How To Treat and Prevent Dry Rot in Columbus OH

Dry Rot in Columbus OH

If you notice that your wooden floor, staircase or walls are damaged, you might be facing dry rot. This is a serious problem caused by a type of fungi. You will notice that the wood lost all its strength. By the time you see the rot, it might be too late to fix it. This is because it usually appears first in hidden spots such as under the floorboard. There are however some important warning signs you should look for.

  • Damaged Timber

Check your timber and see if you notice any changes in color. When timber is affected by rot, it will have a brown color. You will notice that it looks very dry and it’s easy to break with the hand.

  • Patches of Spore Dust

If you notice a large amount of orange spore dust, most probably you are facing dry rot. If you only notice some dust spores in small quantities, this can be harmless. In any case, it is better to know what you are dealing with.

  • White Mycelium and Mushrooms

When you notice something that looks like a wool cushion, you are seeing white Mycelium. At this point, most probably you can also see something that looks like a mushroom. This is a sign that the rot has reached an advanced stage.

Treat and Prevent

Now that you know how to spot the problem, it’s time to find the solution. The sooner you discover the rot, the higher the chances to find a solution. A specialist will be able to waterproof and control the moisture. He will also remove any parts that were affected. The area needs to dry out in order to prevent the fungi spores from multiplying. A fungicide paste is sometimes used to treat the areas affected by dry rot.

In order to prevent the same problem from reappearing, you need to take the following measures:

  • Replace the infected wood
  • Install or improve the ventilation under the floor
  • Paint the external timber
  • Check for damp walls
  • Keep the soil away from the timber
  • Check the roof area for any signs of water retention

Don’t let the rot threaten the integrity of your house. Be aware of the warning signs and try to do something about it before it gets to advanced worse stage. The best you can do is to have a specialist inspect your house and help you take prevention measures.

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