Dry Rot Prevention

THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN WET ROT AND DRY ROT

If you’ve ever owned a home or building, you’ve most likely experienced the destructive nature of wood rot. Rot is one of the major causes of decay in wooden siding, window frames, and even foundations. It can grow and weaken the structure of a home faster than many homeowners expect. However, how serious the case is, and what action you need to take, depends on what type you have to deal with. As you seek out a way to fix the damage to your home, educate yourself on the differences between wet rot and dry rot to learn the best possible treatment method.

THE MAIN DIFFERENCES

Though fungal decay within wood timbers causes both types of rot, the main distinction deals with the amount of moisture needed for them to flourish. Wet rot needs a lot of moisture in order to grow, while dry rot can continue to spread regardless of whether the infected area is wet. Fortunately, this means that wet rot often confines itself to those select, damp areas. This also means dry rot poses a more significant danger because it can possibly infect the rest of your home.

Another key difference between wet rot and dry rot deals with the types of fungi that cause each case. A series of fungi can lead to wet rot, but only one type of fungus can trigger the growth of dry rot. It’s for this reason that wet rot is typically more common, easier for wood to contract, and less serious to treat. Dry rot, on the other hand, is harder to catch, more difficult to get rid of, and requires more specialized treatment.

CHARACTERISTICS OF WET ROT

Wet rot, on the other hand, will often have a darker color and you’ll see visible distortion or warping. Since wet rot can only grow in damp environments, you’ll notice the wood is wet to the touch, soft, and structurally unsound. If the rot dries out, the infected wood could also crack and crumble into fine fragments.

Additionally, potential fungal growth can help you identify wet rot. Many homeowners report finding a black fungus growing on the timber that resembles a mushroom in shape. This fungus organism feeds on damp wood fibers. This fungus will also release a damp, musty smell to indicate that it’s eating away at the wet materials.

More Similar Posts

Recent

Menu