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Discoloration or soft spots on wooden surfaces are indicative of wood rot, as they reveal the degradation of the wood's structure due to prolonged exposure to moisture and fungal activity. When wood begins to rot, it often changes color, typically becoming darker or grayish, and soft spots can develop where the integrity of the wood becomes compromised. This softening is a result of the breakdown of the wood fibers, making it weaker and more susceptible to further damage.

Other signs, while they may indicate issues with wood, do not specifically indicate rot. For example, cracking paint can result from a variety of factors such as moisture intrusion or substrate movement, but it does not directly reflect on the condition of the wood itself. Increased weight might occur if the wood absorbs water but is not a specific indicator of rot. Lastly, visible insects may suggest infestations that could lead to wood damage, but they do not necessarily mean that wood rot is present. Thus, the presence of discoloration or soft spots is a clear and direct sign of wood rot.