How to Fix Rot on Wood: Causes, Costs, and Solutions in San Antonio
Rot on wood is a common issue for San Antonio homeowners, weakening structures like fences, garage door jambs, and decks due to our humid climate. Left unchecked, wood rot can lead to costly damage, but with the right approach, you can repair and prevent it.
At Tough Task Pro, we specialize in wood rot repair and fence restoration, and in this guide, we’ll break down why rot on wood happens, repair costs, solutions, and prevention tips to protect your home. Ready to tackle wood rot? Let’s get started!
Why Does Rot on Wood Happen?
San Antonio’s humidity (70–80%) and frequent rain create ideal conditions for wood rot. Here’s why it occurs:
- Moisture Exposure: Rain, poor drainage, or ground contact soaks wood, inviting fungi.
- Fungal Growth: Fungi like brown rot (dry, crumbly wood) or white rot (soft, spongy) thrive in wet conditions.
- Lack of Maintenance: Unsealed wood, common in fences or garage jambs, accelerates decay.
Understanding these causes will help you act fast to stop when your wood is rotten, especially the dry and wet rot you can see. Time is of the essence as it will keep the rot from spreading, saving your home’s value.
How Much Does Wood Rot Repair Cost?
The cost to fix rotted wood in San Antonio can range from $100 to $1,000, depending on the damage and repair type:
- Minor Repairs: Small areas (e.g., fence boards or jamb corners) cost $100–$300. Epoxy fillers ($20–$50) and 1–2 hours of labor ($25–$35/hour) do the trick.
- Partial Replacement: Replacing a section (e.g., bottom of a garage jamb) costs $300–$600, including $50–$150 for cedar and 2–3 hours of labor.
- Full Replacement: Severe rot (e.g., entire fence post or jamb) runs $600–$1,000, with $100–$200 for materials and 4–6 hours of labor.
Pro Tip: Our free inspections at Tough Task Pro pinpoint damage and save you money with tailored solutions.
Related: Wood Rot Costs
Solutions to Repair Rotting Wood
Here are three proven ways to fix unsightly dry rot, backed by Tough Task Pro’s expertise:
- Epoxy Repair for Minor Rot:
- Scrape out rotted wood, apply borate treatment ($20/pint) to stop fungi, and fill with epoxy (e.g., System Three, $30–$50). Sand and seal with exterior paint.
- Time: 2–3 hours. Cost: $100–$300 (DIY: $50–$100).
- Best For: Small rot spots on fences or garage jambs.
- Partial Replacement:
- Cut out the rotted section, treat with borate, and replace with cedar ($10–$15/linear foot). Secure with a DeWalt DCN650B nailer and seal with caulk.
- Time: 3–4 hours. Cost: $300–$600 (DIY: $100–$200).
- Best For: Moderate rot on fence rails or jamb bases.
- Full Replacement:
- Remove the entire rotted piece, inspect adjacent areas, and install new cedar. Seal with a premium stain or sealant.
- Time: 5–7 hours. Cost: $600–$1,000 (DIY: $200–$400).
- Best For: Structural rot in posts or jambs.
Preventing Rotten Wood
It’s easy to spot rotting wood with these San Antonio-specific tips:
- Seal Regularly: Apply exterior sealant every 2–3 years ($50–$100).
- Improve Drainage: Use splash blocks ($10–$20) to divert water from fences or jambs.
- Choose Cedar: Opt for rot-resistant cedar for replacements.
- Annual Inspections: Check for soft spots to catch rot early.
TT PRO TIP:
Most people don’t know this, but the #1 thing you can do to avoid future wood rot, is to discover the source for water penetration, and then remove that source. No water, no rot. [1]
Fix Wood Rot Issues With Tough Task Pro.
Don’t let rotten wood damage your beautiful San Antonio home. From garage door jambs, to fascia and fences, Tough Task Pro’s high quality repairs and 2-year warranty ensure lasting results.
Get a free quote today—call us or visit toughtask.pro to restore your home’s strength and beauty! Just click the button below:
