02/20/2026
How Dry Rot Affects Wood in Colorado’s Desert Climate —
February 17, 2026| The Ernest Carpenter, LLC
In Colorado’s climate — with intense sun, low humidity, dramatic temperature swings, and occasional snow — wood goes through repeated cycles of: Expansion and contraction, Surface cracking, Moisture intrusion from rain or melting snow, and Rapid freeze drying cycle.
These cycles create the perfect environment for hidden decay.
One of the most dangerous aspects of dry rot is that it often develops beneath the surface, and can be hidden from sight.
Dry rot can hollow out support posts, weaken joists (as pictured), compromise fasteners, and cause boards to become brittle and crumbly. In extreme cases, structural failure can occur unexpectedly. A deck that appears solid on top may be deteriorating below.
It is important to completely sand and reseal your deck every 3 years, and reseal every 1–2 years, depending on sun exposure and weather conditions. South- and west-facing decks often need maintenance sooner due to heavy UV exposure.
If you notice any of the following, it’s time for inspection: spongy or soft wood, deep cracks, flaking or splintering boards, musty smell, loose railings, rusted fasteners or nails, and water pooling. Even if your deck “looks fine,” preventive resealing can stop problems before they start. We can come out and test for dry rot and address problem areas.
We will look for discoloration of the wood, cracks, and soft spots in isolated areas. If you prefer to test for yourself, grab a knife with a sharp tip and if it easily pushes into the wood, you have dry rot, and it needs to be addressed immediately, because structural damage may already be extensive underneath.
It is going to be especially important to address decks, porches, and fascia in Colorado this year because our climate has been exceedingly dry. Book a time today so that we can build an honesty and fair bid to get these issues addressed, and give your favorite outdoor space the update it deserves.
https://theernestcarpenter.com/book