Checking and fixing dry rot should be on your list of tasks for residential or commercial property maintenance. Early detection is key to minimizing the damage and costs of dry rot repairs. If there is significant damage or you are unable to identify dry rot, it is always best to have a dry rot repair specialist visit your property to assess the damage. At GotRot we offer comprehensive inspection and repair services for dry rot damage. Our service locations include Everett, WA, and surrounding areas.
What is Dry Rot?
Dry rot is a fungus that feeds on damp or moist wood. While the term is “dry rot”, the fungus thrives on wood that has moisture. The “dry rot” term refers to the condition of the wood after it has been deteriorated by the fungus. Dry rot causes the wood to lose its stiffness and strength. This means that if wood is used in any structure on your property, dry rot can result in loss of structural integrity. Dry rot can grow on interior and exterior spaces. It is most common in spots that are damp, such as crawlspaces, kitchens, bathrooms, attics, and basements. However, keep in mind that even a little moisture might be enough for dry rot to infest your property.
While wood rot refers to the general decay of wood due to fungus, siding rot refers to the decay of exterior materials used on buildings. The causes and treatment are similar, however, the methods used for repairs can be different.
How Dangerous is Dry Rot?
A major problem with dry rot is that it weakens the structural integrity of the building. In severe cases, it can even cause the structure to collapse. Even if the entire structure is not made of wood, it could have critical components made of wood. For example, wooden beams can help support the weight of a structure and if it gets dry rot, it can weaken the entire structure.
Another danger of dry rot is that it can release fungal spores in the air that can cause health issues like respiratory problems or allergies. There are also financial implications of dry rot in terms of reduced property value and potentially costly repairs to fix the problem. If you don’t want to face these problems, we advise you to get your property inspected by our dry rot specialists from Got Rot.
It is a common misconception that dry rot takes years to spread. Under ideal conditions, dry rot can spread fast, and you might not even realize it. Once dry rot takes hold, it will progressively spread.
Signs of Dry Rot
The first signs of dry rot are tiny red spores or brownish dust on the wood surface. As the dry rot grows, it turns into a mass of white strands. As the wood starts to get eaten away, it will start to discolor and might begin to feel soft. This is especially true for wooden floorboards that can start to “give” when you walk on them.
In some cases, dry rot looks like sprawling cobwebs or a thick mass of cotton. In severe cases of dry rot, the wood might suffer from mushroom growth, which signals that the wood has become completely compromised. Wood that has a musty odor is also another indicator of dry rot.
Can Dry Rot be Prevented?
If you want to prevent dry rot you need to focus on a combination of regular maintenance, moisture control, and periodic inspection by dry rot specialists. For moisture control on the interior of your property, you can use proper ventilation to ensure there is good airflow. For the exterior parts of your property, such as the roof, you need to ensure it remains dry and there is no water pooling.
The basement and roof are common spots for excessive moisture to accumulate. You can also consider using moisture-resistant chemicals on wood surfaces to minimize water penetration. Consult with our dry rot specialist to identify the best chemical treatments to provide protection against dry rot. In addition, consider installing a dehumidifier to reduce humidity in the air.
Even with your best efforts, you may be able to prevent dry rot. This is especially true if you live in areas with high humidity. It is worth investing in a periodical inspection of your property by a dry rot specialist for early detection and treatment. The earlier you are able to identify the problem, the more you can save on dry rot repairs.
Dry Rot Inspection and Repairs
If you are uncertain whether your property has dry rot, allow our specialists to do a comprehensive inspection of your property. In our inspection service, we will do a detailed check to complete a list of affected areas, floor plans with photos, and results from dry rot samples. Once our inspection is complete, we will provide you with our recommended plan for dry rot repair.
The repair service depends on the severity and location of the damage. In most cases, we have to remove the dry rot to expose healthy wood and then clean the areas with fungicide. Any gaps or cracks will be sealed using a primer and that will be followed by adding dry material. After the dry material has been added, we will allow the area to dry before we add some finishing touches. A final inspection will be done to ensure the repair was completed as expected.
Services Offered by GotRot
Water Damage Restoration
Water damage can be caused by roof leaks, flooding, burst pipes, sewer back-ups, and other reasons. Our water damage restoration service will comprehensively inspect the damaged area, remove the water, dry the damaged area, and perform any structural repairs required.
Roof Repair
The roof repair service will depend on the type of damage. Our roof repair service can fix damage caused by pooling water, poor maintenance, harsh weather conditions, improper installation, and other causes of roof damage.
Deck Repair
The deck can get damaged by insect infestation, wood rot, harsh weather, poor maintenance, or regular wear and tear. We can fix the deck by replacing the damaged parts.
Commercial Dry Rot Repair
Ignoring dry rot at commercial properties can be risky as this problem can quickly worsen. Our commercial dry rot repair service can remove rotten wood and replace it with high-quality wood filler material.
Schedule Rot Repairs with GotRot
To schedule wood rot repairs or siding repairs in Everett, WA, you can contact us at GotRot. We offer one call home repair service, making it easy for property owners in Everett, WA, to fix dry rot issues. Our rot repair master can visit your site and do a thorough inspection to determine if there is any dry rot. We also offer a no-obligation free estimate for our services. If you have any questions or want to schedule a visit, please call us.