Dry rot is the most common cause of home damage. Wet rot can cause significant damage to your home and pose health risks. Dry rot, however, is more expensive than termite damage.
It is important to understand dry rot, whether you are dealing with it now or trying to prevent it from ever happening again.
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Dry Rot: What Exactly Is It?
Unfortunately, many homeowners are unaware of the signs of a dry rot infestation. If dry rot is not detected and treated promptly, it can cause significant damage that necessitates the replacement of all afflicted wood, which, as we all know, will cost you extra time and money.
Dry rot, also known as brown rot, is a form of wood decay caused by tiny fungi. These fungi eat the cell walls that give wood strength. Dry rot can cause damage to wooden structures within and outside your home. It leaves behind dry, brittle timber.
What Is the Cause of Dry Rot?
Dry rot, despite its name, requires moisture to start. It may spread in the absence of moisture, though, since the fungi that cause it may manufacture moisture through wood degradation.
When wood is not properly dried before installation, dry rot can occur. It is also conceivable if the wood is subjected to high humidity and warm temperatures ranging between 71 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. When the bacteria attacks and destroys the cellulose in the wood structure, it causes the wood to shrink and turn a deep brown hue. Once it begins to grow, rot spreads quickly.
Dry rot may spread across a structure by permeating a variety of materials, including brickwork. If not stopped, it will weaken the entire structure to the point of collapse.
Dry rot can be difficult to detect in its early stages. Although wood rot can be hidden by flooring, drywall, or siding, some symptoms may appear later in the cycle if you look attentively.
What Is Dry Rot in a House?
According to experts of water damage restoration in Colorado Springs, dry rot has early warning indicators that include the following:
- apparent fungus growth that resembles a fluffy white cobweb
- drywall that has been stretched
- water droplets on the surface of the wood
- dark brown hardwood
- wood that is brittle or weak
- a musty or damp odor
- areas of brown, orange, or purple that are light in hue and readily peeled
- grey wood or timber strands
- Fruiting mushrooms can be found among the spores.
Is Dry Rot Risky for Your Family and Home?
Although dry rot spores are not dangerous, living in a dry rot-infested home is unpleasant, especially when the air is filled with the odor of damp earth. Moist environments are particularly hazardous to newborns, the elderly, and people suffering from respiratory diseases.
Aside from that, dry rot is a big danger to the construction of your home since it may quickly cause substantial structural damage.
Preventing Dry Rot
Here are some dry rot prevention tips:
- All doors and windows should be sealed.
Prevention is the best protection against dry rot. Preventing deterioration is less difficult and expensive than correcting it. The idea is to prevent wood from becoming moist in your home.
Repair any gaps in the seal to prevent outside factors like moisture from entering and creating dry rot.
- Examine your roof gutters.
Clean out your gutters on a regular basis to help prevent dry rot and fungal development, and ensure the drains and downspouts are clear of blockages.
- Repair any roof damage.
Roof concerns, like windows and doors, must be addressed immediately to prevent moisture from entering your property.
- Be cautious of “wet” rooms.
Bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms are the three spaces in your home with the highest moisture. Dry rot can occur in any location where there is a water heater or plumbing appliance. Regularly inspect these areas of your home and immediately visit the nearest professional if any leaks or standing water are detected.
- Consider the basement.
Basements are ideal environments for dry rot to thrive. Caulk windows and repair any structural defects that may let water or moisture into your basement to keep moisture at bay.
Repairing Dry Rot
If dry rot prevention is not possible, you must treat it quickly. Here’s how to efficiently cure dry rot:
- Treatments with Epoxy
Epoxy can be used to fill up holes or gaps left by removing rotten wood. This is an excellent remedy for mild dry-rot issues.
- Borate should be used.
Borate can be used to both prevent and treat dry rot. It will prevent fungal growth on new wood and eradicat decay-causing fungi. Borate contains no heavy metals or copper and has a low toxin level.
- Professional Replacement
If your dry rot problem is serious or does not improve with regular treatment, you should contact a professional for an examination. Because the contaminated wood may spread so quickly, it should be changed right away.
Key Takeaway
Are you afraid that dry rot may be affecting your home? Dry rot is one of the most common concerns among homeowners, just like yours. In order to correctly tackle the situation, it is important to select the appropriate course of action and seek expert guidance.
