What Is Dry Rot? Part 1

Dry rot is a fungus (Serpula lacrymans) that destroys wood and is not contained to any particular area of the world. It is known to affect timbers in ships and buildings, and can cause widespread structural damage. There is a difference between dry rot and other wood-destroying fungus such as wet rot. Dry rot can affect other building materials besides the timber and, therefore, can spread quickly throughout a building. It is important, then, to identify that the problem is actually dry rot so additional measures, not necessary when dealing with other wood-rotting fungi, can be taken.

How to Spot Dry Rot

Although called dry rot, dry rot is actually caused by moisture collecting and remaining on a wood surface for an extended period of time causing a fungus to break down the wood fibers turning the wood to mush.  Because dry rot usually happens inside walls, under roofing, or beneath your floor, you may not be aware of it. Therefore, ways to spot dry rot include:

• Soft or spongy feeling walls, floors, or roofing
• Flooring or roofing that is soft in spots when you walk on it
• Musty smelling wood
• Wood that appears to be shrinking or is cracking
• Bubbling paint

Where to Look:

The areas in your home that are most susceptible to dry rot include:

• Around windows and exterior doors
• Porches or decks
• Shower walls
• Around the edges of your roof near rain gutters
• Caulked joints on interior and exterior surfaces
• The floor around the base of your shower or bath tub
• Exterior trim
• Wood siding around the base of your home
• Wood that covers your concrete foundation
• Wood near a long-term plumbing leak

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