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Home Improvement  /  May 18, 2021

How to Take Care of Wood Rot and Dry Rot on Your McKinney, TX Area Home

How to Take Care of Wood Rot and Dry Rot in McKinney, TX & Surrounding Areas

Your home can suffer damages from wood rot and dry rot, especially if not prevented. Learn more about where this is likely to happen in your home and how it can be prevented, repaired, and more. Wood rot and dry rot may seem like a small problem at first, but left alone, it can cause heavy expenses and damage.

High-risk Areas

  • Roof
  • Wet Rooms
  • Basements
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Exterior Doors

These areas of your home have the potential to building up or letting in moisture.

Complete a yearly check of your home to make sure none of these damages such as dry rot are occurring. Before winter, take a flashlight and a long-handled screwdriver to investigate these areas of your home. Moisture can create a big problem and can worsen once the freeze sets in.

Signs of Rot

  • Discoloration
  • Softness
  • Smell
  • Swelling

Use the long-handled screwdriver to test any wood that is questionable or looks like the described terms above. If you can push it into the wood, this is a sign of too much moisture and decaying wood. Search all spaces including but not limited to siding, crawlspaces, perimeter woods, spaces around sinks, tubs, showers, and more.

Treatment for Dry Rot and Wood Rot

Dehumidifiers near the area will help with moisture. Repair leaks or seal where moisture is coming in before drying can begin. After the wood is dried out, seal it with a copper or borate wood preservative. Check again to make sure the seal works and holds with no moisture in the wood. If more moisture is still coming through, there is the risk for more damage and more repairs will need to be made.

Prevent Dry Rot

You can prevent dry rot by keeping up with those areas in your home that can have lots of moisture. Remove and replace all caulk around windows, bathtubs, sinks, and exterior doors. Keep your gutters clean and running smoothly. Install exhaust fans in the bathroom and keep a dehumidifier running in the basement. Outside, if it rains, remove standing water from your deck.

You will be ready to handle and prevent any rot or mold that appears in your home with these tips. Check your home routinely every year to catch any problems early on. If you need help keeping these areas safe from dry rot, or you need help with repairs, be sure to reach out to your local craftspeople and professionals.

Contact Handyman Connection

Contact our professional handymen at Handyman Connection in McKinney, TX, and surrounding areas. Call (972) 752-6985 to schedule an estimate for your next home improvement and repair.   

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