Understanding Dry Rot, Its
Common Symptoms, and How
to Address It
Just Patios
The Australian climate is increasingly becoming unpredictable, and this impacts our lives in different ways.
For homeowners, heavy rainfall and hot days can cause damage to parts of their homes that are exposed to
the elements.
Patios are at risk of deterioration of dry rot whenever heavy rains come. Leaving dry rot unchecked will leave
homeowners with a huge repair bill as it will weaken its structural integrity and put household members at
risk of injuries.
The best way to address this dilemma is by contacting a trusted patio builder in Brisbane to look at the
affected patio and give their expert opinion on the next steps to take. However, knowing what causes patios
to rot and its symptoms will enable homeowners to preemptively address the rot before it completely
damages the patio.
What is dry rot?
Dry rot is a fungus that affects patios and other wooden structures. It forms whenever wood is exposed to
high levels of condensation or continuous sources of moisture. These conditions provide the perfect
environment for fungi and mildew to grow on the patio.
What are the common symptoms of dry rot?
One of the most important things to remember about dry rot is that it is more prevalent among untreated
patios. Any builder worth their salt will tell you that using wood as it is for home use is a recipe for problems
and expensive repairs.
How should homeowners check for dry rot on their patios?
Homeowners don’t need special equipment to see if their homes are affected by dry rot, but knowing what to
look for can prevent the situation from worsening.
Probing parts of the patio that are in contact with the ground for soft spots is a good indicator if the patio needs
repair or a full replacement. Mold is also a clear indicator that the patio is already weakened, and long streaks
of greyish mold or darker-looking wood are definite signs of dry rot.
Once these issue