Dry rot is a type of wood decay or fungus that is the bane of homeowners’ existence. This particularly invasive fungus can ruin wooden structures in and around your home. The fungus breaks down the components in wood, leaving it brittle and weak.
Excessive moisture, improper maintenance, and other factors lead to dry rot and all the headaches that come along with it. The good news is, there are plenty of things you can do to prevent dry right or mitigate the spread if you notice dry rot in or around your home.
In this article, you will learn:
- How to identify dry rot
- 5 useful ways you can prevent dry rot
- How to fix dry rot if it is too late to prevent it
How to Identify Dry Rot
Identifying dry rot is easy. There are several telltale signs that indicate dry rot is present. You likely have dry rot if you notice:
- Decaying or damaged wood
- A musty or damp smell
- Cracks in the wood or timber
- Patches of orange or brown dust
- The wood is brittle or weak
- Greyish strands on the wood or timber
It is important to note that dry rot differs from ‘wet rot’ — another form of wood decay that results from excessive moisture. Wet rot occurs when the moisture levels on the wood’s surface exceed 50% or more of their normal capacity. Dry rot, on the other hand, can grow when moisture levels exceed just 20%.
Prevent Dry Rot with These 5 Tips
For dry rot to grow, excess moisture must be present. Therefore, the best preventative measures involve moisture control. Dry rot can occur both inside and outside of your home, so it is important to consider both environments.
By paying attention to moisture sources, you can control and stop dry rot. The following tips will help you reduce moisture levels and prevent dry rot growth.
1 – Seal Off Windows & Doors
Even a small crack in the flashing around your windows or doors can lead to moisture problems. Prevent dry rot by repairing any gaps that are not properly sealed.
2 – Check Your Gutters
If your gutters are not redirecting water properly or are clogged, excess water can leak down the sides of your home or make its way indoors. Clean out your gutters periodically and ensure that the drains and downspouts are clear to help prevent dry rot and fungus growth.
3 – Repair Roof Damage
Something as seemingly benign as a missing shingle or damaged portion of your roof can lead to major problems with dry rot. Moisture can seep in through cracks or leaks in your roof, turning a small problem into a major one. It is imperative to repair roof or shingle problems as soon as possible to prevent dry rot.
4 – Pay Attention to Wet Rooms
Your bathrooms, kitchen, and laundry room are prime locations for excessive moisture. Essentially, any room with a water fixture or water heater is at risk for dry rot. Pay special attention to these rooms within your home and request professional service immediately if you notice a leak or pooling water.
5 – Don’t Forget the Basement
If your home has a basement, this can be a prime location for dry rot growth. Humidity levels tend to be higher in basements, and mold growth may go unnoticed for weeks or months at a time. Keep moisture in check by sealing off windows and repairing any structural damages that may allow water or moisture to find its way into your basement.
Too Late to Prevent Dry Rot?
If it is too late to prevent dry rot, don’t panic. There are some great solutions you can try. When dry rot prevention is no longer feasible, you will need to treat the dry rot as soon as possible. Here are some helpful treatments for dry rot:
- Epoxy Treatments
Epoxy is a filler that is used to replace rotted wood that has been removed. Epoxy fills in the gaps or holes that are left over once the dry rot has been removed. This is a good solution for minor dry rot problems. - Borate Treatment
Borate is used to both treat and prevent dry rot. It will prevent growth on new wood and kill any fungus that is causing rot. Borate is low in toxicity and does not contain heavy metals or copper. - Professional Replacement
Sometimes, even your best efforts to prevent dry rot will be of no avail. If your dry rot problem is extensive or won’t go away with conventional treatment, it is time to call in a professional for an evaluation. It is likely that you will need to replace the wood that has been damaged.
Prevent Dry Rot | Top Form Contracting in Albany
If you need assistance with dry rot prevention or removal, we can help. One of our specialties at Top Form Contracting is dry rot repair. No matter what stage of prevention or repair you find yourself in, we have solutions that can help.
Get in touch with our specialists by filling out a contact form over on our Contact Page . Or, feel free to give us a call at (541) 926-4597
Professional Dry Rot Repair in Albany, OR
Top Form Contracting is your go-to source for dry rot prevention, repair, and more. Our clients in Albany, Corvallis, and elsewhere love working with our team — and so will you!
Our high-quality repairs and replacements always exceed customer expectations. Whether you are facing a dry rot problem or need assistance with home improvement projects, we have the team and tools you need.
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