Finding out that you could have a potential dry rot issue in your home can be overwhelming. Dry rot is caused by moisture that has seeped into wood. Moisture can also cause other issues in your home, which can be detected through a dry rot home inspection.
Dry Rot Inspection
Dry rot often appears in locations hidden from the view of homeowners, such as behind walls, under floorboards, in the attic, and in crawl spaces. Homes in Seattle are susceptible to dry rot because of the wet, humid conditions that these homes face each year. The name dry rot can be deceiving because the fungus that causes the rot cannot thrive in dry conditions and is actually due to moisture that has accessed the wood.
Seattle dry rot repair and inspection services will look at the potential of dry rot in the home, but we will also sample the air quality, investigate the issues, and determine what is causing the dry rot issue. We will then put together a thorough plan for the repair.
Signs of a Dry Rot Problem
It is crucial to address any dry rot issue immediately with an experienced professional from GotRot. There are some classic symptoms of dry rot that homeowners can look out for:
- Timber that appears to be decaying or damaged
- Deep or wide cracks appear in the grain of the wood
- A musty or damp smell in the location of the dry rot
- Timber that feels brittle or crumbles in your hand
- Fruiting bodies growing on the wood that resemble large mushroom-shaped growths
- Gray strands growing along the timber
- Concentrated patches of spore dust with an orange or brown appearance
What Will Be Included in a Dry Rot Inspection?
If you are having a dry rot inspection done in your Seattle, Washington, home, a few things should be taken into account. Seattle sees a warmer climate with lots of rainfall, so dry rot occurs often in Washington.
A dry rot inspection should include a thorough investigation of the area. The inspection should include a detailed list of which areas have been affected by dry rot, floor plans with photographs, results from dry rot samples, and a detailed plan for the repair and removal of the dry rot.
GotRot wants to ensure the health and safety of Seattle homes and homeowners and is dedicated to providing you with a complete and thorough dry rot inspection. Our goal is to leave your home safe and stable.
Is a Dry Rot Inspection Necessary?
There are several reasons a homeowner should have their home inspected for dry rot in Seattle. Our professionals will test the pH of the affected area in your home, along with a physical dry rot inspection.
Property Damage
Dry rot that goes unrepaired can lead to structural damage to a home. The fungus that leads to dry rot can spread very quickly to surrounding wood pieces and lead to extensive repairs for the homeowner. Dry rot on trim can be easily managed, but if dry rot occurs in a crawlspace or a basement and begins to destroy weight-bearing walls and beams, the stability of the home becomes compromised.
Dry rot will soften wood, giving it a musty smell, which, if left unchecked, can affect furniture near the walls and any personal belongings that come in contact with that area.
Health Concerns
Dry rot is not known to create toxic compounds or chemicals, but it can wreak havoc on people with allergies or sensitivities to the fungus that causes dry rot. Wood that has been damaged by dry rot can cause indirect health issues through the dampness and condensation that can create upper respiratory issues and trigger underlying conditions to flare up, such as asthma.
The other issue with dry rot that is not often considered is the safety and health concern that untreated dry rot can cause. If timber is not repaired or replaced, and the dry rot eats through it, it can weaken the integrity and eventually cause the collapse of the wooden structure.
Dealing With Moisture Issues
When Seattle homes have dry rot, it typically indicates that there is an underlying moisture or water issue. Dry rot cannot grow or spread in dry conditions but requires moisture, such as high humidity, water leaks, or inadequate ventilation, for the fungus spores to thrive.
Dry Rot and Mold Issues
In addition to dry rot, the moisture listed above can also lead to mold growth. These microscopic mold spores easily become airborne, spreading to multiple areas in Seattle homes. While dry rot can have an indirect health effect, mold, if left untreated, can lead to severe health issues for household members of all ages. Your dry rot inspection can detect the growth of mold as well.
Preventing Further Dry Rot Damage
It is crucial that after you have any dry rot found, replaced, or repaired you treat it for the prevention of future dry rot. In addition to the health risks and property damage, the cost of continually repairing dry rot can add up to thousands of dollars if not done correctly the first time.
Confidence and Security
Upon finding dry rot in their homes, Seattle homeowners often feel overwhelmed and worried. By having GotRot complete a thorough inspection of potential dry rot in your home and having them handle the repair and replacement of affected wood, homeowners can feel confident and secure that their home is a safe place for their families. We will leave your home feeling comfortable and free of any worries or potential health risks with dry rot.
Seattle Dry Rot Inspection For Peace of Mind
Your home and your family are your biggest assets. The team at GotRot wants to help you protect and keep them safe. Let us provide a thorough inspection of your home and work with you to make a plan to handle your dry rot issue before it becomes out of control. Contact us today by email, phone, or online form to schedule your dry rot inspection.