Dry rot has a deceptive name. It is actually caused by the fungus Serpula lacrymans and requires moisture to thrive. Dry rot affects a home’s wooden structure and causes expensive structural damage. The dry rot will use the wood as a source of food, spreading as it breaks down the wood and destroys a home. The fungus can also use inorganic materials such as concrete as a way to spread and infect other areas of a home. The distinct stages of dry rot can be identified.
Watch for developing fungus that is ready to reproduce and spread even farther; it will have a brownish coloring and the appearance of a baking pancake with spores. Many times this stage of dry rot will begin to creep through plaster as well.