Dry rot is wood decay caused by a species of fungi that digest parts of the wood causing it to lose its stiffness and strength. It is a common problem that can result in severe damage. Even if there is no excessive moisture, dry rot can still cause damage. If you notice dry rot on your commercial property, you need to take quick action to minimize the damage. Commercial property owners and managers can contact us at GotRot to schedule a commercial dry rot repair service. We are proud to serve the business community in Everett, WA, and surrounding locations.
Risks of Ignoring Dry Rot
Dry rot can wreak havoc on your commercial property. Ignoring dry rot can result in serious consequences, including health risks and financial costs. The insatiable appetite of the dry rot fungus means it can spread fast. Many property owners make the mistake of neglecting or ignoring dry rot. It is absolutely essential to fix the problem before it turns into a major issue.
A major risk of ignoring dry rot is that you will end up having to pay to repair structural damage to your property. Dry rot can result in chronic problems, such as sagging floors and defective roof drainage. In the most severe cases of dry rot, your property can even suffer from the collapse of the structure. If extensive repairs are needed, you may need to relocate to another property until repair work is completed. Also, if the damage gets worse, repair might no longer be an option, and you may have to get replacement services for the damaged areas.
If you think your insurance company will cover dry rot, check with them. Many insurance companies don’t cover damages that result from the property owner’s negligence or lack of maintenance.
Another significant risk of ignoring dry rot is related to health. The dry rot spores can get released into the air and cause health complications, such as allergies and respiratory problems. Dry rot can also reduce indoor air quality which can be dangerous to individuals sensitive to air quality.
Commercial Dry Rot Repair Procedure
The dry rot repair procedure depends on many factors, including the extent and location of the damage. As a first step, we will do a comprehensive inspection of the dry rot to determine the best course of action for repair. After the damage assessment, we will share our findings with you along with our recommendation for the repair method.
For the repair, we will likely need to remove the rotten wood to expose the healthy wood beneath the damage. The area around the damage will be cleaned with fungicide to prevent any more fungus from spreading.
Any cracks or gaps will be sealed using a wood primer. After the filler material has been added, the dry material will be added. There are different types of materials that can be used in this procedure, including wood patching compound. The best filler for dry rot depends on the size and location of the damage. For example, wood filler is a great choice for small to medium repairs. For larger repairs, polyester filler may be needed. For the most robust and durable material, epoxy filler is recommended.
The repair area has to dry so the material can cure and harden. The rough edges or excess material will be removed using sandpaper and matching paint color will be applied with a roller or brush. We can also guide you on preventive measures to keep your commercial property safe from dry rot in the future.
Cost of Dry Rot Repair
The cost of repairing dry rot depends on the severity of the damage. Dry rot can occur in any part of your commercial property, including the interior and exterior. The most common spots for dry rot include crawlspaces, decks, and roofs. A dry rot repair project can cost you anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. We can only be certain of the cost of dry rot repair after we have inspected the damage. In our assessment, we have to consider the cost of labor, equipment costs, quality of materials, accessibility, and size of the affected area.
Contact Dry Rot Repair Specialists
Repairing dry rot early is crucial if you want to minimize the costs of fixing the damage and ensuring the structural integrity of the damaged area remains safe. Dry rot tends to spread fast, so you should not delay getting it fixed. If dry rot is left untreated, it can spread through the entire commercial property. If you want to schedule a visit by our GotRot repair specialist, please contact us. We also offer other types of repairs including roof repair, crawl space repair, and more.