ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Wet rot

Imagine you have a piece of bread that got wet and you forgot to dry it. Over time, the bread starts to get all squishy and stinky. That's kind of like what happens to wood when it gets wet and stays wet for a long time.

Wet rot is when wood gets all moist and starts to break down. It often happens in places where water is around, like in a bathroom or near a leaky roof. The water makes the wood all soft and mushy, and then it can't do its job of being strong and holding things up.

If wet rot isn't stopped, it can spread and become a big problem. It can make buildings unsafe and damage property. That's why it's important to fix leaks and keep things dry, so wet rot can't grow and cause damage.
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