Roof Rot (Dry Rot): Causes, Solutions, and Prevention Tips

Roof rot is a problem no Falls Church homeowner wants to experience. However, it doesn’t happen suddenly. If root rot affects your home, it’s usually a sign that you’ve neglected the roof for too long. Many people ignore their roof as long as it’s doing its job, but problems like roof rot are there to remind you how that approach can be counterproductive.

In this article, the roof replacement experts in falls church, VA, will look at the causes of roof rot and what homeowners in Falls Church can do to fix it.

What is Roof Rot?

Roof rot is the decay of the wooden components in a roofing system. The roofs on most homes across Falls Church, VA, feature tough, impermeable materials like metal, clay, or composite on the outside.

However, underneath the structure lies a largely wooden support system that includes the roof decking, trusses, beams, and more. Roof rot targets this support system. If ignored long enough, it can erode the roof’s structural integrity.

The Main Causes of Roof Rot Across Homes in Falls Church, VA

The main causes of roof rot across homes in Falls Church include:

• Water leaks
• Poor roof ventilation
• High humidity
• Condensation
• Wood-eating fungi

From the list of possible causes above, it’s clear that moisture issues are the leading cause of roof rot. Mold and moss (which can hasten the rot) thrive in such environments.

In a smaller percentage of cases, fungal growth can cause roof rot. The industry term for that problem is dry rot.

How Does Roof Rot Affect Your Roof?

Roof rot causes cracks in the wood supporting the roof system. Over time, it increases the risk of sections of the roof collapsing. Roof rot damage makes your roof more prone to leaks and other forms of damage, which further hastens the roof rot — a vicious cycle that will leave you in need of complete roof replacement.

What Are the Signs of Roof Rot?

You don’t have to remove your roof tiles to check for roof rot. Below are some signs of damage you should watch for inside and outside your home:

• Sagging portions across your roof
• Damp smell in the attic
• Dark spots, mushroom-like growth, or white fungal growth on visible wood
• Streak marks across your walls and ceiling
• Spongy feel to roof support wood.

If you spot any of these problems, call a roofing professional quickly to prevent more serious damage.

What Is the Fix for Roof Rot?

The only way to fix roof rot is to completely remove and replace the affected sections. It’s the only way to stop the fungi from spreading. If the rot has spread too far, you’ll need a complete roof replacement.

Request a Roof Inspection From Low Cost Roofing

As a homeowner in Falls Church, the high humidity environment poses a risk to your roof system. You need to schedule regular inspections to stay ahead of potential moisture-related problems.Call Low Cost Roofing today to request an inspection to ensure you don’t have ongoing roof rot and other common roof problems.