What's the difference between dry rot and termite damage?

Dry rot is caused by moisture and fungus. Termites are insects that eat wood. They can look similar, and both can be present. A licensed structural pest control operator can inspect for termites.

Can you repair rotted trim or do you replace it?

Small areas can be cut out and repaired with epoxy. Larger damage is cleaner and longer-lasting to replace with new wood.

How do I know if rot is just cosmetic?

If a screwdriver sinks easily into the wood only at the surface or at trim, it's usually cosmetic. If it goes deep, or you see rot at framing, sill plates or subfloors, it's not.

Will the rot come back?

Only if the moisture does. I'll look for why the wood got wet, such as failed caulk, clogged gutters, or poor drainage, and fix that as part of the job.

Handyman service · Martinez, CA

Dry Rot & Wood Repair in Martinez & Contra Costa County

Wood that stays damp rots, and in the Bay Area it shows up at window sills, door jambs, exterior trim, fascia, and the ends of deck boards. I cut out small areas of rot, repair or replace the damaged wood, and seal and prime so the repair lasts. If the rot reaches framing or the structure, I'll tell you and refer you to a licensed contractor.

Get a Quote Call 925-257-2685

Insured local handymanOne person, one phone number

Based in MartinezServing about 35 miles around

Quoted before I startSend photos for a quote

What's Included

Rotted exterior trim and fascia board repair or replacement
Window sill and door jamb repair
Wood epoxy consolidation and filler on small damaged areas
Deck board and stair tread replacement
Fence and gate wood repair
Sealing, priming and paint-ready finishing
Caulking and flashing gaps that let water in
Finding and fixing the source of moisture

Why rot happens in the East Bay

Our dry summers hide the problem: wood that gets wet through winter rain dries out by summer, then re-wets, which speeds up decay. Failed caulk and paint at joints and clogged gutters spilling over trim are common causes.

Fix the water first

Replacing rotted wood without fixing what got it wet is a temporary fix. Gutter cleaning, caulking, flashing and grading are all part of keeping the repair from failing.

Pricing

I price each job by the size of the work, access, and materials, and I quote before I start. Single-visit jobs like this stay well under California's $1,000 limit for unlicensed handyman work. Send a few photos and a short description for a quote.

When I'll Refer You to a Licensed Pro

Rot in framing, subfloors, roof structure, or anything holding up the house is structural and needs a licensed contractor, usually with a permit. Termite and wood-destroying pest inspections and treatments are done by a licensed structural pest control company. I'll tell you if what I find isn't a cosmetic repair.

Bay Bilt is not a licensed contractor. Work is limited to jobs under $1,000 (labor and materials). Insured.

Related Repair Guides

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Frequently Asked Questions

: Dry rot is caused by moisture and fungus. Termites are insects that eat wood. They can look similar, and both can be present. A licensed structural pest control operator can inspect for termites.
: Small areas can be cut out and repaired with epoxy. Larger damage is cleaner and longer-lasting to replace with new wood.
: If a screwdriver sinks easily into the wood only at the surface or at trim, it's usually cosmetic. If it goes deep, or you see rot at framing, sill plates or subfloors, it's not.
: Only if the moisture does. I'll look for why the wood got wet, such as failed caulk, clogged gutters, or poor drainage, and fix that as part of the job.

Get on the schedule

Need Dry Rot & Wood Repair in Martinez or nearby?

Send a few photos and what you need done. I'll quote the job before I start.

Get a quote Call 925-257-2685