How to Spot Dry Rot on Your Roof

Rot and moisture damage usually go hand in hand. That’s because invasive fungi like dry rot—which is a bit of a misnomer—need moisture to grow and thrive. This means that if there’s a leak in your roof,  roof repair  should be conducted as soon as possible. Otherwise, the leaks could create damp environments that are the perfect breeding ground for mold, rot, and other invasive fungi. 

Larry Walty Roofing, your trusted roofer, elaborates further on the risks of dry rot below: 

How Dry Rot Damages Your Roof 

Dry rot is a problem because it turns wood brittle by breaking down cellulose and hemicellulose, the compounds responsible for giving wood its characteristic rigidity. Over time, dry rot can cause the wooden components of your roof to shrink or cracks to form on wood, leaving your roof more exposed to moisture damage and the elements.

Where Does Dry Rot Usually Grow? 

Dry rot usually grows near your roof’s edges and corners as well as other concealed parts of your roof. However, it can also be found in leaky gutters and clogged downspouts. 

What Are the Warning Signs of Dry Rot? 

Dry rot looks a lot like cotton wool, but in its early stages, it resembles a skin-like growth that looks like the surface of a mushroom cap with purplish and gray-ish hues. 

Aside from these cotton-like fruiting bodies, here are the warning signs you need to keep an eye out for: 

• Musty smells 

• Decaying or brittle timber 

• Grey strands on timber 

Important note: keep in mind that it’s easy to miss the warning signs of rot. That’s why it’s important to have your roof routinely inspected. As a general rule, your roof should be inspected by residential and  commercial roofing contractors  at least twice a year. 

Looking for experienced roofers near you? 

Larry Walty Roofing, a company with nearly three decades of experience, offers a wide range of professional exterior services, including residential and  commercial roof repair  services. To get a free estimate, call us at (316) 733-2843 or fill out this  form . We serve homeowners in Winfield as well as the surrounding KS communities.