How to fix wood rot?

Question

Hi all. New to this discussion board and am hoping for some guidance.

The attached pic shows some rot right outside the shower door.

-What are some ways to fix it?

- Does it look small enough to avoid cutting out the wood and replacing it?

Eveyrones feedback is much appreciated.

MitchellMc · Answer

I'd take a flathead screwdriver @jshizzle33 and do some poke tests. If the screwdriver penetrates the timber, start chipping it away to see if it is soft through its thickness. If it disintegrates easily, I would continue to pull it away and most likely remove the length so you can check behind it. If the wallboard and material behind it are wet or decaying, it's a good indication that the leak was severe. If you can get under the house, you can inspect the subfloor from there.

Mitchell

jshizzle33 · Answer

Hi there and many thanks for your response. Just 2 follow up queries.

-how do I check how badly the trims been affected? Is this a touch and squeeze test to see if the wood is soft?

-how would you suggest checking the underlying frame or subfloor?

Thanks again.

MitchellMc · Answer

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @jshizzle33. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about wood rot.

The image shows clear signs of water damage, likely caused by water escaping from the shower recess. To address this, the first step is to seal any gaps inside the shower recess with silicone or replace any aged or deteriorated silicone. Ensuring the shower is watertight will prevent further water leakage and damage. Here's a helpful step-by-step guide: How to apply silicone sealant.

Once the leak is resolved, you can assess the extent of the damage to the surrounding areas. Start by checking how deteriorated the trim is. If the damage is minimal, you can fill the affected section with a wood filler. However, if the trim is severely compromised, it’s best to replace it entirely. It’s also worth investigating whether the water has caused damage to the underlying frame or subfloor, as this may require further attention.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell