Flat Roof Rot: What It Is and How to Stop It

The weather is the universally recognized main threat to any roofing system. However, not all roofs fail due to the presence of harsh elements. One silent killer originating indoors is roof rot, also known as dry rot.

What Is Dry Rot?

Dry rot is a kind of fungal wood decay. When a residential or commercial roofing system falls victim to it, the structure gradually becomes weak. The fungi behind this deterioration breaks down the components that make wood strong and rigid, rendering it less of a reliable building material.

What Causes It?

Moisture sets the stage for dry rot. Excessive indoor humidity can result in condensation when there is insufficient ventilation underneath the roof. The water vapor condenses in the colder roof’s underside, causing the lumber to become damp enough for the fungi to thrive.

What Constitutes It?

Early detection is key to minimizing the damage of dry rot. The problem is it can be hard to distinguish, especially by someone without a trained eye.

To schedule a timely roof repair, you need to know the usual red flags indicating dry rot. Some of which sagging wood components, dark streaks on the ceiling and compromised seals around penetrations.

A cursory roof evaluation usually fails to identify these signs of damage. To identify them ASAP, you must set up routine professional inspections.

How Should It Be Addressed?

Overall, rot is irreversible, but it does not always lead to premature roof replacement. The most effective strategies qualified roofers use are improving ventilation and eliminating the source of moisture.

Turn to Freedom Roofing & Construction, Inc., to protect your flat roof from dry rot. Call us at (217) 610-8193 now to discuss your roofing needs in Urbana, IL, and to receive a free estimate online.