Dry Rot Repair

Dry Rot Can Be Hazardous, Let Us take Care Of It

What Is Dry Rot?

Dry rot is a type of wood decay caused by moisture and fungus that weakens, breaks, and destroys wood over time. It’s usually triggered by poor ventilation or leaks, often from damaged roofing or plumbing. Even though it’s called “dry” rot, ironically it only grows where there’s excess moisture.

You’ll usually find dry rot in hidden or hard to reach spots like the roof decking, eaves, rafters, or fascia boards. If left untreated, it can really damage the structure of your home or building and lead to some serious roof repairs. Don’t let dry rot compromise your home or property value. Call New Era Roofing today for a free estimate

Signs of Dry Rot to Watch For

Dry rot doesn’t always show itself right away. Here are a few signs that may point to dry rot in or around your roof:

Cracked, crumbling, or soft wood
A musty or damp smell
Discoloration or fungal growth
Sagging, sunken, or bulging roof areas
Visible damage around chimneys, eaves, or valleys

If you notice any of these issues, it’s time to schedule a roof inspection.

How We Fix Dry Rot

Find and Assess the Damage

We inspect your roof and wood structures to see how far the rot has spread.

Remove Rotted Wood

All affected wood is carefully removed to prevent the rot from spreading.

Treat the Area

We apply high-grade treatments to kill any remaining fungus and protect the surrounding wood.

Replace and Reinforce

We install new, rot-resistant wood and reinforce structural areas if needed.

Seal and Protect

The final step includes sealing exposed areas and applying waterproof protection to prevent future issues.

Clean up

We make sure to leave your property cleaner than we found it

We're here to serve our community

Preventing Roof Rot

The best way to deal with dry rot is to stop it before it starts. With timely roofing inspections, and the right roof maintenance, you can keep your roof strong, dry, and fungus-free for years to come. Here’s what we recommend:

Keep your roof sealed and watertight
Regularly check for cracked shingles, damaged flashing, or exposed wood. These can all let moisture in.
Clean gutters and downspouts regularly
Clogged gutters cause water to back up onto the roof, which leads to leaks and wood decay. Make sure you’re staying on top of your gutter services.
Check attic ventilation
Good airflow helps keep moisture levels down inside your roof structure. Without it, condensation can build up and trigger rot.
Inspect high-risk areas (eaves, vents, valleys) every year
These spots tend to collect moisture and are where dry rot often starts. A quick check can go a long way.

Staying proactive with maintenance is the key. Catching small issues early helps prevent expensive repairs down the road and keeps your home or building protected.

Sacramento's Climate and Dry Rot

In Sacramento, the constant shift between extreme dry heat in the summer and sudden moisture, high winds, rainy seasons, or even the morning dew, puts extra stress on your roof. These changes can cause wood to expand and contract, opening up small gaps that let in moisture. Over time, even the strongest roofs can develop hidden trouble spots.

And it’s not just leaks. Poor attic ventilation, clogged gutters, and trapped heat from wildfire smoke can all contribute to a slow buildup of moisture, the perfect conditions for dry rot to start.

That’s why we recommend regular roof checkups. After storms, during drought recovery, or anytime smoke and debris have been in the air, a quick inspection can catch issues early and help you avoid costly repairs later.

Dry Rot FAQs

What exactly is dry rot, and how is it different from regular wood rot?

Dry rot is a type of fungal decay that damages wood by breaking down its structure from the inside out. Unlike wet rot, which needs constant moisture, dry rot can spread even when the wood isn’t soaking wet, making it harder to spot and more dangerous to your roof and home’s framing.

How can I tell if my roof has dry rot?

Look for soft, crumbly, or discolored wood around the edges of your roof, especially near the eaves, rafter tails, or fascia boards. You might also notice a musty smell, cracked wood, or mold growth. If anything looks off, it’s best to call for an inspection.

What causes dry rot to start in the first place?

Excess moisture is the root cause. That can come from leaky roofs, blocked gutters, poor attic ventilation, or just the natural weather cycles in California. Once the fungus starts growing, it spreads fast, especially in warm, humid areas.

How much does dry rot repair cost?

Costs vary depending on how much damage there is. Minor repairs might run a few hundred dollars, while more extensive rot can climb into the thousands, especially if structural parts of the roof need replacing. The sooner it’s caught, the cheaper it is to fix.

Do I need a professional, or can I fix dry rot myself?

Dry rot isn’t just a surface issue. It spreads inside the wood. While small repairs might seem doable, it’s easy to miss hidden damage. A professional has the tools and experience to fully remove the rot, treat the area, and replace wood safely and properly.

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