements in your home should be covered in sealants and a water-resistant finish to prevent moisture absorption and wood rot.
Signs & Symptoms of Wood Rot
Below are a few signs and symptoms that will help you recognize wood rot in your home.
Darkened Patches & Discoloration
An obvious sign of wood rot is discoloration. Dark patches on the wood surface indicate moisture absorption.
Visible Fungal Growth
Another sign of wood rot is visible fungal growth. Sometimes, yellow, purple, or white spores might also be visible.
Soft, Spongy, or Crumbling Wood
Wood that is rotting becomes soft and spongy. After rotting for extended periods, it starts to crumble.
Musty or Damp Odors
A musty smell is often a sign of wood rot. When wood starts decaying, it breaks down and emits a very distinct, damp odor.
Flaking Paint
Damaged and flaking paint on sidings, frames, doors, baseboards, flooring, and drywall can be a sign of underlying wood rot.
Sagging & Bouncy Floors
Wood rot often occurs in places that are not obvious, such as under the floorboards in your crawl space. Rotting wood loses its strength and leads to the deterioration of joists and beams, which causes sagging and bouncy floors.
Over-Spanned Floor Joists
Over time, moisture in your crawl space rots the wooden floor joists and leads to over-spanning. Overspanned joists are joists that do not have the strength to support your floors properly. Over-spanned floor joists can result in sloping and sagging floors, which are a sign of structural damage.
Where is Wood Rot Typically Found?
Some areas in your home where wood rot is typically found include the following spaces:
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Bathrooms (around sinks and toilets)
- Window sills
- Door frames
- Fascia boards
- Roof eaves and decking
- Deck supports
- Wooden floorboards
What is Mold?
Mold, similar to wood rot, is caused by moisture. Mold comes in various forms, and, unfortunately, some can cause health risks. Some common types of mold that occur in homes are aspergillus, cladosporium, penicillium, and stachybotrys. Mold appears in various colors, ranging from black and purple to white and green. Like wood rot, mold thrives in damp and humid environments. Spores can also spread through the air and seriously compromise indoor air quality.
Causes of Mold
Here are some common causes of mold:
Excess Moisture
Moisture buildup in an indoor environment massively increases the chances of mold growth. Moisture content in the air and enough oxygen create a perfect environment for mold to thrive.
Temperature
Warm temperatures and humid air in your home create an environment where mold flourishes. A favorable temperature for mold to grow is anywhere between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Water Damage
Water damage to your home, whether from plumbing disasters or flooding, needs immediate restoration. Failure to attend to water damage can potentially lead to mold growth.
Leaking Pipes or a Leaky Roof
Leaky pipes in your home can cause mold to grow in places that are not easily visible or accessible. A leaky roof can also cause mold growth on the ceiling.
Flooding
Flooding in your home affects the whole structure, including the floor, walls, and even inaccessible spaces in your home and crawl space. After flooding, your home needs to be dried out to prevent mold growth.
A Damp Basement
A basement is exposed to a higher level of moisture due to being below ground level. This damp environment is enough to lead to mold growth.
Condensation
Some homes in colder climates experience condensation buildup on cold surfaces due to fluctuations in the temperature. This buildup can be a real problem because it contributes to mold growth. Proper ventilation or dehumidification can help remove condensation from your home.
Poor Air Circulation
Poor circulation in basements and crawl spaces often creates an ideal environment for mold. The stagnant air in your home allows mold spores to thrive.
Signs & Symptoms of Mold
Here are a few common signs and symptoms of mold:
Musty Smell
A musty or earthy, damp smell is a sign that your home may be affected by mold. If you notice unpleasant smells, especially in the basement or crawl space, start looking for moisture issues or mold growth.
Visible Discoloration
Visible discoloration on walls, floors, or ceilings may be a sign of mold. Depending on the type of mold, the color can range from black and green to purple and yellow. Proper mold remediation is necessary to contain mold and prevent its spread.
Increased Allergies or Respiratory Issues
Mold triggers a range of health issues, including allergies and asthma. If you’re coughing, sneezing, and feeling lightheaded or fatigued without any apparent cause, mold might be the culprit.
Wet Insulation
Persistent leaks or rainfall can cause insulation to become wet over time. Some insulations are a perfect breeding ground for mold, so they should be promptly replaced to prevent mold.
Warped Surfaces
Warped walls and bubbling paint or wallpaper are possible signs of moisture and mold growth. Any warped surfaces should immediately be restored before they start breeding mold.
Where is Mold Typically Found?
Some common areas where mold is typically found include the following:
- Attics
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Grout and caulk
- Garage
- Bathrooms
- Kitchen
- Laundry rooms
- Window sills and door frames
- Carpeting
- Air conditioners and vents
Wood Rot vs. Mold: Understanding the Difference
While damp, humid environments and fungus cause both wood rot and mold, homeowners should know how to recognize whether their home is affected by mold or wood rot so they can address it properly. Wood rot looks more like decay, while mold looks like discoloration.
While mold is not ideal for any home, it’s far less dangerous than wood rot. That is because mold can be cleaned, but wood rot is destructive and requires you to replace the wood in your home. We recommend calling for professional assistance for an in-depth inspection if you see signs of mold or wood rot.
Effective Ways to Address & Prevent Wood Rot & Mold
Here are some proven strategies to address wood rot and mold and prevent them from recurring in the future.
Monitor Humidity Levels
Depending on the climate conditions in your area, humidity levels in your home should be between 30 and 50 percent to create a comfortable environment. If necessary, use a dehumidifier to maintain proper humidity levels.
Check Insulation
Wet insulation is one of the most common causes of mold and fungal growth in homes. Check your insulation regularly and, if required, replace any damp insulation quickly.
Fix Leaks Quickly
Water leaks in your home, particularly in your crawl space or basement, are easy to neglect. However, they can gradually damage your home’s structure, cause mold growth, and destroy wooden floorboards.
Improve Ventilation
Lack of adequate ventilation in homes can increase humidity levels and condensation on cold surfaces, which can lead to problems like mold and wood rot. Improve ventilation in your living space to maintain optimal indoor humidity levels.
Maintain Your HVAC System
HVAC systems are susceptible to mold issues and can help spread mold spores. Proper maintenance of your HVAC system and regular cleaning of the ductwork can help with adequate ventilation and prevent mold issues in your home.
Use Pre-treated Wood
Whenever you use wood in your home, make sure it is pre-treated. Wood treated with anti-fungal treatment is less likely to display signs of mold or wood rot.
Remove Standing Water
If you don’t visit your basement or crawl space frequently, you might not notice standing water in your basement, especially if it’s caused by sudden leaks or heavy rainfall. Remove standing water regularly to prevent mold and wood rot. You may need basement or crawl space waterproofing to protect your home from moisture issues.
Seal Crawl Space Openings
Keep your crawl space completely sealed to reduce moisture issues. Openings in your crawl space can let moist air and water inside your crawl space, which creates problems like excess humidity, mold growth, and wood rot. Using a vapor barrier to encapsulate your crawl space might be the best way to keep mold and wood rot away.
Routine Inspection & Maintenance
Lastly, routine inspections and maintenance are necessary to catch water issues before they escalate. Frequent inspections help you prevent destructive issues like wood rot and mold.
Seek Professional Help
If your basement, crawl space, or any other part of your home is facing moisture troubles, it’s better to call for professional assistance. Issues like mold growth and wood rot can be destructive and cause allergic reactions. Therefore, it’s best to leave the inspections and repairs to the professionals.
At Lamunyon Dry Out & Foundation Repair, we offer high-quality solutions to remove mold from your space and restore your home, helping you create a comfortable living space. Schedule a free inspection for any mold-related issues.
