Not to be confused with termites or carpenter ant damage, wood decay or wood rot is caused by certain kinds of fungi. This fungus thrives in warm, damp areas but they are very tough and can survive even when there are extremes in temperature 
and humidity.
What are some areas of the home that would be most likely to see wood decay? Fungi need moisture, oxygen and a food supply and there are many places around a home this can happen. Look for wood decay in the sub-floors around toilets and the corners of a tub. You could also find wood decay around corroding plumbing fittings.
Some other areas you might find wood rot are: underneath windows and doors, even under sliding glass doors if they have not been installed properly. Stairs, ground floor decks or the support posts of decks, roof penetrations that have incorrect flashing. Another area to watch for is untreated wood that comes in direct contact with soil, masonry and concrete.
Think also about the way’s moisture can affect wood, things like plumbing leaks, insufficient grading which leads to water pooling around the foundations, cracks in foundations, damaged or incorrectly installed flashing. All of these areas could see wood decay. Its important to have your home inspected for signs of wood decay because, if left, it could lead to all kinds of structural issues with your home.
