Typical Seattle causes of dry rot

Seattle’s climate and building details create common rot pathways. We address both the damage and the source.

• Flashing failures: Missing or improperly lapped head flashing above windows/doors; no kick-out flashing where roofs meet walls; inadequate z-flashing at horizontal trim/siding breaks.
• Gutter overflow and drainage issues: Clogged or undersized gutters/downspouts soak fascia, soffits, and adjacent trim. Splashback at low eaves and decks saturates lower siding and rim joists.
• End-grain exposure: Unsealed cut ends on trim/siding wick water; nail penetrations and miters without prime/paint accelerate decay.
• Ground or hardscape contact: Trim/siding installed too close to soil, concrete, or decks keeps wood wet and invites fungal growth.
• Aging caulk and paint: Failed sealant joints and cracked paint let water in behind the finish, particularly on south and west exposures.
• Vapor and ventilation issues: Poor attic/eave ventilation or bath fan terminations into soffits elevate moisture, impacting soffit/fascia and rafter tails.

Our repairs include correcting these issues—replacing or adding flashing, priming all cuts, using proper sealants, restoring clearances, and recommending gutter/ventilation fixes.

How we inspect for dry rot

We start with a methodical, non-destructive inspection to find both visible and hidden decay.

• Visual assessment: We look for paint blistering, soft or crumbling wood, discoloration, fungal growth, gaps in joints/caulk lines, and swollen boards—especially around windows, doors, corner boards, gutters, and roof-to-wall transitions.
• Moisture meter readings: Using pin and pinless moisture meters, we test suspect areas. Exterior wood is considered at-risk when moisture content consistently exceeds 20%. We map readings to find the moisture source, not just the symptom.
• Probe testing: A sharp awl or probe confirms wood integrity. Sound wood resists the probe; decayed wood compresses or flakes. We test end-grain, fastener penetrations, horizontal joints, and trim/siding edges.
• Flashing and sealant check: We evaluate head/step/z-flashing, kick-out flashing at roof returns, window/door flashing tapes, and all sealant joints for failures that allow water intrusion.
• Building envelope review: When needed, we remove small sections of trim or siding to verify the extent of decay and check sheathing or framing behind the surface.
• Documentation and plan: You’ll receive photos, moisture readings, a damage map, and a step-by-step repair plan with a clear scope and cost estimate.

Our Seattle Dry Rot Remediation Services

We provide a comprehensive, scientific approach to ensure the rot is gone for good.

• Professional Dry Rot Inspections: Our process starts with a thorough dry rot inspection to identify the full extent of the problem and, most importantly, the source of the moisture that’s feeding it.
• Complete Fungus Eradication: We follow a meticulous repair process that includes removing all infected wood, treating the surrounding areas with EPA-approved fungicides, and ensuring the root moisture problem is solved.
• Structural Repair & Restoration: We are experts in structural dry rot repair, safely replacing compromised joists, beams, and posts to restore your home’s strength and safety.

Pricing ranges for Seattle dry rot repair

Every job is scoped after inspection, but these ballparks help you plan. Final pricing depends on access, elevation, finish requirements, materials, and how far the decay extends behind the surface.

• Minor surface repairs (small trim sections, non-structural):
  • Typical range: $350–$950
  • Example: Replace a short section of window trim, treat, prime all sides, repaint to a clean break.
• Moderate repairs (multiple trim pieces, partial sheathing, localized framing):
  • Typical range: $950–$2,500
  • Example: Corner board bottom replacement with adjacent siding repairs, z-flashing install, repaint affected elevation area.
• Structural repairs (framing/sheathing replacement, window/door opening rebuilds, deck ledger areas):
  • Typical range: $2,500–$6,500+
  • Example: Remove and rebuild rot at a window rough opening, replace damaged studs/sheathing, install proper flashing and pan, reinstall trim/siding, repaint.
• Multi-area restoration or complex access (2+ stories, steep slopes, extensive openings):
  • Typical range: $6,500–$15,000+
  • Example: Widespread soffit/fascia replacement with ventilation upgrades and gutter corrections on a two-story home.

What influences dry rot repair cost most:

• Extent behind the surface (sheathing/framing involvement)
• Access and elevation (ladders vs. staging)
• Material choices (cedar, PVC/trim boards, fiber cement)
• Paint scope (spot vs. whole elevation)
• Flashing and detailing upgrades

Why We’re Seattle’s Trusted Choice

• Local Climate Expertise: We understand the unique challenges of Seattle’s weather. We know which materials fail, which ones last, and how to properly ventilate a home to prevent rot from returning.
• Proven Seattle Experience: We have successfully remediated dry rot in homes across every Seattle neighborhood. We know the building styles and common problem areas specific to our city.
• Commitment to Safety: Our primary goal is to ensure your home is safe and structurally sound for you and your family.

“I was so worried about the spongy floor in my Ballard kitchen. The Seattle Trim Repair team found a major dry rot issue in the crawl space, showed me everything, and fixed it completely. I can’t recommend them enough.” – Karen L., Seattle, WA

Protect Your Seattle Property from Rot

Don’t let a musty smell or a soft spot on your trim turn into a structural nightmare. Contact Seattle’s trusted dry rot experts today for a comprehensive inspection and a detailed plan to protect your home.