SFW Construction Specializes in Dry Rot Repair Across the Portland Metro Area
SFW Construction is a trusted choice for dry rot repair in Portland, OR and the surrounding metro area. With Portland’s long rainy seasons and damp conditions, moisture intrusion can easily lead to wood rot in siding, trim, windows, decks, and other exterior components. Once dry rot spreads into the structure of your home, it is important to bring in a contractor who specializes in exterior repairs and waterproofing, not just surface-level patchwork.
At SFW, we focus on long-term results. Our team understands how to remove damaged wood, rebuild properly, and integrate flashing and waterproofing materials into existing siding systems so the repair holds up for years. We take pride in high-quality workmanship, clear communication, and a homeowner experience that feels professional from start to finish.
If you’ve repaired dry rot before and it came back, you are not alone. In many cases, dry rot returns because the source of moisture was never fully addressed. That is why we take a comprehensive approach: we locate where water is getting in, complete a targeted repair, and install the proper waterproofing details to help prevent repeat damage.
The result is a dry rot repair that is built to last, not a temporary fix.
Three Step Dry Rot Repair Process
INSPECTION
Every dry rot repair starts with a thorough inspection. Our first priority is to assess how far the damage has spread and determine whether any structural components have been compromised. Just as important, we work to identify the moisture entry point that caused the rot in the first place. Once we’ve located the affected areas, we plan the safest and most effective path to remediation.
DISCOVERY
Next, we carefully open up the work area and prepare the site for repair. We install temporary dust and debris protection, and when needed, we reinforce surrounding framing with temporary shoring to keep everything stable and secure.
We also treat your home like it’s our own. That means taking extra care to protect your property during the process, including nearby landscaping and outdoor features. We are mindful of pets, children, and family members, and we work to keep the job site clean, contained, and as low-impact as possible.
REPAIR
Then we remove all wood framing members and components that show signs of dry rot. We then treat the affected areas, cut edges, and cut ends with Copper Naphthenate to help protect the repaired structure.
Dry rot can sometimes extend into walls, floors, or ceilings, so we never start removing materials until the entire area is stabilized and protected from construction debris. After repairs are completed, we address the root cause by correcting the moisture issue that led to the rot.
Depending on what we find, the solution may involve exterior siding replacement, flashing corrections, or targeted repairs to the building envelope that protects the structure behind the siding. The goal is simple: fix the damage the right way and reduce the chances of the problem coming back.
Kind Words From Our Homeowners
Our house has extreme dry rot down to the studs in an area that had been hidden by the prior owner in an effort to flip the home. SFW did a phenomenal job getting down to the furthest extent of the rot, replacing studs, siding and remediating the roof and deck to prevent future problems. If you want an honest company with high-quality tradesmen and women, SFW is well worth the cost.
I am currently closing on a home and will be taking ownership tomorrow. Unfortunately, my siding had issues and some dry rot around the windows. I contacted SFW Construction to find out more about the issue and a possible siding and dry rot repair. I was very worried about what I would hear, but the staff helped answer all my questions. They made me feel more informed about my project.
Due to the way our house was built the design allowed for massive water damage. SFW has the capacity to handle any repairs or reconstruction we may need. One source for it all. We knew step-by-step where we were in the process. The communication was helpful, especially not knowing How much dry rot we were looking at. We would recommend SFW to anyone in need of help with dry rot!
What Is Dry Rot?
Dry rot is one of the most common causes of damage to wood structures in the Pacific Northwest. In Portland’s damp climate, moisture can seep into siding, trim, windows, and framing, creating the conditions that allow wood-decay fungi to grow. Dry rot is sometimes referred to as brown rot or wood rot, and it can also contribute to other concerns like mold and mildew.
One of the biggest problems with dry rot is that it often starts out hidden. It can spread behind siding or inside walls long before it becomes visible from the outside. As the fungi breaks down the wood, it weakens the structure and leaves the material dark, brittle, and crumbly. In advanced cases, the damaged wood can be crushed into chips or powder with very little pressure.
Unfortunately, once dry rot begins spreading, it will continue to worsen until the damaged wood is removed and the moisture source is addressed. If you suspect dry rot on your home, SFW Construction can help you stop it at the source. We deliver a long-term solution, not a temporary patch.
Where Can Dry Rot Be Found?
Dry rot can infiltrate your Portland home via interior and exterior sources and infest any wood structure. It’s more likely to take hold on the exterior of your home or commercial building but can appear anywhere moisture is present. You can find it in:
- Siding, Trim, Windows, and Door Framing
- Deck Framing and Boards
- Posts and Beams
- Roofs, Eaves, and Near Damaged Gutters
- Kitchen and Bathroom Floors and Walls
- Foundations, Sill Plates, Cripple Walls, and Crawl Spaces
Spotting Dry Rot Is Not Always Easy
Spotting dry rot is not always easy, but you can check some common signs. If you think you have dry rot, look at the “common signs” list below, take a few pictures of the affected area, and reach out to us for a no-pressure, free consultation. One common mistake people make is allowing leaks to sit for days, weeks, and sometimes months with no plan of action. Suppose you have a window leak, skylight leak, or door leak. We recommend having a plan in motion to fix it correctly so you don’t have to deal with it in the future. Prolonging your repairs creates an opportunity for the dry rot to spread, creating extensive damage to your Portland home.
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BBB Accredited
Dry Rot Repair Specialist
We specialize in dry rot repair in Portland, Oregon. SFW Construction fixes it the right way the first time. We start by finding the moisture source that caused the dry rot. Then we complete the remediation needed to help prevent it from returning. Next, we remove and replace damaged wood. We finish with a targeted repair that restores strength and appearance. Few Portland contractors match our experience with long-term rot repair. Other companies often call SFW Construction to handle dry rot repairs for their customers.
As a full-service general contractor, we repair other areas damaged by dry rot. If the rot affects your siding, we can repair or replace it. We can also paint any affected areas for a clean, finished look. If dry rot reaches the roofline, we can help there too. Our roofing crew can complete targeted repairs to stop leaks. Many Portland contractors only offer one or two of these services. SFW Construction can handle nearly any exterior repair needed.
Portland homeowners like working with one contractor for the full repair. SFW Construction specializes in dry rot repair in Portland, Oregon. We focus on doing the job right the first time. If you suspect dry rot, our team can inspect the problem and fix it properly. We help prevent it from turning into a bigger issue later.
Dry Rot Treatment Inside Your Home
Interior dry rot affects the inside portions of wood in your Portland home. It often spreads behind the weather barrier and inside the walls. Rot can damage wall framing, ceilings, and floor structures. It may also affect wood around windows and doors. In some cases, it spreads into plywood or particle board.
Dry rot can enter your home through several common moisture points. The most common entry point is under your home’s siding. It can also start from leaking windows and doors. Other entry points include the garage and the chimney chase. It can also come from defective roofing. Poor installation can speed up material failure. Missing or damaged flashing is a common cause. Storm wear can also expose vulnerable areas. Even well-built roofs can eventually leak.
Sometimes dry rot starts far away from exterior exposure. Leaky pipes can cause hidden moisture damage. Faulty caulking around fixtures can also lead to rot. Damp crawl spaces create the right conditions for fungal growth. These issues can develop without obvious warning signs.
SFW Construction has completed interior and exterior remodeling since 2005. We have seen every type of dry rot problem. If you suspect dry rot, contact us for a free consultation.
Common Signs You May Have Dry Rot
Exterior Dry Rot Repair Company Services
Dry rot can destroy both the interior and exterior of a structure. Exposed structures like decks or improperly flashed roofs and walls can quickly become infested with dry rot fungus. There are several exterior areas around your Portland home commonly affected by fungal wood rot.
Dry Rot Repair In The Pacific Northwest
From Seattle to Salem, we service clients with care and quality of work. We work with a large variety of wood-framed homes. We professionally treat them for wet weather-related and old age-related conditions. As exterior home and building experts, our teams are skilled and certified to detect, correct, and install the best materials. We have been in the business of repairing damaged or improperly installed weather resistant barriers and building envelope related problems since 2005.
We do interior and exterior dry rot repair services right the first time saving you time and money—while protecting your home. Exterior dry rot most commonly destroys the plywood or particleboard that goes on top of the wooden beams of your roof and wood-framed support walls. It can also attack the exposed portion of the wood that hangs over the house as part of the roof eaves. This portion of wood has the greatest exposure to the outside environment.