Identifying Dry Rot and Preventing It

Posted by Edwin Yi Comments Off on Identifying Dry Rot and Preventing It Roof Repair, Roof Replacement, Roofing Contractors

Identifying Dry Rot and Preventing It

No other way around it? Dry rot happens because of moisture. When wood is exposed to water, it may attract the spores of a certain type of fungi that breaks down cellulose and hemicellulose, the substances that make wood strong. This leads to collapse, and, in turn, a collapse of your home as well.

All is not lost, though. Your local roofing contractor, Wilson Roofing, shares how to identify dry rot and to prevent it.

Looking for Dry Rot

The fungi responsible for dry rot releases up to five million spores per minute to the air. These spores germinate on wood exposed to moisture, with water content of typically 20%. This means the first order of business is to find timber exposed to moisture in the first place, such as your roof (specifically the rafters). Include plumbing and gutter systems and areas where water may collect.

Look for signs of dry rot such as discolored, shrunken or splitting wood. When you find such an area, try to tap it with a pointed tool; if it disintegrates or the tool penetrates it easily, there is dry rot present.

Your roofing company also advises looking for the fungus itself. It may look like cotton wool or the skin of a flat, grayish mushroom.

Fixing Dry Rot

Experts apply an epoxy to fill the wood cavity left by dry rot, which they can later sand, shape and finish to maintain the consistency and design of the wood. Other specialized measures include using antifreeze to kill the fungus or saturating the uninfested parts of the wood with copper to prevent the spread of the fungus. Preventing dry rot is also as simple as sealing and painting the wood and keeping it from sources of moisture.

Call us today at Wilson Roofing, your local roofing expert, at (512) 263-3157 to get started. You can also fill out our contact form for a free, no-obligation consultation. We serve Texas homeowners, particularly those in Austin, TX.