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Annual,
or even semi-annual, pest and dry-rot inspections
are important for keeping up the value of your home.
Done properly, inspections will reveal potential
damage before it
becomes unmanageable and expensive.
Inspection for dry rot
Damage by the dry rot fungus, caused
by excessive wood moisture, is the leading cause
of wood failure in most homes. This is not
the same fungus that has made headlines as a health
concern. It is the fungus that destroys
the structural integrity of wood and causes wood
to rot.
Dry rot can occur anywhere wood remains wet
for extended periods. Be sure to inspect around water
pipes, water heaters and floor joists that are within
12" of bare soil. If symptoms of dry rot are
found take steps to reduce moisture (see Related
Articles below).
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House foundation, siding
and foundation vents (black). Inspect
for insect activity and water infiltration on
the foundation between soil and siding.
"Perimeter" treatments should be applied where
the siding overlaps the foundation. Photo by
JD DeAngelis.
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