If a tree falls in the forest ... does it rot? Of course. This is Mother Nature's way of recycling old trees into nutrients for new trees.
When the wood in your house touches the soil, the same thing happens. Wood that is in direct contact or in close proximity to the ground is more susceptible to rot and/or insect damage.
Wood will rot when it is exposed to moisture and in contact with soil or other material which prevents the wood from drying out. The only (partial) exception is ground contact, pressure-treated lumber. However, even such "treated" lumber is usually not fully impregnated with wood preservatives and subject to some wood rot damage.
It is advisable to maintain a separation of six inches or more between all wood and any soil, gardening material, or firewood. Improve ventilation and drainage where possible to create an environment less prone to rot or infestation.
All foundation or deck posts should sit on concrete piers, and the perimeter foundation or skirting should be constructed out of concrete or pressure-treated lumber. All wood that has previously been in contact with soil, but which remains in relatively good condition, should be cleaned, allowed to dry out, and treated with a wood preservative.
Wood that has deteriorated due to soil-to-wood contact must be replaced, and future soil contact prevented.
It is advisable to maintain a separation of six inches or more between all wood and any soil, gardening material, or firewood. Improve ventilation and drainage where possible to create an environment less prone to rot or infestation.
All foundation or deck posts should sit on concrete piers, and the perimeter foundation or skirting should be constructed out of concrete or pressure-treated lumber. All wood that has previously been in contact with soil, but which remains in relatively good condition, should be cleaned, allowed to dry out, and treated with a wood preservative.
Wood that has deteriorated due to soil-to-wood contact must be replaced, and future soil contact prevented.
Some of the more common areas to watch:
Window Wells
Increased soil height adjacent to the house may partially bury basement windows. Under these circumstances, or with any basement window which is at or near ground level, a window well should be provided. It will prevent water penetration through the window, prevent rotting of window
frames, it is advisable to avoid wood/soil contact and keep the window cleaner.
Wood, Stucco Siding and Brick
Wood/Soil Wood/soil contact should be avoided, as it promotes rot and provides an
ideal environment for wood-boring insects. Wood and Stucco siding should be at least (8)
eight inches above the soil and at least (6) six inches for masonry.
Wood Steps
Direct wood/soil contact should be avoided to minimize damage by rot, carpenter ants or termites
Plywood should never be used for steps as the layers of glue tend to trap moisture, creating rot and de-lamination of the plywood.
Wood Columns
The most common problems with wood porch columns are the result of simple deterioration.
Wood columns rot and are subjected to insect attack. Direct wood/soil contact should be avoided.
Wood Beams
Beams should be strong enough to transport the roof, floor or deck loads to a wall or column. They are typically wood, but can also be steel. Beams should be adequately supported and arranged to minimize rot and wood/soil contact.
Deck and Porch Skirting
Skirting is used around the perimeter of a deck or porch to prevent vermin from getting under the structure. The skirting should allow for ventilation and direct wood/soil contact should be avoided to minimize damage by rot or insects.
Log Cabins
Direct wood/soil contact should be avoided to minimize damage by rot or insects.
Fences
Direct wood/soil contact should be avoided to minimize damage by rot or insects.
Window Wells
Increased soil height adjacent to the house may partially bury basement windows. Under these circumstances, or with any basement window which is at or near ground level, a window well should be provided. It will prevent water penetration through the window, prevent rotting of window
frames, it is advisable to avoid wood/soil contact and keep the window cleaner.
Wood, Stucco Siding and Brick
Wood/Soil Wood/soil contact should be avoided, as it promotes rot and provides an
ideal environment for wood-boring insects. Wood and Stucco siding should be at least (8)
eight inches above the soil and at least (6) six inches for masonry.
Wood Steps
Direct wood/soil contact should be avoided to minimize damage by rot, carpenter ants or termites
Plywood should never be used for steps as the layers of glue tend to trap moisture, creating rot and de-lamination of the plywood.
Wood Columns
The most common problems with wood porch columns are the result of simple deterioration.
Wood columns rot and are subjected to insect attack. Direct wood/soil contact should be avoided.
Wood Beams
Beams should be strong enough to transport the roof, floor or deck loads to a wall or column. They are typically wood, but can also be steel. Beams should be adequately supported and arranged to minimize rot and wood/soil contact.
Deck and Porch Skirting
Skirting is used around the perimeter of a deck or porch to prevent vermin from getting under the structure. The skirting should allow for ventilation and direct wood/soil contact should be avoided to minimize damage by rot or insects.
Log Cabins
Direct wood/soil contact should be avoided to minimize damage by rot or insects.
Direct wood/soil contact should be avoided to minimize damage by rot or insects.
Inspected by 42 Home Inspections and Ottawa Home Watch. Call Barry at 613 799 3698 to make an appointment today - see our online prices. We specialize in the Ottawa area. http://www.ib42.ca or http://
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