Dry rot is the name given to wood decay caused by fungus, and despite the name it needs moisture. It shows up wherever wood stays damp: deck boards that hold water, the ends of joists, stair stringers resting on soil, fascia behind gutters, window sills and the bottoms of door frames. Caught early it is a matter of cutting out and replacing a board or a section of trim. Left alone it spreads into framing, and the repair becomes structural.

  • Rotted deck boards and stair treads replaced
  • Loose or wobbly railings and balusters secured
  • Dry-rotted fascia, trim and sills cut out and replaced
  • Fasteners and hardware replaced where corroded
  • Cleaning and sealing to slow future decay

How to spot dry rot

Probe suspect wood with a screwdriver. Sound wood resists; rotted wood is soft and the tip sinks in or lifts out stringy fibers. Other signs are paint that is bubbling or peeling in one spot, wood that looks darker or cracked across the grain into small cubes, and boards that feel spongy underfoot. Check where water collects: the ledger board where the deck meets the house, post bases, the tops of joists and the lower ends of stair stringers.

Safety first on railings and stairs

A loose railing is not a cosmetic issue. Guardrails are there to hold a person's weight, and a post that moves when pushed should be fixed before the deck is used. The same goes for stair treads that flex and a deck that sways. If the ledger attachment, posts or beams are damaged, the repair is structural, will likely need a permit and belongs to a licensed contractor.

Rental buildings have inspection duties

California law requires periodic inspection of exterior elevated elements — balconies, decks, stairs and walkways — on multifamily buildings with three or more units. If you own or manage such a building, a handyman repair is not a substitute for the required inspection; ask a licensed professional what applies to your property.

Common deck & dry-rot repair situations in Sacramento

  • Deck boards that are soft, splintered or cupped
  • A railing that moves when leaned on
  • Stair treads that flex or have split
  • Rot in fascia boards, sills or door frames
  • Rusted nails and screws backing out of the decking

Deck & Dry-Rot Repair FAQs

Will homeowners insurance cover deck repair?

Usually not for rot. Policies generally cover sudden, accidental damage such as a fallen tree or a fire, and exclude gradual deterioration, decay and lack of maintenance. Check your policy wording or ask your agent.

Can rotted wood be repaired without replacing it?

Small areas of non-structural trim can be consolidated with epoxy filler after the decayed wood is removed and the cause of moisture is fixed. Structural members and anything a person stands on or leans against should be replaced.

This content is reviewed by the Sacramento CA Handyman editorial team and informed by licensed-contractor sourcing, manufacturer documentation, and established industry standards for Handyman. Read our editorial standards.