How to Repair Dry Rot

Dry rot on wood is a problem that should be dealt with immediately to prevent further wood decay. Dry rot can continue to spread anywhere there is moisture and exposed wood. This can be seen commonly on roof run-offs, window sills, and shutters. The best thing to do is to take action to stop the spread of the dry rot with special treatment that stops the dry rot fungus. You will then want to repair and paint any exposed areas. There is a great product by Bondo that you can use to fill any non-load supporting areas.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• putty knife
• elmer's wood stablizer
• bondo wood filler

1. Fully chip out any wet and crumbled wood particles from the area that is effected. Make sure that the area is clean and dry as possible.

2. Use an old paint brush to apply the elmer's wood stabalizer. You should know that the brush will be ruined as the stabalizer is a glue like material.

3. Once you have let the stabalizer dry for several hours, you will be ready to mix the bondo substance. You can use the bondo lid to mix in some of the putty and then apply the activator. You don't need to use very much, but must make sure that you fully stir in the substance.

4. Work the bondo into the damaged area being careful not to apply it too thick. It is better to apply several coats to ensure that it properly bonds. File off any excess before it fully dries as it is hard to sand.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear gloves as bondo for wood is a toxic substance