A silent destroyer, wood rot can turn the structural integrity of your home or garden into a ticking time bomb. This slowly weakens the surface, creating an unsightly appearance.

But you needn’t fear. At Beesley and Fildes, we sell a wide range of timber treatments to tackle rot, fungus, and insect attacks.

Stick with us to discover three ways to overcome wood rot in your home. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a beginner, we will help you restore the integrity and beauty of your wooden structures.

What is Wood Rot?

Wood rot is a destructive process that occurs to wood when fungi eat away at this organic material.

This fungi thrives in moist environments and breaks down the cellulose and lignin in wood. This leads to the wood becoming weak and brittle, eventually collapsing beyond repair.

The Different Types of Rot

There are two main types of rot, each with its own characteristics:

Dry rot (Serpula lacrymans): Despite its name, dry rot requires moisture to survive. This consumes cellulose from wood whilst leaving the lignin relatively intact, resulting in wood that appears dry and crumbly. This can spread through masonry and other building materials in search of new wood to colonise.
Wet rot (various species): This occurs in wood that remains consistently damp and only affects one area. There are two types of wet rot: brown rot breaks down cellulose and causes a brown, cracked surface, while white rot decomposes both cellulose and lignin, leaving a white, fibrous texture.

The Main Causes of Rotting Wood

There are various causes for wood rot. Understanding each one can help you implement ways to prevent your wood from rotting:

Moisture: Poor drainage or leaking pipes can cause the wood in your home to become damp. Areas with high humidity levels can also cause ambient moisture, and moist air can increase moisture content on wood.
Lack of ventilation: Poorly ventilated attics, basements, and walls can trap moisture, affecting the structural integrity of the wood.
Contact with ground: Garden decks or fence posts which maintain contact with the ground are at risk of rotting. The ground retains moisture, transferring it to any wood it touches. This provides a constant source of moisture for fungi.
Climate and temperature: Fungi thrive in temperatures between 0°C and 40°C. Areas with frequent wet conditions are more prone to fungi growth.

3 Ways to Repair Rotting Wood

Method 1: Epoxy Treatment

Epoxy treatments are ideal for instances of mild to moderate wood rot. This fills in the rotted areas and hardens to provide a durable repair.

It consists of a two-part system involving an epoxy resin and hardener.

Tools and Materials

Container
Chisel or saw
Wood hardener
Epoxy filler
Putty knife
Sandpaper
Paint or varnish.

Steps

Use a chisel or saw to remove any loose or crumbling wood from the affected area.
Apply a wood hardener to the soft wood to solidify the surface.
In a container, mix the epoxy resin and hardener according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Use a putty knife to fill the cavity with the epoxy filler. Layer this for extra protection and shape it to match the design of the structure.
Once cured, sand the area smooth with sandpaper and finish with paint or varnish for a smooth appearance.

Method 2: Wood Patching

This method involves cutting out the rotted wood and replacing it with a new piece or a "patch."

This is often used for wood that has become significantly damaged by rot, such as in load-bearing beams, wooden furniture, door frames, and window frames.

Tools and Materials

Chisel or saw
Measuring tape
Wood files
Screwdriver or drill bit
Replacement wood
Wood glue
Sandpaper
Paint or varnish
Screws or nails
Wood filler

Steps

Cut out the rotted wood with a chisel or saw. Be careful not to damage the surrounding wood.
Measure the infected area with a measuring tape and cut a new piece of wood the size of your measurement to replace it.
Add a wood preservative to the new piece to protect it from rot.
Apply wood glue to the new piece and secure it in place. You can drill in screws or nails for a tight fit.
Seal any seams with wood filler, and sand the area for a smooth finish.
Apply paint or varnish as needed to improve the appearance of the structure.

Method 3: Borate Treatments

This method prevents further decay in wood that has been affected by rot but is not yet structurally compromised.

This is best used as a preventative measure following the removal and replacement of the rotted wood.

Tools and materials

Borate solution
Utility knife or saw
Paintbrush or sprayer
Drill
Container
Injector
Sealant or wood finish
Water

Steps

Remove the rotted wood with a utility knife or saw, and clean the area thoroughly.
Mix the borate solution with water in a container until the powder dissolves.
Use a sprayer to apply the borate solution to a large affected area and a paintbrush for smaller areas. Ensure that you also apply it to the surrounding wood to prevent further decay.
If the wood has rotted deep into the structure, inject the solution into pre-drilled holes using an injector.
Allow the solution to dry for 24-48 hours.
Once dry, apply a wood finish or sealant to protect the surface and lock in the treatment.

Revive Your Home with Beesley and Fildes

At Beesley and Fildes, we sell a wide range of timber treatments to maintain the beauty and durability of your wooden structures.

Whether your decking has become susceptible to rot or you want to freshen up the appearance of your wood with dye, we have everything you need.

Browse our efficient timber treatments and preservatives today to protect your home from damage and degradation.