Tips on Repairing Dry Rot
Dry rot on your roof doesn’t just look horrible. It can also seriously undermine your home’s structural integrity. Neglect it and you’re setting up your house for wreck and ruin, not to mention significantly diminishing its sale value.
Understanding the cause of dry rot allows you to make the call on whether a repair is still possible or if it is best to replace the damaged part completely. Note that repairs may require inspections as mandated by SB 721.
What is dry rot and what causes it
The definition of dry rot is a type of fungal decay with the name Serpula lacrymans. It occurs in timber that has become too wet, with over 20% moisture. When this happens, the wood-destroying fungus attacks the timber.
Damp timber results in dry rot spores develop into the wood-destroying fungus. This type of fungus thrives in moist, damp, poorly ventilated conditions.
Damp timber in the home can be attributed to one or two of the following:
- Penetrating damp, condensation
- Leaking pipes
- Faulty drainage
- Broken roof tiles
- A leaking washing machine that creates the ideal environment for fungi growth
Rescuing the Home from Dry Rot
Some types/amounts of dry rot can be repaired. However, repairs aren’t recommended if the affected areas provide structural stability to your home, such as with beams and joints, or even with flooring for that matter. In those cases, you should replace the wood instead of repairing it.
You’ll also need to eliminate the conditions that allowed the rot to grow. Locate the cause of moisture buildup and if you think you’re not able to do it, you can hire inspectors to check for roof leaks, damaged gutters, plumbing leaks, and/or poor ventilation.
Deck Inspectors for Southern California is happy to offer our services in Los Angeles, Orange County as well as San Diego and all Southern California surrounding areas like: Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Santa Monica, Anaheim, Temecula, Vista, Escondido, Carlsbad, and El Cajon
