Do You Have to Paint on Rotted Wood?

Paint over any trim pieces in your home with rotted or moldy edges might seem like a quick fix. This will only address the visible aspects and can actually cause more damage. It is not the best way to address structural damage in your home.

This article will discuss the causes of wood damage and dark spots. There are many articles online that will say that painting over wood damage is okay. However, you should know that neglecting the true causes can have serious consequences. You can understand these issues and the best way to deal with them so you can pinpoint the cause and address the issue.

Termites

Termites can cause cracking or damage to wood, fences, and gates around your home. Termites will eat wood and cause significant damage to your home's structure if they remain. You have to locate the epicenter of termites and get rid of them so that they don't spread and cause damage to your home's foundations, walls, and subfloors.

Painting over termite damages is not only inefficient, but it could also be a legal problem. An inspector will determine if the paint has been used to cover termite damage. This could render the home unusable for sale and may result in a very expensive repair.

Moisture

Moisture can lead to wood splitting and rotting. Water can cause wood to expand and contract, as well as deteriorate if it is allowed to soak into the wood. You can't just paint over the problem; it will only increase it. The paint will not stick to the wood that is wet and has been damaged, so it will look ugly when you paint over it.

Paint will protect your home from moisture, but it won't fix the problem once the moisture has soaked in. A leaky roof or wood rot could indicate that moisture is present in your home. Before you can paint an area of your home, make sure you have fixed the leak, and it doesn't cause additional wood rot.

Mold

If moisture is allowed sit in one spot for a long period of time, it can become mold. Mold can cause serious health effects if it's not removed quickly and properly. Mold can cause allergies, lung irritation, and other serious health problems. Therefore, it is not a good idea to paint over mold. All that painting over mold can do is stir up the spores so they can grow elsewhere in the home.