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Dry Rot
What is Dry Rot?
The term "dry rot" is actually a misnomer. Generally, it is used to
describe wood decay. More accurately, it is the decay of seasoned
wood, caused by certain fungi capable of carrying water into the wood
they infest. In advanced stages, the wood becomes crumbly and powdery,
losing all of its structural integrity. Unless the moisture intrusion is sealed off and the infested wood and water
concentration removed, the deterioration continues.
Why is dry rot such a nemesis? First, dry rot is virtually invisible to the untrained eye until its
advanced stages. Second, most homeowners have no way of determining if
slipshod building practices were employed during the original
construction. This is particularly true in newer dwellings where
unsuspecting buyers would assume no dry rot could possibly have taken
hold in such a short time. Third, natural phenomena (seismic movement,
settling, compression, wind and flooding) can render a structure less
than watertight -- quickly and often imperceptibly. Finally, there is plain old aging.
How can dry rot be controlled?
Like your skin, the exterior surface of your home is a very important
membrane that needs to be carefully tended. This membrane is the
combination of all exterior surfaces, such as roof, walls, and
foundations; opening such as doors, windows, and skylights;
attachments such as stairs, decks, patios, gutters and trim;
penetrations for plumbing, wiring, drains; and any joints or
intersections of two or more components. All require regular,
concerted maintenance if the structure is to remain dry and sound.
How do I know if my home needs moisture protection?
The extent of the damage caused by moisture intrusion cannot be
readily assessed without actually opening and thoroughly inspecting
the interior structural condition of the concerned walls, decks or
roof systems. Unfortunately, many contractors neither understand this
process nor care to undertake it.
How much time and money will it take to determine the extent of
the dry rot problem? The cost and schedule for a major addition to a
home can be made fairly accurately, well before any construction
begins. In dramatic contrast, a fairly accurate dry rot repair cost
cannot be estimated until the damaged parameters are thoroughly
defined. The ensuing delay can be very unsettling to the homeowner,
who is understandably more comfortable making financial arrangements
in advance. Unfortunately, where dry rot is concerned, an estimate is
more often a "guesstimate." Here at Solas+Co LLC we have extensive
experience with Dry Rot abatement.
Solas LLC
Phone: (503) 349-0750
Free Estimates
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