DRY ROT is a type of fungal decay that causes wood to become brittle and crumble. It occurs when wood has a moisture content above 20% and is caused by fungi like Serpula lacrymans. To fix it, you must first eliminate the source of moisture, then remove all decayed wood, treat surrounding surfaces with a fungicide, and finally, replace the damaged wood with pressure-treated lumber.

IDENTIFYING DRY ROT

- Appearance: The wood will look darker, with a dry, crumbly, and sometimes cubical-cracked texture. It may appear soft or spongy. 

- Poke test: Press the wood with your finger or a tool like a screwdriver. If it feels soft, squishy, or your tool penetrates easily, the wood is likely affected. 

- Mycelium: You may find a fluffy, white, or greyish skin-like growth on the surface. 

HOW TO FIX DRY ROT

- Eliminate moisture: Identify and fix the source of the water damage, such as a leaky pipe, poor sealing, or bad ventilation. 

- Remove affected wood: Scrape, sand, or cut away all dry-rotted wood. It's recommended to remove the rotted wood and an additional three feet of surrounding wood to ensure all fungus is gone. 

- Treat surfaces: Apply a fungicide or a wood hardener to all affected timbers and masonry in the area to kill any remaining fungal spores. 

- Replace wood: Fill minor damage with a wood epoxy or putty, or replace heavily damaged sections with new, pressure-treated wood. 

- Prevent recurrence: Take preventative steps like sealing cracks, maintaining gutters, and ensuring proper ventilation in high-moisture areas like bathrooms and basements. 

PREVENTING FUTURE DRY ROT

- Maintain exterior: Regularly inspect and maintain the exterior of your home, including caulking, paint, and flashing.

- Manage moisture: Use a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements and crawl spaces.

- Ensure proper ventilation: Make sure bathrooms, kitchens, attics, and crawl spaces are well-ventilated.

- Fix leaks immediately: Promptly repair any plumbing or roof leaks to prevent water from accumulating.