How to Spot + Combat Dry Rot

What is dry rot? Why is it so dangerous?

Dry rot is a build-up of moisture and fungus, usually occurring over a bit of time. It's common in
poorly ventilated areas. Dry rot happens when the wood softens and breaks down, turning into a
softer substance.

Dry rot is dangerous, especially when it's in areas that are structurally vital to your home.
Lumber behind your walls is essential to your house's construction. Dry rot compromises it,
making it weak.

When dealing with dry rot, it's best not to make it a DIY project. If there's a time to call in the
experts, it's when you think you have dry rot.

Figuring out what dry rot is and how to deal with it is the best way to remove any fear you have
around dry rot.

Dry rot occurs on construction lumber, which has been dried and cured. It flourishes in damp
areas where there is a lot of moisture. That being said, leaks, floods, and excess water are
significant culprits of causing dry rot. If you've experienced a leak or flood, this doesn't mean
you automatically have dry rot on the lumber in your home. If your water problem is fixed
correctly promptly, there should not be a massive cause for concern.

As mentioned above, dry rot is most likely to happen where wood and moisture meet. It's not
typically visible; it occurs below the surface of the wall or under roofing. The invisible
characteristic of dry rot is one of the things that makes it so dangerous. There are a few things
you should look out for when inspecting your home for dry rot. Be sure to keep a watchful eye
on:
1. Anywhere with a musty smell
2. Bubbling paint
3. Water-stained walls/wood
4. Wood that is soft to the touch

You might be wondering where even to start inspecting your home for dry rot. Start with your
caulk, primarily when it's used to seal joints. Be sure to check your deck, wood doors, and
anything surrounding your shower or tub. In general, keep an eye out for dry rot in your
bathrooms or kitchens, as they are the leading sources for water. Additionally, always check
wooded areas, like your trim, wood siding, windows, or any wood by the foundation of your
house.

How to Check if you have Dry Rot

Once you find a suspicious area you think might have dry rot, it's easy to check to confirm your
suspicions. Due to its mushy nature, dry rot gives in promptly when prodded. To check the
surface, poke the wood with something hard to see how far the corruption goes. If it is dry rot,
the wood will give and fall away quickly.

It's vital to call an expert. However, below are a few steps you can take to start to remedy the
issue at hand.
1. Stop whatever the moisture is coming from. This step is especially important if the wood
that is rotting is structurally vital to your home. Not shutting off the source exacerbates
the problem.
2. Expose the wood that is rotted fully. Make sure you find out how much lumber is
corrupted by exposing the area.
3. If possible, remove the rotted wood. It needs to be replaced immediately.
4. Lastly, treat the surrounding area with a fungicide to stop the growth of mold and further
damage to the wood in your home.

Remember, dry rot is not an issue you should be trying to fix on your own. Know when to call an
expert. Hopefully, these tips helped you to identify dry rot and take the next steps if it occurs in
your home. The best way to make sure that dry rot is not a threat to your house is to know when
you have a moisture problem. Excess water is the root cause of dry rot. Eliminate that problem
with Peril Protect Sensors, giving you cellular updates whenever something isn't right with water
in your home. Prevention is the best method!