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Contact (619) 971–1354
Repair & Restoration

Dry Rot Repair &
Restoration in San Diego

Dry rot, water damage, termite damage and structural repairs, fixed at the source so you never pay for the same repair twice.

Book a Damage Assessment
Carpenter framing a new section of wall
Fix It Properly

Damage has a cause.
We find it.

Most of the repairs we're called for in San Diego trace back to water: a slow leak behind a shower, a window installed without proper flashing, a sprinkler that has hit the same wall for years, or simply damp marine air near the coast. Given time, that moisture rots wood, attracts termites and weakens framing that was meant to last a lifetime.

Dry rot is the most common result, and the most misunderstood. It's a fungus that grows in wood kept damp, breaking down the fibers until a board turns soft and loses its strength. Because it works from the inside out, the paint on top can look fine long after the wood beneath has failed.

We repair dry rot, water damage, termite damage and structural problems across San Diego County, and every job includes finding and fixing where the moisture comes from. Chris has been diagnosing this kind of damage for more than 30 years; the goal is a repair you only pay for once.

01
What We Repair

Dry rot, water damage
and structural repair

  • Dry rot in siding, sills, fascia and framing
  • Deck and balcony rot
  • Water damage from leaks and plumbing failures
  • Termite damage
  • Structural framing and beam repair
  • Foundation and sill plate repair
  • Stucco repair and moisture barriers
  • Code-compliance corrections
New wall sheathing and framing on a house
02
How Dry Rot Repair Works

Steps to a
lasting repair

First we map the damage, testing the wood with a probe and opening walls or trim where needed until every edge of the repair is solid. Then we trace the moisture back to its entry point, whether that's flashing, a roof leak, plumbing, irrigation or poor drainage.

Next comes the source of the water, so the new wood stays dry. Then the damaged sections are cut out and replaced, structural pieces are reinforced or swapped out, and everything new is sealed and flashed. For trim, sills and decking we often switch to composite or naturally rot-resistant lumber.

Crew working on new roof framing
03
Across the County

Coastal rot,
inland rot

By the ocean, the problem is moisture that never leaves: homes in Del Mar, Encinitas and La Jolla see rot in window frames, siding and decks that rarely dry out completely. Inland, in places like Poway and Escondido, it's more often a leaking roof, an overflowing gutter or irrigation soaking one wall every morning.

If the damage came from a sudden event, like a burst pipe, part of the repair may be covered by insurance. We document what we find and its cause, write up a detailed scope and work directly with your adjuster.

Fresh concrete slab poured for a new foundation
Dry Rot & Damage

Repair questions

How much does dry rot repair cost?

It depends almost entirely on how far the rot has spread and whether it reached structural framing. Replacing a window sill or a few boards is a modest job; rot that has moved into posts, beams or floor framing becomes a structural repair, which typically runs from about $5,000 to $50,000 or more. We open up the area and give you a written price before work starts.

How can I tell if I have dry rot?

Look for wood that feels soft or spongy, darkened or stained boards, a musty smell, and paint that cracks or blisters in one spot over and over. Window sills, the lowest rows of siding and deck boards are the usual places to check first.

Is dry rot the same as termite damage?

No, though they often show up together. Dry rot is fungal decay caused by moisture; termites eat wood for food. San Diego has both subterranean and drywood termites, and damp, decaying wood attracts them. We repair damage from either, and recommend a pest control company when active termites need treating first.

Do you work with insurance companies?

Yes. When damage comes from a covered event, we document what we find, write a detailed scope of repairs and work directly with your adjuster to keep the claim moving.

How long does water damage repair take?

Typically one to four weeks, depending on how much material has to come out and be rebuilt. Drying comes first; reconstruction follows. You'll get a timeline after our assessment.

Do repairs need permits?

Structural repairs, framing replacement and some water damage reconstruction need permits, and we handle the applications and inspections. Like-for-like cosmetic repairs often don't. Either way, you won't have to deal with the building department yourself.

Related

Repairs nearby

Del Mar Dry Rot

Coastal homes where damp air keeps window frames and siding wet.

See Del Mar
Poway Fire Hardening

Ember-resistant upgrades, often done alongside repairs on older homes.

See Poway
Remodel After Repair

With the walls already open, it's often the right moment to update the room.

See remodeling
Rot Doesn't Stop on Its Own

Get it assessed
before it spreads

Tell us where you're seeing damage. We'll inspect it, find the cause and give you a written repair plan with a price.

Request an Assessment (619) 971–1354
Call Now Free Estimate