What this covers
Dry rot is wood decay caused by a fungus that needs moisture to start, so the repair begins with finding where the water came from: a failed paint film, a missing drip cap, a sill that holds water, a leak behind siding. The carpenter probes to find the full extent of the soft wood, cuts it back to sound material, and either splices in new wood with a glued and fastened joint or replaces the whole piece. Small areas in trim can be consolidated and filled with an epoxy system. Structural members such as rim joists, posts and sill plates are replaced, with temporary support where needed. New wood is primed on all faces before paint.
When to call
- Paint that bubbles or peels over wood that feels soft when pressed.
- A porch column base, window sill or door jamb that crumbles at the bottom.
- Deck or porch framing that is spongy underfoot.
- A leak that ran unnoticed behind trim or siding for a season or more.
What to expect
- Find the causeThe moisture source is identified and corrected, or the repair will not last.
- Probe and cut outSoft wood is traced to its full extent and cut back to sound material.
- Splice or replaceNew wood is fitted and fastened, or a structural member is replaced under temporary support.
- Prime and finishAll faces of the new wood are primed, joints are sealed, and the painter finishes it.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
Is dry rot the same as termites?
No. Dry rot is fungal decay in wood that stayed damp. Termite damage is insect damage and often appears alongside it, because both need moisture. A company checks for both.
Can rotted wood be filled instead of replaced?
Small areas in non-structural trim can be hardened with a consolidant and filled with epoxy. Anything that carries load, or any large area, is cut out and replaced.
Why does the repair start with the water?
The fungus only grows in damp wood. New wood set into the same wet conditions rots again, so the source is fixed first: flashing, caulk, grading, gutters or paint.
Related: Finish carpentry · Framing · Deck repair · Water damage restoration · All carpentry and trim
This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.