What to Know About Roof Dry Rot – Family Roofing

Posted on by David Reid

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What to Know About Roof Dry Rot

Your roof is essential to your home and family’s protection against weather extremes and harsh outdoor elements.  Keeping up with maintenance and being proactive when it comes to the needs of your roof can help you avoid serious issues, such as dry rot.  This problem can compromise the structural integrity of your roof, making it prone to collapse.

THE MAIN CAUSES OF ROOF ROT

There are several causes of roof rot.  However, it all boils down to water.  Any roof with a moisture issue left unchecked will gradually rot.

It’s essential to know the signs of roof rot, so you can act quickly as soon as they appear anywhere in your home.  However, we encourage regular roof inspections from qualified roofing contractors to stop the problem before it develops.  If you can see the signs, you already have a lot of work to do.

Moisture creates the perfect environment for moss and mold growth.  Fungi will spread faster in such an environment, creating more holes in the wood and extending the water damage and roof rot.  The top causes of roof rot include:

  • Moisture from condensation

  • Humidity due to temperature changes in the attic

  • Roof ventilation dysfunction

  • Water leaks/Water stains on ceiling and walls

  • Wood-eating fungi

  • Sagging roof

  • Mold and moss growth

  • Deteriorated shingles

  • Clogged gutters

  • Dark spots on wood

  • Musty, damp smell in the attic

  • Discolored fascia

  • Cracked flashing

Algae, Mold and Moss Growth

Excessive heat and moisture can make the wooden components of the roof susceptible to bacterial issues like dry rot.  This issue refers to aggressive fungi that live in moisture-prone and hidden areas of the roof.  The older your home is, the more it is at risk of dry rot, especially if there’s untreated wood.

You want to watch out for this type of fungi because they can quickly spread around your roof.  It’s because they can reproduce at about five million spores per minute within a few days.  Dry rot can even remain dormant for many years until moisture reaches it again.  To avoid this issue from getting worse, make sure to get regular roof inspections and maintenance from a reliable roofing contractor.

Roof rot, also known as dry rot, is a significant problem many homeowners would rather avoid. It’s as unpleasant as it sounds and can tear through a property quickly. If you notice any signs of roof rot, you need to move quickly to fix it before it gets worse.

Blocked Gutters

Gutters are key for directing rainwater away from the roof, so if they become clogged or deteriorate, rainwater will have no place to go but back up under the roofing shingles.  If this happens, your roof can suffer from water damage and even rot along with your gutter.

Cracked Shingles

Shingles aren’t indestructible. If your roof is exposed to deteriorating elements such as ice and snow, strong winds, or hail, the roof may start cracking under pressure.  If shingles crack and you neglect to replace them, roof damage will continue to spread, and the roof will eventually rot away at a fast rate.

Poor Ventilation

Just like your body, your roof needs fresh air to breathe.  If roof vents are blocked or shut somehow, the roof will suffocate and rot.  It’s advised that roofers  inspect roof ventilation for any damage when giving roof structure inspections.

Damage Around Roof Vents

When roofing contractors give roof inspections, they should also inspect roof vents for possible damage.  If roof vents are loose, broken, or missing whole sections, this will cause roof damage and lead to root rot.

Damaged Flashing

Flashing is the metal covering areas under transition between different roofing materials (such as between metal roofing and roof shingles).  If the flashing isn’t intact, roof damage will occur.   A professional should inspect roof flashing for damage due to metal roof repair services.

SOLUTIONS FOR ROOF ROT

The leading solutions for roof rot damage are repair or replacement.  Repair is realistic only if the affected area is not responsible for structural stability. That means the site has no joints, beams, or flooring and isn’t responsible for holding anything else up.

In areas that affect structural stability, replacement is the only choice.  Regardless of the option, you must first address the cause of the rot to avoid a repeat.

To repair the roof rot, you must first remove as much damaged wood as you can using a chisel.  For parts you can’t remove, use a reinforcing compound to strengthen the undamaged wood.  Apply a wood patching product to complete the job.

Replacement is a bit more complicated.  Here’s what you’ll need to do:

  • Remove the rotted wood (up to three feet).

  • Remove the linings, skirting paneling, and plaster.

  • Clean the area.

  • Replace the old wood with new pieces featuring preservative coating.

  • Replaster and paint the area with a product containing zinc oxychloride.

GET PROFESSIONAL HELP FOR ROOF ROT

Repair and prevention of roof rot is not your typical DIY project.  If your roofing is more than 20 years old, it’s nearly guaranteed that you’re going to have some roof damage.

In addition to roof rot, roof damage can lead to expensive roof repairs and roofing replacements.  To avoid calling roofing contractors for major roof repairs, then roof inspections should be done at least once a year.