How to Treat Dry Rot Damage on Your Deck in Solvang, CA; Signs of Rotting Wood & More

Dry rot is caused by a fungus. Generally it attacks wood but can also move into stucco and mortar. It destroys the structural integrity of wooden products and can continually spread if not checked. If the member is structural, call a professional. If decorative and you have the skills, tools, knowledge and experience; you may treat this as a DIY project.

Signs of Dry Rot on Deck

Blistering, cracked or peeling paint, wood that is darker than the surrounding areas and green algae on the wood. Other signs are a grey or whitish growth and in advanced stages a mushroom-like body in advanced cases. Push on a suspected spot with a screw driver. If it feels spongy or penetrates you have dry rot.

Does Dry Rot Continue to Grow with Moisture?

Certain amounts of dry rot or even termite aftermath, can be repaired. If the affected area is structural, meaning it supports weight like roof joists, floor joists and other supporting members you must consider replacement of the member. Another consideration is that though given the name dry rot, it still requires a build up of moisture to activate the spores to start growing. First you must eliminate the source of moisture. Roof leaks, damaged gutters or downspouts, plumbing leaks and poor ventilation, or the dry rot will return.

Does Dry Rot Spread?

For repair you first remove as much of the infected wood as possible with a wood chisel. Unreachable? You can drill holes and inject a consolidant, a resin-based product that reinforces the infected portions and adheres to the non-infected areas. A wood patching can be used to build up the area and when sanded and painted will finish the repair. Your primary concern is stopping the spread of the dry rot. Not only do you have to repair but you must halt the spread deep into your structure.

Structural Wood Dry Rot Replacement

Replacement will involve the removal of all rotted deck wood and an additional three or so feet of surrounding wood to make sure no fungus remains. Cleaning all surfaces; this includes steel and pipes within five feet of the affected area. To finish out you need to apply a fungicide to all surfaces within five feet of the affected area. You replace the member with a pressure treated or preservative-treated wood.

What Causes Dry Rot on Decks & Porches?

On thing to consider, dry rot is a moisture activated fungus and can attack relatively new structures. Any where wood and water meet is a potential dry rot site. End grain allows moisture to migrate into the wood through capillary action and therefore a potential point for dry rot infection. Wood and concrete contact is another possible point for dry rot.

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

Point of fact, dry rot and of course a termite infestation can destroy your deck and home. Repairs need to be done post-haste to ensure the integrity of a home. Structural member replacement is not a DIY project. You need to ensure insurance underwriting of your home and structural integrity to established code and standards. Deck and porch repair and replacement should be done by a licensed and bonded contractor. This gives you legal standing if any problems should arise from the repair. McKay’s Painting technicians have the tools, experience and know-how to fix the problem.