Three common types of rot in wood are:

Dry rot: This type of rot is also known as brown rot. This results when the wood lightens in color and decay sets in. Dry rot occurs very fast and it gradually leads the wood to decay if favorable conditions prevail. Once the color starts fading, it becomes dark in color and cracks appear along the fiber. During dry rot, wooden structures crumble to dust if not checked earlier.

Soft rot: This type of rotting is dangerous, as it simply shows no concrete evidence of rotting unless it is tested! The area that has succumbed to rotting, changes color and become a bit grayish or brownish in color.

Wet rot: This type of rot consists of different types of brown and white rots. In this category, the timber changes color to very light shade. Any form of rotting is ultimately death for the fiber. These rots occur when the climatic conditions are suitable for decomposition.