How to Repair Dry Rot in 4 Simple Steps
Wood plus water doesn't have to equal your worst nightmare
- Wood chisel
- Wire brush
- Foam brush
- Putty knife
- Safety goggles
- Epoxy wood hardener
- Wood filler
- Sandpaper
Don't be fooled by the name—dry rot occurs when there's a lot of moisture around the wood in your home. Excessive moisture creates the ideal conditions for the fungus species that causes dry rot to thrive, putting your home's wooden features at risk. Knowing how to repair dry rot—and how to identify it in the first place—can help you protect your property for years to come.
Prepping to Repair Dry Rot
Before you can stop wood rot, you have to know what you're looking for. So, what does dry rot look like? Some common signs of it include:
Peeling paint or blistering
Discolored or darker wood
White or gray mold spores
Green algae-like growth
While dry rot strikes wood first and often occurs around windows or doors, it can spread to your home's mortar and plaster if left unchecked.
How to Repair Dry Rot
You can repair small sections of dry rot on your own. For larger areas, your best bet is to call in the help of a professional who fixes dry rot. This is because the repair may require removing and replacing entire sections of the wood. In extreme cases, the structural integrity of your home may be in jeopardy, which is something a professional must address.
Find the Cause
First, find the cause of the rot and fix it before you repair the damaged area. Common causes of dry rot include:
A roof leak
Lack of ventilation
Clogged gutters
Shrubbery or greenery that grows too close to your home
Inspect these areas of your home looking for any signs of excess moisture, leaks, or water damage.
Remove Infected Wood
Use a chisel and wire brush to remove any areas of infected wood. Remember to wear protective gear, including a mask, goggles, and gloves while working.
Keep chiseling and brushing until you've removed all the damaged wood and are left with a smooth surface.
Add Wood Hardener
You may not be able to remove all the damaged wood from the area. In that case, strengthen the wood by applying epoxy wood hardener to it. Use a foam brush to apply the wood hardener, allowing it to seep into the wood’s cracks and holes.
Let the wood hardener dry for two to four hours.
Patch the Wood
Use a putty knife to smooth wood filler onto the rotted area. You want to create an even surface, but it doesn't have to be perfect.
The wood filler should harden within an hour. Once it's hard to the touch, use sandpaper to smooth it down.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Left unchecked, dry rot can threaten your home's structural integrity. If you notice extensive sections, more than a few inches in size, of dry rot, you should call a water damage restoration company near you. In that scenario, replacing the damaged wood instead of repairing it is the best option.
A water damage pro can restore your home and give you tips and advice for making sure the dry rot doesn't come back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Even pressure-treated wood will rot in the right conditions. Pressure-treated wood is affected by the same type of fungus that causes dry rot. So, while it may last longer than untreated wood, you'll want to take the same precautions with pressure-treated wood to help prevent dry rot.
Mold and other fungi love moisture. So the best way to prevent mold growth after water damage is to remove as much moisture as possible. Find the source of the moisture, such as a leak or clogged gutters, then work to dry the area.
Once you've removed all traces of moisture, disinfect the area using either vinegar or bleach to kill any remaining mold spores.
The location of the dry rot gives you a clue as to whether it's best to repair or replace it. If the problem is located in a non-structural area of your home, such as the siding, repair may be the way to go. But if the dry rot is in the beams or framing, replacement is your safest bet. A water damage restoration pro can assess the problem and let you know if repair or replacement is right for your home.
