Do I Need Dry Rot Repair Work Done?

Dry rot is not only unattractive, if left unattended, it can potentially do serious damage to the structural integrity of your home.

Dry rot is caused by a fungus. If certain spores on the exterior of your home come into contact with moisture, they can turn into a wood munching fungus. It’s nasty stuff and a real threat to your largest single investment.

So, how can you tell if you have dry rot? Look for the following:

  • White or grey growth on wood.
  • Advanced cases can have mushroom-like growths on wood.
  • Blistering or peeling paint.
  • Dark spots on the exterior paint.

Windows and door sills are the most common targets for dry rot, but the condition is not limited to the exterior of your home. Beams and joists in the attic (structural items) can become affected as well. To test for dry wood, insert a screwdriver into the suspect wood. If the screwdriver goes in easily or the wood feels spongy, you most likely have dry rot.

If you find dry rot, you have two options to deal with the dry rot repair.

Repair Versus Removal of Dry Rot

Small amounts of dry rot can be repaired with this caveat. If the rot is on or near any structural elements, the wood needs to be replaced, not repaired. Dry rot is similar to cancer in that just removing what you can see does not ensure you have cut it all out. That means you have to remove “good wood” surrounding the rot to be sure you have solved the problem.

There are a number of “wood patch” products that can affect a repair. However, if you don’t have experience with wood patches, we would strongly advise you call a professional painting company like Local SD Painting to handle the task. Remember, a patch is just that. There are no guarantees all the rot is removed.

Removal is a far more effective way to deal with the issue when it comes to dry rot repair.

The Best Solution for Dry Rot Repair

  • The closest thing to a “sure cure” for dry rot is removing the wood. However, it is an involved process:
  • Remove all rotted wood plus all adjoining wood within three feet of the affected wood.
  • Clean all material, including pipes, within five feet of the rotted wood. Once cleaned, treat with a fungicide.
  • Shape a replacement part(s) using preservative treated wood.
  • Paint the replacement part(s) with a zinc oxychloride product can work well for dry rot repair.

Finally, identify the causes of the rot. Look for sources of moisture or poor ventilation. Attics, leaky gutters, poor drainage around foundations, and leaky roofs are common sources of unwanted moisture.

Local SD Painting have had many projects dealing with dry rot. So we have the expertise in dealing with dry rot. So don’t hesitate to give us a call.

Remember as always when it comes to dry rot repair or any of your home painting needs… free estimates. (619) 586-5683