Dry rot, also called brown rot, is wood decay stemming from fungal growth, which can destroy all kinds of wooden structures. When it occurs, fungi cause the disintegration of cellulose and hemicellulose, two carbohydrate molecules that make wood strong and resilient. The result is weakened wood that usually has a blockish appearance. Dry rot will only ruin damp timber that has above 20{5649572a49866cb1fca0a1f082685863f3a2135dacebde4e6ce1a068f5189eaa} moisture. Thus, removing the source of moisture should be the foremost objective of dry rot repair.
How Dry Rot Spreads
Spores produced by the dry rot fungus are dispersed through the air. Once they land on moist wood, they will multiply, and if this continues, the wood will eventually weak until it disintegrates.
How to Know If You Have a Dry Rot Issue
> Inspect the wood. Initially, fungus will resemble cotton wool, and in a highly humid environment, you may find surface water droplets as well.
> Check if the wood has cracks; darkened, sunken or shrunken parts; or growths that look like the outer part of a mushroom.
How to Prevent Dry Rot
Dry rot prevention is a fairly easy task. Just keep wood away from moisture with the following steps:Make sure wood is out of moisture’s way by doing these steps:Don’t expose wood to moisture, and these steps will help you do that:
Siding – Get an expert to properly seal and install wood siding properly.
Painting – All six sides of wood used outdoor should be primed before painting.
Roofing – Get your roof checked yearly to spot issues and keep away from potential water damage, mold, or dry rot. To keep your walls and foundation safe, have gutters installed for the rainwater.
Plumbing – Plumbing leaks are the leading cause of dry rot. Check around toilets, vanities, etc., and if you actually find dry rot, address it immediately.
Ventilation – Install proper ventilation in your kitchen, bathrooms and the like to eliminate remove excess moisture from the air.
Deck – Ensure that your deck is sealed well. When building a new deck, design it with a slight slope.
Landscaping – Have your lawn sprinklers face a direction where they do not spray onto your exterior trim.
How to Treat Dry Rot
There are a few ways to eliminate dry rot, like using copper compounds or epoxy. However, be aware that expert knowledge will be needed to make sure the job is done correctly. Doing the job wrong can be costly, which is why most people hire a dry rot repair contractor. Then again, not all of these professionals are the same, making it important to do some research before choosing which one to hire.