Periodically, you should inspect the home’s exterior for signs of wood rot as it can develop quickly. It often becomes obvious on porches, decks and other exterior wooden structures, as well as along the home, such as the roof frame, eaves, and fascia. Extensive dry rot repairs can become expensive, so with early detection, you can avoid serious issues that come from dry rot. Today, we at McKay’s Painting would like to continue to elaborate on dry rot repairs.

Dry Rot Identification

Make a plan to check annually your home every 6 months at least, as dry rot can even develop in newer homes. The risk of dry rot exists where wood and water meet. The higher the risk, the longer the area takes to dry. To test any suspicious areas in a systematic search, have a clipboard, flashlight, pen, and flat-head screwdriver. Anywhere wood meets concrete, and pay particular attention to wood joints, as well as check at any horizontal wood, like facia boards and windowsills. In areas of your home where the wood looks dark, look for any signs of wood rot or water damage. Additionally, look for paint that is cracking, blistering, or peeling. Moisture can wick up from concrete, so inspect any exposed end grain wood. Where greenery sits against the house, check anywhere that wood is close to dirt. Be on the lookout for white, gray, orange or green algae growing in places that can have fungus spores that will accelerate the wood rot. Start with the screwdriver test. You have wood rot if there is any give to the density of the wood. Where you discover dry rot, be sure to document them with your clipboard and camera while estimating the extent of the damage. Now is the time to stop the wood rot should you find the rot.

Repair or Replace Rotted Wood

Some wood rot can be repaired, where other affected areas will have to be replaced. Repair involves a process. First, remove the dry rot with a saw or chisel. When completing dry rot repair, it is vital remove every last piece of the infected wood since even a few strains of fungus-infected wood could re-infect the healthy wood and cause more damage. Early detection allows the damaged area will likely be small and manageable. By chipping away at it with a chisel, you can remove the dry rot. Use caution so that you don’t cut so much wood away that you can’t salvage the piece if a saw is required. Let the wood dry completely. The infected wood will need to be treated next, by treated the healthy wood surrounding the area of dry rot by applying an even layer of wood stabilizer. Use a medium-width paint brush, keep in mind the brush will be destroyed since the stabilizer has a glue-like consistency. Let the stabilizer completely dry for several hours. Once the wood stabilizer has completely dried, mix your wood filler and make certain the substance is thoroughly stirred. Filler over the wood which was treated with the stabilizer with a thin even layer of filler. Once it is partially dry, apply another layer; and repeat as necessary. If it is too thick, it will not bond well. Sand the filler to smooth the surface and finish the surface with paint or stain accordingly.

Dry Rot Repair & More in Ventura, Ojai, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills & Santa Barbara California

Dry rot repair can be challenging, to ensure it is done efficiently, call McKay’s Painting and let our experts take care of any dry rot issues.