- Dry rot in your home can show up in various places and cause several issues.
- Untreated dry rot in your home will cause complications when trying to sell your home, and with insurance too.
- Reach out to Preservan today to get a free estimate for dry rot in your home.
Imagine this: you’re about to place your home on the market and you’re doing your final walk through and inspections. You come across a crumbling piece of wood on your trim. Uh oh. Wood rot, specifically dry rot in your house, can be a major concern if not treated and fixed properly. For homeowners looking to sell their home with dry rot they need to be aware that it can lead to major structural damage. Most likely wood rot that leads to structural damage will impact the selling process of your house. Dry rot in your house is caused by moisture and fungi and it works to weaken the wood, while taking away the structural integrity which can compromise safety. In most climates, dry rot is especially prevalent and must be addressed promptly.
Understanding Dry Rot
Dry wood rot is caused by fungi that feed on wood in damp conditions. This can be caused by humidity and rain that isn’t able to dry properly. Dry rot in your home will lead to crumbling and cracking of the wood and cause issues. Unlike mildew or mold, dry rot in your house damages the wood deeper than the surface. It breaks down the cellulose and hemicellulose in the wood which causes severe deterioration. The fungi involved are responsible for the dry rot because it thrives in damp conditions and will spread quickly. Common causes of dry wood rot are faulty plumbing, poor ventilation, roof leaks, and clogged gutters.
Indoor Wood Rot
Indoors, wood rot often shows up by sinks, bathtubs, windows, and attics. This doesn’t mean it can’t show up in sneaky places, so it is important to check everywhere for signs. The signs of wood rot can include but are not limited to: soft wood, discolored wood, crumbling wood, and a musty odor. Indoor wood rot is often caused by moisture penetrating the wood and not being able to evaporate. Wood rot is common in humid places, and even if you don’t think your home is humid, it doesn’t mean it’s not.
Outdoor Wood Rot
Outdoor wood rot is caused by the same things as indoor wood rot. It is more likely to appear in humid climates but no matter where you live you have to make sure to double check your wood. The common place wood rot develops outdoors is on decks, windows, and trims that are exposed to rain or humidity. There are a few things to look out for when checking for wood rot. These things include: bubbling paint, flaking wood, sagging board, or dark stains. There are a few factors that may increase the likelihood of you getting wood rot. For example, damaged caulking, gutter overflow, poor drainage, and unsealed wood all make wood rot more likely to appear.
How does wood rot affect a home’s value
Dry rot in your home significantly reduces its value because it raises structural and safety concerns. Many home buyers may back out of a deal once they identify wood rot during an inspection. To put it simply: Wood rot decreases resale value and may cause buyers to back out. Appraisers may lower the home’s value estimates and lenders could delay or deny mortgages for homes with wood rot. Untreated wood rot can lead to more expensive damage over time and it will take more time to repair and treat.
Things To Consider Before Selling A House With Wood Rot
When you’re thinking about repairing wood rot before you sell a house, it is important to note a few key aspects. We just mentioned that wood rot can decrease your home’s value but often, home inspections miss dry rot in your home if it is in a hard to reach area or under siding or trim. When debating whether or not to fix dry rot before selling your home you must assess the severity of the damage. Minor rot may be easily fixed but extensive wood rot damage will require plenty of time and money to be fixed correctly. It is important to keep in mind not addressing dry rot in your home may lead to major insurance complications or failed home inspections. It is better to be safe so reach out to Preservan with any wood rot questions before you sell your home.
Home Inspections
When it comes to home inspections it is important to keep a few things in mind. Pre-sale home insections can identify early wood rot which will give you more time to repair the wood rot before listing your home on the market. To get an accurate dry rot assessment it usually will require exploratory work done by a licensed contractor. Overall, it is better to be safe than sorry when planning to sell your home. Repairing dry rot in your home will make your life easier and the future buyer of your homes too.
Home Insurance Coverage
Most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover damage caused by dry wood rot, especially if it resulted from long term neglect. With that, in some cases insurance companies may require owners to fix dry rot in your home to maintain their coverage. Documenting repairs with photos and receipts is crucial when it comes to dry wood rot. When it comes to insurance, it is critical to keep records. This is so you can show them all of the things you have done to help repair the wood rot.
Repair Costs
Repair costs for wood rot vary a lot depending on what type of wood rot you are dealing with and how major/minor it is. For minor dry rot repairs, it can fall anywhere between $1,000-$3,000. For major issues with dry rot in your home, it can cost anywhere between $5,000-$12,000+. Repair costs also depend on labor rates, access to affected areas, and if your dry rot is inside or outside the home. A lot of places, including Preservan, offer free estimates, so reach out to today.
Repair Timeline
Repair times depend on what type of wood rot you have and how major the damage is. Minor repairs can take a few days, while larger projects may take a week or more. Timelines also depend on where the root is located, if it is inside and outside as well. Fast, well documented repairs help owners avoid delays in fixing the wood rot. When it comes to selling your home, proving you fixed wood rot in a timely manner is key to keeping the selling timeline short.
Prepare Your House To Sell With Preservan Wood Rot Repair
Preservan offers professional wood rot repair using specialized epoxy treatments that preserve and reinforce wood. We have the expertise to complete any interior or exterior wood rot repair necessary to maintain your investments. Repairing the wood is cost-effective and prevents further deterioration of the home. Our techniques are especially useful in areas where full demolition would be too costly. In addition, if you pair Preservan’s fence and deck staining services with detailed documentation and professional inspections will give the buyer more confidence.
If you are interested in learning more about what we can do for your wood rot problems, visit our website. You can also book an appointment or give us a call with any questions you may have about interior vs exterior wood rot repairs. If you aren’t sure where to begin, contact Preservan Wood Rot Repair and our wood rot repair experts will take care of the rest. Our epoxy treatment is affordable and eco-friendly, designed to restore your investment. Check out our website for more details and to schedule an appointment today!
Contact Preservan
Call: 866.875.4280 or visit our Locations Page to find a Preservan location near you.