DRY ROT DAMAGE THAT CAN OCCUR AND HOW WE ADDRESS IT:
Repairing dry rot damage increases the structural stability and (along with seismic retrofitting) helps fortify your commercial or residential property in the event of an earthquake. Dry rot repairs and maintenance can include a wide variety of tasks including proper caulking, painting, and siding and trim work maintenance. If your interior and/or exterior walls have dry rot damage, it is necessary to repair this issue so your property’s structural integrity will stand strong for many years to come.
We offer commercial and residential dry rot repair services throughout San Francisco and beyond.
ORIGIN OF THE PROBLEM
Dry rot is a type of wood decay that occurs when wood structures are damp or have wood-dirt contact and begin to deteriorate. As the moisture increases, harmful fungi attacks the wood, breaking it down and causing it to weaken and rot. The reason it is referred to as “dry rot” is because the wood appears to be dry, even though it is being broken down by fungi.
There are several factors that can contribute to the growth of dry rot, including high humidity levels, poor ventilation, and wood-dirt contact. When wood is exposed to moisture for an extended period of time, it can become a breeding ground for fungi that causes dry rot. This can occur in areas such as crawl spaces, attics, and basements, where moisture can accumulate and remain for long periods of time.
In addition, most buildings have some form of dry rot where paint or other flashing barriers have not been applied to areas exposed to weather. This allows moisture to penetrate the wood and create an environment where fungi can thrive. Dry rot can also occur as a result of plumbing leaks, roof leaks, and other water intrusion issues.
HOW WE REPAIR DRY ROT
- Every bit of wood that is damaged needs to be removed. We continue to remove dry rot until structurally integral wood is discovered.
- Using a wire brush, loosened material is removed from all surfaces of the infestation, including metal, masonry, and pipes. Resulting dust and debris is removed as well.
- Our two-part dry rot process prevents moisture from re-establishing itself.
- Substantially dry rot-damaged materials such as mud sills, floor joists, and floor beams in the crawl space area are rebuilt.
- Install a sump pump.
DRY ROT PREVENTION TIPS
Preventing Dry Rot in a Basement
Basements are a common area for dry rot to occur, as they tend to be damp and poorly ventilated. To prevent dry rot in your basement, there are several steps you can take.
- Remove Standing Water
The first step in preventing dry rot in a basement is to remove any standing water sources. This can include fixing any leaks, installing a sump pump, and ensuring that your gutters and downspouts are working properly. By removing standing water, you can reduce the humidity levels in your basement and prevent the growth of fungi that causes dry rot.
2. Install a Plastic Vapor Barrier
Once all standing water sources have been removed, the next step is to install a plastic vapor barrier on the walls and floors of your basement. This barrier helps to prevent moisture from entering your basement and creating an environment where fungi can thrive. It is important to ensure that the barrier is properly installed and sealed to prevent any gaps where moisture can enter.
3. Install a Self-Draining Dehumidifier
Finally, it is recommended to install a self-draining dehumidifier powerful enough to dry the area (at least a 100-liter model). A dehumidifier helps to remove excess moisture from the air and can help prevent the growth of fungi that causes dry rot. It is important to choose a dehumidifier that is powerful enough for the size of your basement and to ensure that it is regularly maintained and cleaned to ensure proper operation.
Preventing Dry Rot in a Crawl Space
Crawl spaces are another common area for dry rot to occur. To prevent dry rot in your crawl space, there are several steps you can take.
1. Ensure Adequate Cross-Ventilation
The first step in preventing dry rot in a crawl space is to ensure that there is adequate cross-ventilation. This can be achieved by installing vents or fans that circulate air throughout the space. By keeping the air moving, you can reduce the humidity levels in your crawl space and prevent the growth of fungi that causes dry rot.
2. Encapsulate the Crawl Space
Once cross-ventilation is established, the next step is to encapsulate the crawl space with a crawl space liner. This liner helps to prevent moisture from entering your crawl space and creating an environment where fungi can thrive. It is important to ensure that the liner is properly installed and sealed to prevent any gaps where moisture can enter.
3. Install a Sump Pump
In some instances, you may need to install a sump pump to prevent standing water in your crawl space. A sump pump helps to remove excess water that may accumulate in your crawl space and can help prevent the growth of fungi that causes dry rot. It is important to choose a sump pump that is properly sized for your crawl space and to ensure that it is regularly maintained and cleaned to ensure proper operation.
Repairing the dry rot in your building will also increase its resale value! The moment you discover dry rot in your structure, or if you would like to ensure there are no hidden dry rot areas, it is vital to give the experts at Victor Construction & Engineering a call instantly. We will properly identify all the areas of dry rot by performing an in-depth on-site evaluation. Our dry rot repair team will walk you through the entire process, from start to finish. We use only quality products to repair the damage, so your building will last for decades to come. We are the expert in dry repair with over 30 years of experience.
Check out some frequently asked questions about dry rot repair and VCE’s answers.
