Excess moisture in your home may be more of a threat than you realize. It soaks easily into wood, and can be the start of wood rot. Wood rot in your home’s frame can lead to structural weakness and eventual collapse. Moist, rotten wood can also draw termites or form a breeding ground for mold and fungus, which pose health hazards. But wood can last a lifetime if it’s kept dry. Here are some ways to prevent wood rot on your next repair or project.

1. Apply Primer

It’s always a good idea to protect exterior-facing wood against moisture by adding primer. Use oil-based primers made for exterior surfaces, as they tend to penetrate better and last much longer than water or even latex primers. Be sure to paint both sides and edges, including the ends. If you’re trying to cover up existing water damage, apply a couple of coats of alkyd primer instead.

2. Gutter Maintenance

For critical points like eaves and gutter installation, use two coats of primer. Gutters can trap water as debris builds up and pose a greater risk; if the wood that supports them rots away, gutters can pull loose, and you’ll end paying for new gutters on top of replacing the wood. Make sure to keep them clear of things like leaves. Some gutters have guards on them that let water filter through to be redirected while keeping other debris separate and easier to remove.

3. Angled Surfaces

Whether you’re building or repairing eaves, roofing, hand rails, decks, or any external structure, try to slope them slightly away from the central structure so that they tend to shed water. Water can be easily trapped and pooled or redirected by flat surfaces, raised edges, crannies, or rotting leaves. Be sure you consider how to best avoid this.

4. Use Plugs

Every screw or nail you use could be allowing moisture into the interior wood, no matter how tight it seems to be. Whenever you’re doing exterior work, try to use nails or screws with galvanized or stainless seals that form a water-tight seal around the head. Alternatively, you could slightly countersink them and fill the hole with all-weather caulk, sealants, or wood glue before painting or covering. Caulk should also be used on any cracks and holes that have developed around doors, windows, vents, and so forth to avoid seepage of water.

5. Rot-Resistant Woods

Some natural woods are actually very good at shedding water and resisting rot. These include woods like cedar, cypress, and teak that have their own natural oils. However, they can be needlessly expensive for ordinary repairs or interior framework. Generally, you’re safe using cheaper modern alternatives like chemical or pressure-treated wood.

When it comes to preventing rot and water damage, taking the easiest or cheapest way out will likely lead to expensive repairs later. Use these tips and you’ll have rot-resistant wood and sturdy construction for many years to come. Wood rot can cause terrible structural damage later on, so it’s always better to prevent it as much as possible.