The Dangers of Dry Rot in Your Home

Dry rot is a fungus that can invade your home and damage it structurally. Dry rot can render a structure unsound and, ultimately, dangerous. Terraces have been known to collapse because of dry rot. When dry rot invades a home, the result could be dangerous and expensive to repair. The dry rot fungus is invasive and when it affects structural elements of the home, the only option is to remove them and replace them with new items.

What Is Dry Rot?

Dry rot is a fungus that affects wood. The fungus feeds on the wood and reduces its integrity. Without its stiffness and strength, the wood can’t function and becomes a dangerous liability. Dry rot occurs even when homeowners can determine a moisture source. Of course, there must be some source of moisture for the dry rot to grow. Dry rot goes through four stages of development that see it from a small orange spore to a large fruiting body capable of producing spores of its own.

Dry rot is a serious problem and one that is also difficult to eliminate. If you have or suspect a dry rot problem in your home, it’s essential to call your general contractor or a construction firm to help you eradicate the dry rot and repair the damage it caused.

Treating Dry Rot

Once a dry rot issue has been spotted, a fungicide can be used to eliminate the rot. Of course, the structure must be thoroughly examined. The extent of the damage usually goes far beyond what the eye can see. Even a small amount of visible dry rot can render a wood beam unsound. An expert construction company has staff members that are experts at dealing with dry rot and home inspections. Once the dry rot has been dealt with, the repairs and wood replacement can begin. Of course, your construction firm will also work to eliminate the source of moisture leading to the dry rot problem. For outdoor structures like decks, your contractor can recommend wood and wood treatments that will ward off this dangerous fungus.

Preventing Dry Rot

Preventing dry rot is essential. Homeowners should routinely treat and maintain wood and also inspect for any moisture issues around their home. Repair leaky pipes and seal foundation cracks. It’s far easier to head off dry rot than it is to cope with it once it affects the home. Homeowners should work to direct rainwater away from their house and also get rid of any debris around the structure that retains moisture. Keeping the home well-maintained is essential for preventing a dry rot infestation.

Don’t Wait to Deal with Dry Rot

If you suspect a dry rot issue, you need to deal with it quickly. Dry rot can lead to structural issues quickly. Decks have been known to collapse with tragic consequences because of dry rot outbreaks. Call a construction company that specializes in dry rot inspections and repairs if you think you have a problem (Source: M&L Construction). They can help you protect your home from this harmful problem.

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