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Wood makes up the structural support of many homes, so it’s important that the wood stays strong and healthy. But this isn’t always the case due to issues such as termites or rot. Many homeowners wonder “What causes wood to dry rot?” or “How can I identify rotten wood, termite damage vs. wood rot?” Although the differences between termite damage vs. wood rot may seem small, they actually vary quite a bit and can be easily identified. Termite damage often comes with evidence of actual termites, whereas wood rot rarely includes a bug infestation. For those who need help determining what is repairable, how extensive the damage is, or when to call a professional, the guide below can point in the right direction.
What does termite damage look like?
Some signs of termites are obvious, such as crumbled or collapsed wood. Termite evidence can also include buckling wood, swollen floors or ceilings, and any structural damage to the exterior of the home. It can also mimic the appearance of water damage, with peeling paint and the presence of a musty scent similar to mildew or mold.
Other signs of termites include:
- Clicking sounds in the walls;
- Dead winged insects around the house;
- Hollow-sounding wood;
- Stuck windows; and
- Evidence of swarms or mud tubes.
What does wood rot look like?
Whether a homeowner is on the lookout for wet rot or dry rot wood, any swelling or discoloration in the siding, deck, or other lumber is a good indication that the problem is wood rot. Evidence of mold or other fungi in the wood is another sign that there is a case of wood rot. However, not all wood rot is the same. A homeowner may be dealing with either dry rot, which is discolored but appears dry, or wet rot, which is softer and more outwardly degraded.
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Dry Rot
Wood that has dry rot (also known as “brown rot”) typically harbors fungi below the surface. Although the surface of the wood may look dry, the cellulose inside is being destroyed and causing the wood to shrink into small cube-shaped pieces. This process is known as cubical fracture, and it can quickly damage the wood. Types of wood damage like this spread rapidly, especially when the temperature is anywhere from 65 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Wet Rot
Wet rot occurs when untreated wood is consistently exposed to water or high levels of moisture. Since the wood is moist, it attracts a fungus that can easily feed and grow. For those wondering, “What does rotting wood smell like?” the answer is, at least in the case of wet rot, it likely smells damp and musty. Several signs indicate that there is wet wood rot, from cracked or softened wood to visible fungi.
Wood rot eating at your home? Call a pro ASAP. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from repair services near you. 
How to Tell the Difference Between Termite Damage and Wood Rot
At first glance, termite damage and wood rot can appear extremely similar. And although both lead to the deterioration of wood, the way in which the wood is compromised is often different. For example, with termite damage, there is more than likely going to be evidence of the actual termites along with problems with wood siding or other structures. Wood rot, on the other hand, is the result of growth of mold or fungi.
| Termite damage | Wood rot |
| Signs of termites or colony | Signs of fungi or mold spores |
| Interior of wood contains tunnels that resemble a maze | Rotten areas are extensive and easy to spot |
| Wood sounds hollow when tapped | Wood has shrunk in size |
| Tiny holes in furniture or walls | Pressure leads to crumbling or dust; wood is soft to the touch |
What to Do When You Find Termite Damage
So you’ve spotted the damage and determined there are termites. Now what? In this case, it would be most helpful to call one of the best termite control companies, like Terminix or Orkin to check out the damage and come up with a plan to repair it. A termite expert can figure out whether it’s old termite damage vs. new and will know how to repair termite-damaged wood so that the structure of the home is sound. Plus, they’ll have the proper tools, equipment, and experience to take out termites and keep them from returning, so there won’t be a need to deal with this issue again.
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What to Do When You Find Wood Rot
Once wood rot is identified, it’s time to go into repair mode. First, any rotten areas will need to be removed in boards or joists and the space filled with wood filler or a wood patch. If an entire board or joist is rotten, an experienced contractor can remove and replace it. If the wood rot is just beginning to show, it may be possible to repair it by drying it out and applying wood treatment.
Can I Reverse Wood Rot?
For homeowners wondering whether they’ll know how to tell if wood is rotten, an easy way is to stick a screwdriver inside a board, and if it easily enters, it’s safe to assume the problem is rot. If the screwdriver cannot pass through wood, there’s a chance a contractor can treat the wood and bring it back to life. Otherwise, the rotten wood will not be salvageable and instead will need to be replaced. If the wood still stands a chance, it will need to be dried with a dehumidifier, then have a wood preservative with copper or borate applied. Once the treatment has been applied, it’s wise to check on it frequently since it’s at an increased risk of rotting in the future.
Can a house collapse from dry rot?
If not detected in time, dry rot can lead to serious structural damage in the home, such as the collapse of floor joists. Although this may not lead to a complete collapse of a home, it can cause certain areas to buckle or sag. If this happens, a specialist from one of the best foundation repair companies will need to inspect the areas and formulate a plan to replace the joists. This is where wood rot vs. termite damage expenses come into play, since a small portion of a home that’s affected by termites will cost much less to treat than extensive wood rot in floor joists.
Don't leave your home rotting Call a pro to assess the damage ASAP. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from repair services near you.
How to Prevent Termite Damage
The best way to keep a termite infestation from occurring in a home is to eliminate excess moisture and prevent termites from accessing their food source. This process can start with looking for and repairing any leaky faucets, air-conditioning units, or water pipes, as well as sealing entry points, moving standing water away from the home, and keeping vents clear and open. To remove termites’ food source, it’s best to relocate debris away from the home and keep firewood, paper, or lumber out of any crawl spaces and away from the foundation.
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How to Prevent Wood Rot
The good news is there are several steps a homeowner can take to help prevent wood rot. It may be surprising, but both dry and wet rot can be caused by excess moisture, so minimizing it is imperative. Homeowners can start by looking for any cracks around exterior doors or windows and sealing them with caulk to keep moisture at bay. Or, if they spot old caulk that’s broken or peeling, they can scrape it away and replace it with a new application for better protection. If a home has gutters, the homeowner can also make it a priority to clean them twice a year to keep clogs from forming, which can lead to water running down the side of the home.
Other prevention methods include using dehumidifiers and exhaust fans in particularly humid areas of the home, covering exposed entry doors to keep water away, and sweeping standing water away from exterior walls.
How fast will untreated wood rot?
If left untreated, wood can take as little as 1 month or as long as 3 years to rot, depending on the conditions it’s exposed to. If the wooden area is untreated and sitting in water, exposed to hot or humid air, or is near the ground, it will likely start to show signs of rotting by 6 months. Wood that is uncleaned or regularly holds water can rot in 1 to 3 years. Regularly treating, staining, painting, or pressure-washing wood is the best line of defense against rot if a homeowner hopes to maintain it over time.
Sources: Mr. Happy Home
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FAQs
Termite Damage vs. Wood Rot: How To Know What’s Eating Your Home? ›
Termite Damage: Evidence of a termite colony might include termites themselves (dead or alive), droppings, mud tubes, and clicking sounds in the walls or ceiling. Wood Rot: You can identify leak-rotted wood by its distinctive damp, musty, and earthy odor, which becomes stronger as the problem worsens.
How can you tell the difference between rot and termite damage? ›Decaying wood due to wood rot is often spongy and stringy in texture and breaks off into rigid, cube-like patterns. Pieces of the wood that are not decayed break off in long slivers. On the flipside, termite damaged wood may appear normal on the outside but has chewed-through tunnels and galleries on the inside.
Is it termite damage or wood rot? ›| Termite Damage | Wood Rot |
|---|---|
| Maze-like tunnels in the interior of the wood, exterior may appear normal | Affected area is large and obvious |
| Hollow-sounding wood when tapped | Wood shrinks in size |
So how can you identify the difference between termite damage and water damage? Water damage can create square-shaped “cells” in the wood, while termite damage can create hollowed-out areas in the wood or leave the wood looking wavy.
What does wood rot damage look like? ›The common signs of wet rot include: Darkened timber – darker than surrounding timber. Soft and spongy timber. Cracked appearance that may crumble to touch when dry.
How do you know if termite damage is extensive? ›Outward signs of termite damage include buckling wood, swollen floors and ceilings, areas that appear to be suffering from slight water damage and visible mazes within walls or furniture. Termite infestations also can exude a scent similar to mildew or mold.
Does wood rot always mean termites? ›While wet wood can begin to rot, termites won't typically begin to eat away at dry wood. This means that if you notice dry wood is suffering from damage, there's a good chance it's thanks to fungi. In contrast, wet wood with damage could be a sign that you're dealing with a termite colony.
What does wood rot in a house look like? ›Look for signs of wood damage around the home. Rotten wood comes in many forms: discoloration, shrunken size, cracks, and splintering. As rotting progresses, it breaks down the cellulose in the wood. This causes the wood to become soft and dark in color; it also gets smaller in size as the cellulose is consumed.
Do you have to remove all of termite damaged wood? ›So, the answer is yes termite damage can be repaired, either by replacing the damaged wood with new wood or bolstering the damaged wood with extra support. The repair method depends upon how much damage the termites have inflicted upon the wood. More severe damage will likely require tear out and replacement.
Should I replace termite damaged wood? ›The most important reason to replace termite damaged wood is if the safety of the structure has been compromised. If the stairs might cave in, the wooden beams of the ceiling are weakened, or your deck may become detached from the house, it's time to replace the wood as soon as possible.
What does wood look like after termite damage? ›
When termites feed on the cellulose inside of wood, the wood source will eventually become brittle and hollow. Piles of wood or timber infested by termites will look like they've been completely carved and tunneled-through. In some cases, you may notice wood shavings or wood that looks rather splintered.
Does water damaged wood continue rotting? ›Though fungal decay within wood timbers causes both types of rot, the main distinction deals with the amount of moisture needed for them to flourish. Wet rot needs a lot of moisture in order to grow, while dry rot can continue to spread regardless of whether the infected area is wet.
What does wood water damage look like? ›Water damage to wood often creates square-shaped "cells" in the wood. This pattern can be called "cubicle rot," referring to the cube-shaped square cells. It also is called "alligatoring," because the square-shaped cells resemble an alligator's back.
How do you fix rotting wood without replacing it? ›You can repair rotten wood by first removing the rotting from the original board or joists. You can then fill the surrounding area with a soft wood polyester filler or wood patch using a plastic putty knife. This material fills the area and cures to ensure strength and resilience.
What color is wood rot? ›Brown rot fungi break down cellulose using hydrogen peroxide, a substance that comes from broken-down hemi-cellulose. A tiny molecule, it slips into the wood and spreads fast. The wood shrinks, goes a nasty brown colour and ultimately cracks into separate cubes, all weak and crumbly.
When should I replace rotten wood? ›If the timber is soft to the touch, crumbling apart, or has fungi sprouting out of it, it's beyond saving. All the rotten parts will need to be removed and replaced. It might not be necessary (or even possible) to remove the entire piece, though.
What time of year do termites do the most damage? ›Spring is the swarming season for most subterranean termites. Most species of subterranean termites swarm during the spring and summer months, typically on a warm day with calm winds after a rainfall.
How long does it take for termites to destroy a house? ›As the colony matures, they can do significant damage, destroying a home's structure in five to 6 years. The Formosan termite is one type of problematic subterranean termite, and they reproduce so rapidly that they can destroy a home in as little as one year.
How do you know if termites are active in wood? ›Excrement. You'll know you have active termite activity when you notice droppings even after a deep house clean. Subterranean termites drop carboard-like excrement known as “carton.” In comparison, drywood termites leave behind frass- hexagonal droppings, which they push out from the holes they create on damaged wood.
What does a damp wood termite look like? ›Color: Dampwood termites are generally brown in color, but can range from dark to light, and can even be reddish, especially towards their abdomens. Nymphs are cream-colored. Wings: When it's time for dampwood termites to swarm, their wings can be an identifying marker.
Do termites eat old dry wood? ›
Drywood termites seek out dry wood such as the wood in your home's framing, structural timbers, hardwood floors and furniture. They do not make contact with the soil and are able to glean the water they need directly from the wood they inhabit. When drywood termites are eating wood, the damage looks smooth.
Does homeowners insurance cover rotted wood? ›Wood rot is typically not covered by homeowners insurance unless it is caused by a covered in peril in your policy. Homeowners insurance provides coverage against sudden and accidental water damage, so if a pipe bursts and causes wood rot to your floor or ceiling joists, your insurer may cover the cost of repairs.
What kills wood rot? ›Boric acid (borate) is one of the most effective fungicides for use in treating wood rot. It can be applied to wood during construction to prevent future rot, or as a treatment to stop an active decay fungus from growing.
How do you fix wood after termites? ›The wood will be discolored or decayed looking and should be removed with a chisel. Once you've done that, sand it down to create a smooth surface, and then fill in the gaps with wood hardener and wait for them to thoroughly dry. If you want to speed up the process, you can use a blow dryer on the patched area.
How long does it take termites to destroy wood? ›Destructive termites take about 3 to 8 years to inflict noticeable damage to your property--this will still depend on the species of termite and the mature size of their nest. A colony consisting of 60,000 termites can eat 2x4 wood within 5 months.
Can you fill termite damaged wood? ›Epoxy wood filler is extremely durable and ideal for repairing minor termite damage in wood. However, if the termite damage has led to extensive rotting, you will need to replace the wood. Do not use epoxy to repair extensive termite damage.
Is your house ruined if you have termites? ›Advanced termite damage can greatly affect the structural integrity of your home, even causing ceilings or floors to collapse. However, if damage does not affect your home's structure, your family's experience at home can still be impacted by ruined carpeting, walls, furniture or flooring.
Can a house with termites be saved? ›Although termite damage may be reversed through professional repair, homeowners should first call a local termite specialist. Repairs should not be made until a licensed pest professional has confirmed that there are no longer termites present and the risk of further infestation has been eliminated.
What does bad termite damage look like? ›The difference between termite damage and water damage is usually in the pattern and look of the damaged wood. Termite damage typically leaves the surface of wood with wavy grooves and a hollowed out appearance, while water damage causes the wood to darken and is usually accompanied by a musty or moldy odor.
How do you seal termite damaged wood? ›Apply wood hardener – Wood hardener will help with parts of the wood that have been weakened and can't be removed. In a small container, pour the wood hardener and generously apply it with a brush. Let it dry for 2 to 4 hours. Patch with wood filler – Using a putty knife, fill the gaps and holes with wood filler.
Do termites eat finished wood? ›
– Painted And Treated Plywood
Termites will eat not only softwood, but also hardwood plywood if it's left untreated. So plywood is usually treated to minimize vulnerability to termite attacks. Plywood panels can be painted with acrylic-latex paints or Epoxy paints that offer great durability and are termite-proof.
Dampwood termites commonly live in heavily forested areas of the country as they prefer wet wood; while, drywood termites, much more rare in the United States, prefer extremely dry wood. Subterranean termites require moist environments, live mainly in the soil and are the most destructive species.
Does vinegar stop wood rot? ›One popular remedy for wood rot is vinegar because vinegar's acidity has the ability to act as a fungicide that kills off fungal spores.
How long does it take for wood to turn black from water damage? ›Wood can Start to Rot in 1-6 months If:
The wooded area is sitting in water. Water and/or air space is hot & humid.
- damaged or decaying timber.
- damp or musty smell.
- deep cracks in the timber grain.
- brittle timber or timber that crumbles in your hand.
- concentrated patches of orange–brown spore dust.
- grey strands on timber.
- fruiting bodies that look like large mushrooms.
Discoloration: One of the most obvious signs of water damage in walls is discoloration. If you notice any yellow, brown, or dark stains on your walls or ceiling, it could be a sign of water damage. Peeling or bubbling paint or wallpaper: Water damage can cause paint or wallpaper to bubble, peel, or become discolored.
How do you tell if a home has had water damage? ›- How to Tell if a Property You're Interested In Has Water Damage.
- Water Stains on the House. ...
- Swollen Drywall. ...
- Rotting Wooden Items. ...
- A Nasty, Humid Smell. ...
- The Sound of Leaks Around the House. ...
- Paint in Bad Shape. ...
- Mold Growth in the Property.
But as you're about to find out, water doesn't always cause damage immediately after a leak develops. For instance, it takes up to 10 days for wood to start rotting due to water exposure.
What happens if you don't replace rotted wood? ›The Structure Gets Damaged
If rotted wood isn't taken care of, permanent structural damage will happen. Your timber—or any other material in your home—will deteriorate and collapse. Buildings can fall apart if they have problems with rotten wood that don't get taken care of immediately.
If you catch rotted wood in time, you can successfully repair it with epoxy resin. Repairing rotted wood means you'll be able to stain or paint it again to blend in with the surrounding wood.
Can you reverse wood rot? ›
Softwood damaged by wood rot is not salvageable and should be replaced as soon as possible to keep the rot from spreading. If the wood is discolored, but the screwdriver test did not detect softness, you can try treating it. You'll first have to dry the wood by repairing leaks and/or running a dehumidifier.
How fast does wood rot spread? ›Dry rot can spread up to 80 mm per day, if it has optimal conditions for growth. In order to achieve this intense growth, dry rot needs temperatures between 66- and 70-degrees Fahrenheit.
What are the three types of wood rot? ›The most common types of wood decay fungi are brown rot, white rot, and soft rot. Learn more about the three different types of wood rot and how to spot them.
Does wood rot if you paint it? ›Some find painting rotten wood a quick and easy fix. However, it only hides the rot and makes the wood visually appealing. It ignores the underlying causes that can lead to severe issues down the line. Painting does not stop wood deterioration; it simply delays the process of the wood falling apart.
Is it wood rot or termites? ›| Termite damage | Wood rot |
|---|---|
| Signs of termites or colony | Signs of fungi or mold spores |
| Interior of wood contains tunnels that resemble a maze | Rotten areas are extensive and easy to spot |
| Wood sounds hollow when tapped | Wood has shrunk in size |
Wood rot looks like decay, whereas mold on wood usually looks like a discoloration. While mold is by no means good, it is better than wood rot for homes. However, as both wood rot and mold form in damp and humid environments, the presence of mold can signal that wood rot is soon to follow.
Is it termites or water rot? ›The difference between termite damage and water damage is usually in the pattern and look of the damaged wood. Termite damage typically leaves the surface of wood with wavy grooves and a hollowed out appearance, while water damage causes the wood to darken and is usually accompanied by a musty or moldy odor.
What does house rot look like? ›Look for signs of wood damage around the home. Rotten wood comes in many forms: discoloration, shrunken size, cracks, and splintering. As rotting progresses, it breaks down the cellulose in the wood. This causes the wood to become soft and dark in color; it also gets smaller in size as the cellulose is consumed.
Is dry rot same as termite? ›Dry rot is caused by fungus secondary to moisture, not termites. You don't need termites for dry rot. However, termites can make the problem worse. Likewise, the presence of dry rot can encourage termites to invade.
What does termite damaged wood look like? ›When termites feed on the cellulose inside of wood, the wood source will eventually become brittle and hollow. Piles of wood or timber infested by termites will look like they've been completely carved and tunneled-through. In some cases, you may notice wood shavings or wood that looks rather splintered.
How do you know if your house has rot? ›
The fungus is often accompanied by a smell which is a damp musty odour reminiscent of wet mushrooms. Sometimes if the fungus has taken hold in a basement, under floorboards or behind a wall, then this pervading damp musty smell is the first sign to make people aware rot is present in their home.
How do I know if my house has dry rot? ›Identifying Dry Rot
Dry rot leaves deep cracks running across the grain of the wood along with evidence of mycelium growth on the wood. The affected wood will be brown in colour and will crumble due to a lack of structural integrity as a result of dry rot using the wood as a food source.
Homeowners can easily confuse termite damage and water damage. Because termites create high-moisture nests, signs of termite damage are often similar to signs of water damage. For example, both problems can cause paint to bubble and peel.
Can a house collapse from dry rot? ›Dry rot can quickly spread throughout your crawl space and severely damage your beams and joists. If not addressed on time, this problem can cause structural collapse. Maintaining a healthy home is impossible without ensuring a healthy foundation.
Are termites attracted to rotted wood? ›Rotting Wood In Your Yard
Termites are drawn to fallen branches and rotting stumps. Even mulch made of bark can be attractive to these bugs, especially because of how much moisture it retains.
What Do Drywood Termites Look Like? The size of drywood termites range, depending on their age, from 1/4 inch to 1 inch long. Adult drywood termites have a thicker, oval-shaped waist, short legs and straight antennae with equal length wings. They are usually cream-white to light brown in color and have six legs.
How do you know if termites are eating wood? ›As the termites consume wood, they burrow mazes of tunnels and chambers within walls and furniture. The pests leave small piles of feces that resemble pellets where they have eaten or nested. Drywood termites also cause sagging floors, walls, and ceilings and may leave behind areas which appear to be water damaged.
When should I replace wood for termites? ›The most important reason to replace termite damaged wood is if the safety of the structure has been compromised. If the stairs might cave in, the wooden beams of the ceiling are weakened, or your deck may become detached from the house, it's time to replace the wood as soon as possible.