Microbial Wood Damage
Dry rot
The term dry rot is a bit misleading because this issue requires moisture to occur. However, in more severe cases, it does make the wood appear very dry. It thrives at a moisture content that is drier than your finger and won’t feel wet to the touch.
Dry rot is a type of wood-eating fungus. It eats the cellulose fibers that give wood strength. It leaves a board behind that looks more stable than termite damage, but can be just as weak and compromised. Dry rot will cause a board to swell at the edges and suck in around the middle. In the earlier stages, it can leave hair or root-like lines on the surface of a board. As the damage gets more advanced, the wood will develop a burnt-looking appearance.
Dry rot thrives in wood that is 25-35% moist, while healthy wood should be 13-19% moist. If something is wetter, it can cause wet rot, which is a type of fungus. However, wet rot only occurs when the wood is constantly soaked, such as with a plumbing leak.
Since dry rot is a fungus, it will release spores and spread to other neighboring boards. To prevent dry rot one must control moisture as it cannot take hold of wood that stays dry. Once dry rot is present it can be difficult to determine the structural integrity. To prevent further damage, dry things out and replace weak or uncertain wood.
General Mold
There are multiple types of mold and plenty of other fungi that can do damage to wood. We’ve seen crawlspaces so full of a white mold (see image on the right) that it looks like a snowstorm took place. We’ve seen mold growing on the wood where dry rot has already started just working as a team to cause maximum damage.
Identifying specific mold types is not our specialty and does not rank high on our priority list. It likely doesn’t need to be high on yours either unless you have specific allergies. Stopping the mold growth has always ranked higher on our priority list. Mold needs moisture to live. Moisture is the easiest thing to eliminate to stop mold growth with a dehumidifier and some expertise.
We Can Help
At Upstate Structural Repair, we are skilled in making your home safer and more reliable—no guesswork, no pressure. We’ll inspect your home, walk you through the options, and offer a free estimate to help you make the right decision.
