Preventing dry rot is simple. Do your best to limit exposure of wood in your home to moisture with these steps:
Siding – Have wood siding sealed properly and installed by a skilled siding installer.
Painting – Make sure any wood for outdoor use is primed on all 6 sides before painting.
Roofing – Have your roof checked once a year to identify and prevent potential water damage, mold, or dry rot. Install gutters to direct rainwater away from your home’s walls and foundation.
Plumbing – Dry rot is commonly caused by plumbing leaks. Check underneath vanities and cabinets and around toilets for leaks. If you find any, have them repaired ASAP.
Ventilation – Make sure your bathrooms, attic, and kitchen have proper ventilation installed to remove excess moisture from the air.
Deck – Have your deck properly sealed. If you hire a carpenter to install a new deck, have it built at a slight slope so water will shed easily.
Landscaping – Position lawn sprinklers so that they do not spray onto your home’s exterior trim.