Dry rot, also known as a homeowner’s worst nightmare, is a type of fungus, like mold and mushrooms, that can cause wood to decay rapidly. As dry rot grows, it will eventually spread, and it can cause structural damage to your home. This is why it is so important to catch dry rot earlier so that you can properly treat it before costly damage is done. Not sure where or how to look for dry rot? Here are 4 steps for checking your home for dry rot.

If You’ve Already Found Fungi, Look Closely

If you’re already found fungi growing on the wood in your home, it is important to look closely to identify it as dry rot. Unlike other fungi, such as wet rot, dry rot will have a yellowish tint to when exposed to sunlight. Dry rot is also usually flat but can have fruiting bodies that stick off of the wood.

Examine the Wood Closely

Wood affected by dry rot will be an unnatural hue of brown and have a dried out, crumbling appearance. This is because dry rot, as a living creature, is feeding off of the wood. It drains the wood of the nutrients it needs to keep its structure. Dry rot will also leave cracks along the wood where you can find evidence of the fungus growing.

Take a Sniff

Dry rot has a very distinct smell that you can’t miss. If you smell a damp, musty smell around your home that smells like wood decaying, then there is a good chance that you have a dry rot problem somewhere in your home. Dry rot is commonly found in dark, damp locations like basements, attics, and interior structures due to the fact that, like all fungi, dry rot grows best in these conditions.

Hire a Professional

If you’re having trouble identifying if the fungus is dry rot, or you realize it is dry rot, it can be extremely helpful to hire a professional to diagnose the problem and begin work to remove it. The faster you remove dry rot from your home and repair the damages, the less costly repairs you’ll have to make down the road. A professional will be able to identify your fungi problem, set up a plan that caters to your home’s specific needs as well as your budget, and fix the problem.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with any type of mold or fungus in your home is never something we want to deal with. If you see or suspect water damage or mold, be sure to give us a call  here at Restoration Certified Services. Our experts will review your home or place of business and ensure you and your family are safe.