Dry ROT FAQS
Dry Rot ( Serpula lacrymans ) also is known as brown rot is a fungus that gets into the wood and starts to decay breakdown the cellulose and hemicellulose within the wood the structure of the wood causing the wood to lose its strength and become brittle and disintegrate. Dry rot is prevalent in all of the United States but is found more in the hi humidity prone areas such as Florida. If the moisture level is higher then 20% dry rot can occur in any type of wood that has not been pretreated.
Dry rot damage looks like white or slightly grey cotton wool forming onto the wood. You might also see droplets of water forming where the dry rot is. Look for what is called Fruiting - looking like soft fleshy pancakes or brackets with an orangish looking surface. The surface has wide pores. Also, checking the wood for shrinkage is also a sign that dry rot has infected your wood. Darkening almost wet looking spots in cracks of wood could also be a good indication that the wood has dry rot. Lastly, dry rot will have a mildew smell to the infected wood.
Dry Rot
Dry Rot can cause thousands of dollars in damage if not properly taken care of. If you are experiencing Dry Rot in your Palm Beach County or Martin county home give us a call. We are the number one leader in dry rot removal service in your area.
What is Dry Rot?
Dry Rot ( Serpula lacrymans ) also is known as brown rot is a fungus that gets into the wood and starts to decay and breakdown the cellulose and hemicellulose within the wood causing the wood to lose its strength and become brittle and disintegrate. Dry rot is prevalent in all of the United States but is found more in the hi humidity prone areas such as Florida. If the moisture level is higher then 20% dry rot can occur in any type of wood that has not been pretreated.
Dry Rot can penetrate the wood in a few different ways. If the wood was not properly dried after it has been cut down or a location where the wood has been exposed to prolonged high humidity and moisture. Another way dry rot can form if the wood comes into contact with water ie. a flood, burst pipe, or a water leak that has gone unnoticed. The ideal temperature for dry rot to flourish is between 71 -79 degrees with a high humidity level. With these conditions, the spores travel through the air ( oxygen ) and then dry rot begins to grow on the wood.
How to Prevent Dry Rot?
Preventing dry rot simple comes down to keeping the wood dry. Also, there is a number of pre-treatments on the markets today to seal and protect the wood from any dry rot damage.
How to Spot Dry Rot?
Dry rot damage looks like white or slightly grey cotton wool forming onto the wood. You might also see
droplets of water forming where the dry rot is. Look for what is called Fruiting - looking like soft fleshy pancakes with an orangish looking surface. Checking the wood for shrinkage is also a sign that dry rot has infected your wood. Darkening or almost wet looking spots in cracks of wood could also be a good indication that the wood has dry rot. Lastly, dry rot will have a mildew smell to the infected wood.
Removing Dry Wood
Dry rot will only ever affect wood that is wet, so the first step in removing the dry rot should always be getting rid of the source of water or moisture that is causing the dry rot to form.
All infected wood should be removed and replaced with pre-treated wood.
The dry rot should then always be treated with an effective fungicide treatment to prevent any more dry rot to grow in the area.
The Effects of Dry Rot on Your Health
Dry rot and its spores alone cannot affect your health, however, the damp conditions to where the dry rot has formed can also form other molds such as black mold which can be detrimental to someone's health causing respiratory issues as well as rashes and headaches.
Does insurance cover dry rot?
Dry rot may be covered by your insurance company up to $5000.00 if the dry rot was caused by let say a breaking pipe or a damaged roof where the wood beams have been exposed to water. You should always check with your insurance company before calling a professional dry rot removal service.
Professional Dry Rot Removal Service
K-Boys Construction is your number one specialist when it comes to Dry Rot Removal Services. We can come into your home and set forth a plan of action to safely remove and repair all damaged wood caused by dry rot. Don't take on the hassle of trying to remove the dry rot yourself, leave it up to the professionals at K-Boys Construction who's highly trained specialists know what works best for effectively removing your damaged wood and leaving your home or business dry rot free.
Contact us today for a free quote!
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