Wood Rot Repair Near Fall River, MA | Expert Restoration Services

Wood rot is a common but serious problem for homeowners, especially in areas like Fall River, MA, with its humid summers and wet seasons. Caused by fungi that thrive in damp conditions, wood rot can compromise the structural integrity and appearance of your home's exterior trim, decks, window sills, door frames, and even structural beams if left unchecked.

If you suspect wood rot and are searching for "wood rot repair near me" in the Fall River area, it's crucial to address the issue promptly. Pessotti Construction offers expert wood rot assessment and restoration services to protect your home.

What causes wood rot?

Wood rot isn't caused by water alone; it's the result of specific types of fungi consuming damp wood. The key ingredients for wood rot are:

• Wood: The food source for the fungi.

• Moisture: Wood needs a consistent moisture content (typically above 20%) for fungi to thrive. This often comes from rain, leaks, condensation, or poor drainage.

• Oxygen: Fungi need air to grow.

• Suitable Temperature: Most wood-decaying fungi prefer moderate temperatures, common throughout much of the year in Massachusetts.

Common areas affected include window and door trim, fascia boards, soffits, decks, porches, and siding, especially where water tends to collect or where paint has failed.

Signs you need wood rot repair

Identifying wood rot early is key to minimizing damage. Look for these signs:

• Soft/Spongy Wood: Press the suspected area with a screwdriver or awl. If it sinks in easily, the wood is likely rotted.

• Cracked or Peeling Paint: While not always rot, paint failure can expose wood to moisture, leading to decay.

• Darkened or Discolored Wood: Wood may appear darker than surrounding areas.

• Crumbling or Brittle Wood: Wood breaks apart easily.

• Fungal Growth: Visible mushroom-like bodies or fine, thread-like strands (mycelium) may be present in advanced stages.

• Musty Odor: A damp, earthy smell can indicate hidden rot.

Check vulnerable areas regularly, especially after periods of heavy rain.

Our wood rot restoration process

Pessotti Construction follows a thorough process for effective wood rot repair:

1. Assessment: We carefully inspect the affected area and surrounding wood to determine the full extent of the rot. It often extends further than initially visible.

2. Removal: All decayed and damaged wood must be completely removed, cutting back to sound, healthy wood.

3. Treatment: The remaining sound wood is treated with a wood preservative or fungicide to kill any remaining fungal spores and prevent recurrence.

4. Reconstruction/Replacement: Depending on the extent and location of the damage:

◦ Epoxy Consolidants/Fillers: For smaller areas or non-structural repairs, we may use specialized epoxy resins. These penetrate and harden the remaining wood (consolidant) and then fill the void (epoxy filler), creating a strong, durable, paintable repair.

◦ Wood Replacement: For extensive damage or structural components, we replace the rotted section with new, pressure-treated or rot-resistant wood, ensuring proper fit and integration.

5. Priming and Painting: The repaired area is properly primed and painted to match the surrounding surfaces, providing protection against future moisture intrusion.

6. Addressing the Cause: We identify and recommend solutions for the underlying moisture problem (e.g., fixing leaks, improving drainage, caulking gaps) to prevent the rot from returning.

Prevention tips to avoid future rot

Preventing wood rot is always better than repairing it:

• Maintain Paint/Sealant: Keep exterior wood surfaces properly painted or sealed to repel water. Address peeling paint promptly.

• Clean Gutters: Ensure gutters are clean and functioning correctly to direct water away from the house.

• Proper Drainage: Ensure soil slopes away from your foundation.

• Ventilation: Ensure attics and crawl spaces are adequately ventilated to reduce moisture buildup.

• Trim Vegetation: Keep shrubs and trees trimmed away from siding to allow airflow.

• Regular Inspections: Periodically check vulnerable areas for signs of moisture damage or rot.

• Use Rot-Resistant Materials: Consider using pressure-treated wood, composite materials, or PVC trim for replacements or new construction in moisture-prone areas.

Book a wood repair assessment today

Don't let wood rot compromise the beauty and safety of your Fall River home. If you see signs of decay, contact Pessotti Construction for a professional assessment and reliable wood rot repair services.

We'll identify the problem, provide effective solutions, and help protect your home from future damage. schedule your assessment today!