How to Treat Dry Rot
If you live in a wet climate or have an area of the house that is poorly ventilated, you may be in danger of getting dry rot. Dry rot is a fungus that can even penetrate mortar as it seeks its favorite source of food: wood. Unfortunately, dry rot is difficult to treat because it can be spread through the air. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Screwdriver
- Saw
- Fungicide
- Brush
- New wood
- Hammer
- Vacuum cleaner
- Wire brush
- Bituminous paint
- Drill and drill bit
- Funnel
- Dry rot fluid
Instructions
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Treat Wood for Dry Rit
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1
Use a screwdriver to determine what areas are affected by dry rot. The wood will feel soft, be whitish and have a distinctive mushroom smell. Try to determine the size of the affected area.
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2
Use a saw to cut out the areas you found in Step 1. Be careful if the wood you are cutting is structural. You may have to consult a professional.
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3
Cover the wood that remains with fungicide. Allow it to dry, then apply a second coat. Be liberal with the fungicide.
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4
Paint two coats of fungicide on any new wood you use to replace the affected wood. Make sure you coat this wood very thoroughly. Soak the ends of the wood in fungicide before securing it in place. Paint any joints in the same fashion.
Treat Plaster for Dry Rot
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5
Dig with a screwdriver to determine the area of plaster that is infected with dry rot. Like the wood, it'll be a little soft and have a mushroom smell.
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6
Chip away at the plaster with the claw of the hammer to remove the affected plaster. Vacuum away any plaster dust.
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7
Brush the exposed wall behind the plaster with a wire brush. Vacuum it again to be on the safe side.
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8
Paint the exposed wall behind the plaster with fungicide. Do this twice and allow the fungicide to dry completely before replacing the plaster you cut away with zinc oxychloride plaster.
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9
Drill holes if the masonry behind the plaster is affected by dry rot. Put a funnel in the hole and pour in dry rot fluid. You may have to use up to half a gallon of the fluid.
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