Slide 45 of 67
Notes:
- It is important to check both existing lumber and new framing for wood decay
- The figure shows wood decay, lumber that’s been wet
- About wood decay:
- Wood decay is frequently referred to as dry rot. This is a misnomer because wood actually rots when it is too wet.
- If wood is kept dry, it will not rot.
- Rotted wood is always a sign that the moisture content is--or has been--too high.
- Common causes of wood rot are:
- close wood-earth contact,
- maladjusted lawn sprinklers,
- excessive foliage against the building,
- drain pipes that splash water onto framing,
- leaking plumbing,
- inadequate ventilation in crawl spaces,
- excessive ground water under the building and
- poor drainage.
- Legal section will include a discussion of clauses in contracts that allow you to deal with this situation
- When the retrofit work is being performed, the contractor should check for sources of water intrusion and wood-earth clearances.
- Water should not continuously saturate wood
- Any wood should be at least 6 inches above any soil.
- If existing soils are regraded, contractors should be careful not to create new drainage problems or undermine any existing footings.
- If adequate separation between earth and wood cannot be provided, contractor should seek professional advice.
