What Is Dry Rot, and What Are Its Signs?

Roof maintenance is crucial for making sure your roof reaches its maximum life expectancy. As the roof is exposed to the elements 24/7, a regular maintenance routine is recommended to head off potential problems, including dry rot.

Dry Rot

One of the most common roofing issues you should watch out for is dry rot. Untrained eyes might not be able to spot the signs immediately as dry rot starts in the concealed areas of the roof. It’s caused by fungi that need moisture to thrive.

Fungus can reproduce quickly as soon as it is exposed to moisture. It can be dormant for a long time, but with enough moisture, it can produce up to five million spores per minute. In just a couple of days, dry rot can deal major damage to your roof.

If you live in an old house where the wood might not have been treated against dry rot, it’s a good idea to call your contractor as soon as possible for a thorough inspection.

Common Locations

Dry rot can start wherever there’s wood, but there are a few areas that are more vulnerable. For example, if you find damaged or clogged gutters or downspouts, you should also check for dry rot. In your roof, all the corners and edges where water can pool are susceptible to rot.

Dry rot does not always start with your roof. There might be other areas or components in your home that are exposed to moisture, and those are the best places to start checking.

The most obvious signs of dry rot can be observed in cracked or split wood. There may also be discoloration.

Get in your attic, and check for tiny shafts of light coming in through the roof. Those are holes that are definitely leaking. Your attic ventilation may also have leaks. If you find clumped insulation, that means water is getting inside the attic, and rot can already be present.

Get in touch with Blackstone Exteriors to tackle problems with dry rot. Call us today in  Iowa at (515) 720-2158. You can also use this form to contact us.