Subject: Rotting Basement Beams
Date: Sat, 13 Aug 2005

Dear Rotdoctor:

I am not able to vent my dryer, so I use a portable venting system. This system has caused a lot of moisture in my basement and now I've notice a crusty gray formation on my wood beams. Can this be wood rot? And what can I do to correct this?

Thank You!

The grey stuff you're seeing on your beams is likely the pre-cursor to wood rot. You should find another way to vent that dryer because adding moisture to a basement area is actively promoting wood deterioration.

You can resist this rot formation from developing and protect the wood by coating all your beams with our CPES (Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer). This is a project that will create a lot of organic solvent fumes temporarily, and will require the use of a respirator with the appropriate cartridges during the application process. The fumes do eventually disappear entirely.

Find another solution for the dryer venting. Get that dryer air outside somehow or you will have *big* problems in the future.

And feel free to come back if you have additional questions.

Doc