Role of Rot Repair in Preserving Structural Integrity in Vancouver Homes

When repairing older or even heritage homes, in addition to assessing the building envelope, one has to carefully inspect the building’s integrity. Different kinds of rot can seriously affect a home’s structural integrity and is a common source of needed repair. In today’s blog article, we would like to talk about the main types of rot one might find in a home in Vancouver.

Dry Rot

There are basically two types of rot: dry rot and wet rot. While they are designated “wet” and dry”, in fact, both are types of fungi that require a certain level of moisture. And, as you know, in the Greater Vancouver area, we have a damp oceanic climate, so both types are found locally.

Dry rot is usually Serpula lacrymans, a fungus that destroys wood by breaking down cellulose. There needs to be a moisture content of roughly 20-30% for this fungus to thrive, and it is most often found where there is not very good ventilation, such as inside a wall or crawlspace.

This type of rot will destroy wood into crumbled bits and can even move through masonry to find new wood sources. It has a distinctive, musty odour. While moisture has to be present for dry rot to be active, the appearance of the damage is always dry.

Wet Rot

Wet rot is caused by several different species of fungi and thrives in a wetter environment (typically above 30% moisture content). This type of rot tends to be more localized and damages wood structures like joists or roof rafters by first making them spongy then having them dry out misshapen if the water source is stopped. In the presence of water, it is a slimy mess with an obvious wet appearance.

What is key to restoring a building’s structural integrity is to be able to first identify the rot, stop leaks if there are any, dry out the area, address mold issues if there are any, and rebuild the part that is damaged.

A building restoration company with long experience and expertise, like ours, Westerly Restoration, is well acquainted with the different types of rot and how to restore structural integrity. We work on both residential and commercial projects. Please feel free to contact us at (778) 881-2877.

Westerly Restoration provides building envelope and restoration services in Vancouver, BC, and throughout the lower mainland.

If you have any questions about this article or would like to talk to us about building envelopes or restoration, please call us at (778) 881-2877 or use the convenient form on our Contact page.