How to Take Care of Wood Rot and Dry Rot

Learn from the Professionals: How to Take Care of Wood Rot and Dry Rot in Rockford, IL & Surrounding Areas

If left unchecked, dry rot and wood rot can create lots of damage and consequences for your home. In areas prone to moisture such as windows, the basement, crawlspaces, and more can all build up moisture over time. In this blog, learn how to look for, identify, and treat dry rot in your home.

How to Look for Dry Rot and Wood Rot

Use a long-handled screwdriver and a flashlight to search areas susceptible to moisture in your home. If the wood can be punctured or penetrated by the screwdriver, is soft, has an odor, is discolored, is swollen, and more, these are signs of rot. It is recommended to check yearly before wintertime.

Where Dry Rot and Wood Rot Can be Found

• Roof
• Perimeter Wood
• Wet Rooms
• Basement
• Bathrooms
• Windows
• Exterior Doors
• Crawl Spaces
• Siding

Treating Dry Rot and Wood Rot

Start by drying out the area first. Find and fix the leak first or seal where the moisture is coming in from. Set up a fan and dehumidifier for a few days to make sure the wood is all dried out. Once dried, seal the area with borate or copper wood preservative. Check back in a few days and a few weeks later to make sure the seal holds and no new moisture seeps in.

How to Prevent Dry Rot and Wood Rot

You can prevent moisture buildup by keeping a dehumidifier in the basement, installing an exhaust fan in the bathroom, and if you have a deck outside, wiping off any standing water after it rains.

With these tips, your home will be safe from the risks of rot and moisture. Check once a year and if you need any help with these tasks, reach out to local craftspeople to schedule estimates and at-home consultations to get professional help.

Contact Handyman Connection of Rockford

Contact our team at Handyman Connection of Rockford for your home repair needs. Fill out a form or call 815-885-5294 to schedule an estimate.