Dry rot, also known as wood rot, is a fungus that could grow on the wooden components of your Mount Pleasant roofing system. Found mostly in areas of your roof that is poorly ventilated, it can remain dormant for a long period of time if the conditions for spreading is not just right.
Any wooden component that is exposed to the air has the potential to develop dry rot. However, the attic and the roof space are at risk due to any potential roof leaks. A leaking roof can cause the moisture content within the attic to become trapped, providing an excellent wet environment, perfect for the growth of moisture-loving organisms such as fungi.
Dry rot has distinct characteristics that make it easily identifiable. The fungus is typically on off-white color that grows on affected pieces of wood. If there is enough moisture, fruiting bodies may grow on the affected materials. These have the appearance of an orange or ochre-colored pancake that has wide pores.
If you touch the fungus, it has a light and fluffy feeling, much like felt or cotton. Additionally, the wood crumbles very easily if it is touched or held. The fungus growth could also cause the wood to shrink and form cuboidal cracks, or cracks that are square or rectangular. Affected wood may also feel powdery and soft.
The fungus has an incredibly spreading power. However, the fungus also brings moisture with it, causing further extensive damage.