Understanding Dry Rot in the Home
Before treating dry rot, homeowners should take measures to eliminate the source of moisture.
When homeowners think of rot, the first thing that comes to mind is wet rot. Wet rot looks unpleasant, smells foul, and is a destructive force on any property. However, dry rot can be just as common and alarming. Unfortunately, it’s less well-known and harder to identify.
Still, it’s essential to know what it looks like, what causes it, and how to treat it before it damages the home irrevocably.
What exactly is dry rot?
Dry rot is a fungus called Serpula lacrymans that eats wood, primarily timber. This fungus appears when excess moisture permeates the wood, creating more space for additional moisture. Around 30% of moisture is necessary for this fungus to appear.
When air transfers the spores, the fungus spreads to more surfaces, gradually causing more damage to all the wooden surfaces in the home.
They take root, which creates mycelium. As sun exposure increases and airflow decreases, the fungus releases even more spores through sporophores. Thus, once the house is exposed to these spores, there’s no escaping them because the fungus adjusts to the conditions well.
How to identify dry rot
Mycelium is visible and looks like cotton or snakeskin. It can also form brittle strands and teardrops. On the other hand, sporophores are orangey, soft, circular in shape, and might exude red dust.
Fungal growth might also develop a grayish skin and patches of light purple and yellow. This happens when there’s less moisture and humidity in the air.
Apart from visible fungus, homeowners can identify dry rot by a musty, mushroom-like smell caused by the rotting wood. The wood also has dark, shrunken, and cracked patches.
How to treat dry rot
Before treating dry rot, homeowners should take measures to eliminate the source of moisture. The best solution is to call a professional repair service to fix leaky pipes, cracked walls and floors, etc.
Next, treat dry rot with the right chemicals. For example, although borates are used for treating new wood, they can also remove dry rot in the existing wooden structures. Borates are typically injected through drilled holes in the wood. Still, the problem might persist if moisture keeps washing away the solution over time.
Heat is another way to destroy dry rot. Possible methods are microwave treatment and fumigation. Both require careful preparations, special equipment, and cautious handling, so calling a professional is highly recommended.
Get an expert opinion
Some wood might be beyond repair, so replacement is the only viable option. Please consult a professional to determine when repairs are too late, and it is time for something new.
Clover Valley Home Service offers reliable service in plumbing, electrical, carpentry, baseboard and crown molding, sprinkler repair, fence repair or replacement, yard work and cleanup, and fire defense space preparation services. Our work is guaranteed. Call (916) 742-3141 today!
