Wood Rot Repair Calgary

Structural members with significant rot, such as joists, posts, or stair stringers, should be cut out and replaced, while small, non-structural surface defects may sometimes be repaired with epoxy or filler after the decay source is addressed. In Calgary, prioritize replacement where rot is near connections to the house or at ground-contact points, as these are critical to safety and often deteriorate fastest.

For most exterior wood rot repairs in Calgary, we use preservative-treated lumber rated for ground-contact or above-ground use as required, or naturally durable species for some applications. In accordance with the National Building Code of Canada's wood preservation guidance, we ensure that preservative treatment is applied to wood members within 150 mm of grade and to certain exposed structural elements. In addition, when replacing posts or structural deck components, we will verify the required treatment level and use compatible, corrosion-resistant fasteners to prevent connection failure.

Wood rot can be prevented by keeping water away from wood surfaces through good drainage, functioning gutters and downspouts, sealing around windows and doors, and maintaining paint or stain. We recommend inspecting all exterior trim, window sills, and lower siding courses each spring after snowmelt and touching up caulking and paint where cracking or peeling is visible.

Calgary homeowners should inspect decks, fences, and exterior wood for rot at least once a year, ideally in late spring after freeze–thaw cycles and snowmelt, and again after major rain events. Local climate normals show pronounced seasonal temperature swings and numerous snowfall days, leading to repeated cycles that stress exterior materials. Be sure to add a quick wood-rot check to your annual exterior maintenance routine, along with gutter cleaning and grading checks, to catch small problems before they become structural issues.

There are three classifications for wood rot: 

• Brown wood rot: Brown wood rot, also known as "dead wood rot," occurs when a fungus squeezes its way into the wood, affecting cellulose. This will cause the wood to split, crack, and become crumbly. If you have brown wood rot, you will notice a brown tint
• White rot: White wood rot also affects the cellulose in the wood, and can even turn an entire piece of wood into a sticky, pale colour. Spongy wood is a result of white wood rot.
• Soft rot: Soft rot is more common in warm climates, but it can also affect wood indoors that has taken on moisture.

Heat and moisture. When untreated wood is exposed to enough moisture and heat, wood rot can fester in the cellulose and wood tissue. But you can prevent wood rot from growing by regularly painting or staining your deck. Treated wood is less vulnerable to moisture leaks because it seals wood fibres and prevents water penetration. Furthermore, pressure washing will remove built-up debris and dirt, preventing them from embedding in the wooden surface and leaving no room for rot to develop.

Don't ignore wood rot. Negligence only fuels its fire. Instead, reach out to the professionals at Mr. Handyman of West Calgary for wood rot repair.

Calgary homeowners can contact our customer service team today to schedule a Calgary wood rot repair appointment.