Wood rot occurs if a combination of the following elements is present: wood, water, oxygen and warmth. In colder areas with low humidity, it is less likely for rot to form, as the fungi in the air need the conditions mentioned above to grow. The good news is, with the necessary maintenance, this is preventable.
The Toronto area, unfortunately, has seasons where these conditions are highly possible. Here are our top three Toronto handyman tips to prevent wood rot from occurring on your investment.
1. Continuously Do Touch Up Paint Jobs
The easiest and most effective way to protect your home from the elements is to apply a new layer of paint regularly. Make sure to use good quality paint, especially on the outside of your home. It might cost you a bit more per gallon, but it saves you the money and effort of completely replacing the siding.
2. Prevention Measures – Self-Inspection
You know your home better than anyone else, so it is essential to do regular inspections of the conditions of your siding. Set reminders on your phone at least four times a year (when the seasons change) so you can track the needs of your siding. When you can pick up problems with rot early enough, there’s still a chance for it to be repaired instead of replaced. For example, when you find some cracks that are starting to appear, re-caulking and touching up the paint will help to successfully protect the siding from water damage.
3. Clean Your Gutters Regularly
If gutters begin to leak onto wooden surfaces, the abundance of water causes the wood to hold moisture, inevitably leading to a rotten surface. Therefore, we suggest you clean your gutters at least twice a year: once in the fall and then again when winter is over. By cleaning your gutter, you prevent it from getting clogged with leaves, sticks and other natural debris.
As stated above, a blocked gutter can cause water to flow where it is not supposed to, and eventually, it will cause damage to the outside siding of your home and can also lead to a leaking roof. In addition, gutters are a significant cause of pests, mold, ants and bee infestations, so doing your yearly cleaning can save you a lot of effort and money.
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