Dry rot can affect various components of your home, including your roof. In this post, we share more information about dry rot, including its impact on your roof and the signs you should look out for. We also discuss how a roof contractor can help protect your home for years to come.
Dry Rot on Roofs
Dry rot is a threat that can compromise the structural integrity of your roof if left untreated. It’s a kind of fungus that eats away at the wood in your roofing, causing it to decay and ultimately weaken. This can lead to safety hazards and costly repairs down the line.
Identifying Dry Rot
To detect dry rot on your roof, you should watch out for the following signs:
- Warped, cracked or curling shingles – They tend to look more worn down than usual, becoming brittle and ultimately crumbling. Poorly sealed shingles also increase the risk of dry rot as moisture can easily access the wooden base underneath.
- Soft, spongy spots or deflated areas on the roof – These can indicate water damage or decay as a result of dry rot. These spots may appear like a slightly sunken area in the roof, or they may be soft and spongy to the touch. As dry rot progresses, these areas may become brittle and easily crumble away.
- White, fuzzy growths around the roof or near its edges – These growths are the result of fungal spore reproduction, which can exist even when the roof appears dry on the surface.
- Piles of sawdust near the foundation or rafters – These are created when the fungus eats away at the wood. As the dry rot spreads along the timbers, the wood disintegrates and can leave behind a pile of sawdust. This can be particularly dangerous since dry rot can spread to unseen areas like the roof’s joists, which can put the entire roof at risk.
- Visible signs of water damage within the home, like peeling paint or water stains – These may indicate a roof leak. Water and excessive dampness can cause dry rot to form on your roof, resulting in serious damage and potentially unsafe conditions.
What to Do With Dry Rot
Once you identify dry rot, what comes next is addressing it effectively. It’s not a task to be taken lightly because dry rot can spread rapidly and it’s often more widespread than it initially appears to be. It’s essential to have a professional roofer delve into the task. They can eliminate the rot, repair any damage and take measures to prevent recurrence.
Dry roof rot can pose a significant threat to the health of your roof and your home if left untreated. The importance of spotting and addressing it early cannot be understated. If you suspect dry rot or have any other roofing concerns, contact Fields Roof Service, Inc. at (253) 852-4974. Alternatively, you can fill out our online form to schedule a consultation.
