Dry rot is caused by a specific species of fungus that can live in very low levels of moisture. It's a common problem in many homes and buildings. While most people think of moisture as a prerequisite for rot and decay, wood can also degrade in very dry conditions.Fortunately, there are many treatment options for wood experiencing this type of decay. The following guide provides simple tips and tricks on how to stop the dry rot in wood.
Best Dry Rot Conditions
Dry rot thrives when moisture levels are higher. Yet, it can also grow when there is little moisture is available.
This species of fungus doesn't need dampness or liquid water to survive. Instead, it can live off of the humidity found in the air. Since almost all air has some level of humidity in it, this fungus can survive in almost all conditions.
Steps to Stop Dry Rot
Once dry rot has appeared in a wooden building, it's important to isolate the area as quickly as possible. This is the first step in learning how to stop dry rot in wood. After you have isolated the area experiencing the rot, it's time to isolate that area.
If dry rot is present in the wood near the roof of a home, check for damage to structural beams. If any of the structural beams of a home or building have been damaged, replace them before continuing any other repairs. While dry rot may not completely degrade wood like wet rot, it can still weaken dry wood over time.
After the structural wood has been replaced in a roof, it's time to begin the repair process. In most cases, ethylene glycol can be used to neutralize the fungus found in the rot. Ethylene glycol is the active chemical found in many types of antifreeze.
If you choose to use commercial antifreeze to fix dry rot, pay attention to the following steps:
- When using ethylene glycol for treatment, get a bean sprayer or other pressurized spray container.
- Fill it with a 1:1 mix of ethylene glycol and warm water.
- Spray all affected wood areas with this mixture and allow them to dry. The ethylene glycol will kill off all the dry rot fungus without damaging the underlying wood.
After you have used ethylene glycol to treat rot-damaged areas, it's time to get started with roof repairs. In most cases, it's a good idea to hire a professional for this step. There are commercial preparations of a special epoxy that can rebind damaged wood.
Contact Cloud Roofing to get started on your repairs fast!