Roof rot is one of the worst things that can happen to a homeowner. It sounds unpleasant and is a much bigger problem than many homeowners realize. Just because it is out of sight, does not mean it should be out of mind. When this problem becomes evident by water spots on your ceiling or even falling plaster, you know it’s past time to check in the attic for the cause. We are experts at not only dealing with this problem, but also preventing it, and are here to help you do just that.
What Causes Roof Rot?
The Causes of Roof Rot
There are a lot of things that can ultimately lead to roof rot, but the three main causes are humidity, moisture, and ventilation problems. Humidity is often caused by temperature changes in the attic, and moisture can form from the condensation caused by the temperature changes. Poor ventilation can worsen moisture as airflow becomes stifled. Roof rot, or dry rot as it is also known, is what happens when there is too much moisture in your attic. Another cause could be a water leak somewhere in your roof, allowing water to seep into your attic. Whatever the cause, our professional technicians can find it and help you fix the problem to ensure that it won’t happen again.
How To Deal With Roof Rot
It is possible to repair or dry roof rot. If the areas that are affected are not responsible for structural stability, such as having a beam, joint, or flooring, then repairs are an option. If the structure is involved, it might be worth looking into replacing it. Before dealing with the damaged wood itself, make sure you identify the cause. Whether it’s a leaking roof, poor ventilation, plumbing leaks, or a damaged gutter, once it is fixed, you can focus on the wood.
Repair or Replace Roof Rot?
The repairing process starts with removing as much of the damaged wood as possible. The best tool to use is a wood chisel. In areas where you cannot reach with a chisel, you can inject a consolidant into the wood to help reinforce it. This will help the wood fibers bond with the undamaged wood, making them strong again. To finish the repair, apply a wood patching product. It may seem simple, but doing this yourself could be dangerous. Not removing all the affected wood could lead the rot to further seep into the rest of the wood, which will only cause the same problem again.
The replacement process is a little different. You will need to remove all the rotted wood, as well as an additional three feet of the surrounding wood. Then remove the plaster, skirting paneling, linings, and ceilings to make sure you got all the fungus. Next, you have to thoroughly clean all the surfaces and steel pipes within a five-foot radius of the rotted parts. Then, you will need to apply a fungicide to all the surface area in that same five-foot radius. Then you replace the wood you took out. Ideally, you want to use a new wood that has a preservative coating already on it. Lastly, you have to re-plaster and paint, typically with a zinc oxychloride product. All of this is a very complicated, tiresome, and sometimes dangerous process that is best left to professionals. Reach out to us so you don’t have to stress and worry.
How Can You Prevent Roof Rot?
The best way to keep your roof rot-free is by having regular inspections done. Having a professional come to check your attic will ensure that if there are any signs of moisture, leaks, or excess humidity, you can act fast to rectify these problems. You also want to make sure that you have a proper roof ventilation system. Without this, the moisture from the humidity has nowhere to go. So, it sinks into the wood and causes roof rot. Keep track of how your shingles are holding up and make sure that there is no debris on your roof preventing water from running off the roof. Collecting water increases your risk of roof rot. Don’t let the troubles of a rotted roof weigh down your roof. Give us a call to check on your roof any time. We are happy to make sure that roof rot does not cause you to worry again.
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