Water Damage Repair
Dry Rot and Termite Damage Repair
Termite treatment kills the insects, and fixing the leak stops the rot. Neither one repairs the wood. We replace damaged sills, framing, eaves, fascia, decks and trim.
Dry Rot & Termite Damage Repair
Dry rot and termite damage often show up together in Ventura County homes, especially older ones and those near the coast. Dry rot is fungal decay that needs moisture to grow, so it appears where water collects: sill plates near leaky hose bibs, eaves under clogged gutters, window sills, deck ledgers and bathroom floors. Termites, both subterranean and drywood, hollow out wood from the inside.
When you sell a home in California, buyers usually ask for a wood-destroying pests and organisms inspection. Those reports list findings in two sections: Section 1 for active infestation or damage, and Section 2 for conditions likely to lead to it. Termite companies treat the insects. Repairing structural damage, especially framing and sill plates, is construction work, and that is where we come in.
Where we find damage
The worst damage is often where nobody looks. In raised-floor houses, the sill plate on top of the foundation and the ends of floor joists in the crawlspace are common spots. Around the outside, eaves, fascia, rafter tails and window trim take the most weather. Inside, the subfloor under toilets and tubs is a frequent problem.
Sill plates and joists
Replaced in sections with treated lumber, with the house supported temporarily.
Eaves and fascia
Rafter tails, sub-fascia and fascia replaced and painted to match.
Decks and stairs
Ledgers, joists and posts replaced, with flashing at the house connection.
Windows and doors
Sills, jambs and trim repaired or replaced, and flashing corrected.
Fix the moisture, then the wood
Replacing rotted wood without stopping the water only resets the clock. Every repair starts with the source: a leak, a buried weep screed, a sprinkler hitting the wall, missing flashing or poor drainage under the house. In crawlspaces, ventilation and keeping soil away from wood matter as much as the new lumber.
Repairs and seismic work together
A seismic retrofit bolts the sill plate to the foundation, so the sill has to be sound. Rot and termite damage in the sill is one of the most common findings during retrofit inspections, and we repair it before bolting. If you are getting a pest report anyway, it is a good moment to think about a retrofit too.
From our clients
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EXCELLENT
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Replace the damaged wood for good
Send us your pest report or show us the damage. We will price the repairs and fix the moisture behind them.
Dry Rot & Termite Damage Repair: FAQs
What is the difference between Section 1 and Section 2 on a termite report?
In California pest reports, Section 1 items are active infestation or infection, or damage caused by it. Section 2 items are conditions likely to lead to infestation or infection, such as excessive moisture or earth-to-wood contact, but without damage yet. Sale negotiations often focus on Section 1 repairs. We repair the wood and correct conditions on either list.
Does fumigation repair termite damage?
No. Fumigation or local treatment kills termites but leaves the damaged wood as it is. If the damage is structural, such as weakened framing or sill plates, it needs to be repaired or replaced. Cosmetic damage in trim may only need replacement for appearance.
How do I know if dry rot is serious?
Probe the wood with a screwdriver. If it sinks in easily or the wood crumbles, it is decayed. Rot in trim and fascia is mostly cosmetic and a water warning. Rot in sill plates, joists, posts or deck ledgers is structural and should be repaired soon. We assess it and tell you which you have.
Can you repair the damage listed on my pest report before closing?
Yes, as long as the schedule allows. We review the report, inspect the items, give you a written price and complete the repairs. For items that need a re-inspection by the pest company, we coordinate the timing. Many sales have deadlines, so call early.
Water Damage Repair near you
- Santa Paula, CA5–12 min from Santa Paula
- Oxnard, CA20–40 min from Santa Paula
- Carpinteria, CA38–60 min from Santa Paula
- Ventura, CA15–35 min from Santa Paula
- Fillmore, CA15–25 min from Santa Paula
- Somis, CA22–35 min from Santa Paula