Wet Rot
Wet rot is caused by excessive moisture and can be found in wood in touch with the ground, with loss of paint coatings at porch and column connections and on window sills exposed to rain. It generally begins with cracks along the grain and may stay wet until the element is replaced, the source of moisture is eliminated or remedial action is taken such as painting or caulking. Wet rot will continue to spread to nearby wet wood, so the key is to remove wet wood and control the moisture source.