How to Take Care of Wood Rot and Dry Rot

Upkeep Your Home with Professional Tips on How to Take Care of Wood Rot and Dry Rot in Chesterfield, MO & Surrounding Areas

Every year, it is a good idea to check your home for wood rot and dry rot as a part of your yearly maintenance before winter sets in. This is essential for the health as your home as rot can damage your home in several areas and can get worse if left unchecked. Keep on reading to learn how to identify and take care of dry rot and wood rot in your home.

What is Wood Rot?

Wood rot can affect areas that are susceptible to moisture in your home. These following areas should be checked regularly:

• Basement
• Wet Rooms
• Bathrooms
• Crawl Space
• Exterior Timber
• Entryways
• Siding

Use a flashlight and a long-handled screwdriver to check out these spots. Wood rot is noticeable by the wood’s odor, discoloration, swelling, and is easily punctured. The affected wood will need to be dried out and then sealed with a copper or borate wood preservative. Installing an exhaust fan, dehumidifier, and wiping any standing water off your deck will help prevent the occurrence of wood rot.

What is Dry Rot?

Dry rot is caused by a fungal infection in the wood of your home. This will spread and infect large areas, making the wood brittle and start to decay. This is identifiable by gray lines in the wood, orange spores, and growths. The affected timber will need to be removed and new treated wood put in its place. This is preventable with the use of wood pretreated with fungicide.

Both wood rot and dry rot can cause serious problems in your home. It is important to catch this right away and to ask local craftspeople for help if you are unable to look for or correct the situation. No matter what, your home will be in good hands and health with these tips.

Contact Handyman Connection of Chesterfield

Contact our team at Handyman Connection of Chesterfield for your home improvement needs. Call (636) 242-5601 to schedule your estimate.