If you’ve got dry rot, don’t delay dry rot treatment

el-gato-kitty-pose-bHas your home become plagued with dry rot?
If so, you need professional repair to restore your home to its original condition.
Dry rot is tricky business, and given its nature you don’t want to delay treatment.
Since 1977 the experts at El Gato have helped numerous homeowners solve their dry rot problem.
Here’s some basic information you can use for your dry rot problem:

What is Dry Rot and What Causes It?

Dry rot is a type of wood decay caused by a fungus. The fungus devours the very parts of the wood that provide the structure with its firmness and strength. As a result of this decay, the wood becomes brittle and structurally unsound.

How to Eliminate Dry Rot?

A typical dry rot treatment includes cutting out all affected wood and liberally applying a fungicide to kill off the dry rot fungus. While it may sound simple, the process is actually highly involved. You must often remove paneling and drywall to determine the depth of the problem, and the process often results in the necessary disposal of much of the surrounding building material.

Also, if not properly managed, the fungus can actually spread beyond its initial location.  For any project that requires application of fungicide, a specialty contractor must be engaged by the homeowner.  Minor dry rot repair not requiring the application of fungicide can be handled by El Gato as they don’t apply fungicide.

Will a Wood Hardener – like Minwax Wood Hardener – Stop Dry Rot?

No.
Wood hardeners will strengthen wood that has been softened by excess moisture, but they do not kill fungi. Unless you eradicate the source of the problem, using powerful fungicides and thoroughly disinfect the area, the dry rot damage will continue.

If You Don’t Do Anything, Will Dry Rot Keep Growing?

Yes.
Dry rot is a fungus, and if you have any experience with fungi, you know that they do not simply go away on their own. The spores will multiply, expand and wreak havoc on everything they touch.
This is why it’s so important to call El Gato as soon as you notice the initial signs of dry rot. The sooner you act, the less damage you’ll need to remedy. If not stopped in a timely manner, dry rot can weaken your wood to the point of disintegration.

How to Prevent Dry Rot Fungus in Wood?

Prevention is always the ideal cure, and dry rot is no exception. Like all fungi, dry rot requires moisture, so if you want to prevent the problem from occurring, you must take steps to minimize the amount of moisture penetrating your wood.

If you live in a very humid environment, this might mean running dehumidifiers during the day. Additionally, your wood siding and decking should be properly sealed, and your roof should be checked annually for potential water damage.

Ensure that your attic, bathrooms and kitchen are properly ventilated, and treat any plumbing leaks immediately. Basically, wherever you have a moisture problem, dry rot can rear its ugly head, so make sure to keep up with your general home maintenance.

How to Spot Dry Rot in Wood

A professional dry rot expert from El Gato can make an exact determination as to whether or not you have the dreaded fungus, but you can make a pretty educated guess simply by looking at the telltale signs. Here are some of the common indications to look for:

  • The wood shrinks, darkens and cracks
  • A grayish “skin” emerges, sometimes tinged with patches of yellow and lilac
  • White, fluffy mycelium occur in human conditions, sometimes accompanied by brittle strands
  • Active decay produces a musty, mold-like odor
Request a Quote/Appointment

"*" indicates required fields

or Call us 408-446-1171
Name*
Type of Job*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.