Dry Rot Repair Services

Serving San Francisco and East Bay Since 1983

Protect and Restore Your Home With Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights

Bay Area homeowners know that maintaining the integrity of their homes is just as important as enhancing their beauty. Dry rot can silently damage wood structures, threatening your home’s safety, durability, and value. Whether you’ve discovered minor decay or more extensive structural damage, addressing dry rot promptly with an experienced contractor ensures your home is restored efficiently and built to last.

Today, home maintenance and repairs are viewed as long-term investments in comfort, safety, and property value. Homeowners are prioritizing durable solutions that protect their homes from environmental damage while preserving their character. Achieving this requires a contractor who understands both the technical and aesthetic aspects of wood restoration, from identifying the source of moisture to delivering seamless repairs that blend with existing structures.

With over 40 years of experience, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights is the trusted Bay Area general contractor for dry rot repair and wood restoration. We’ve repaired homes of all ages and architectural styles, providing expert assessment, high-quality materials, and precision craftsmanship to restore your home’s structural integrity and visual appeal. Our focus is on results that are durable, safe, and beautifully executed.

Dry Rot Repair: Solutions for Long-Term Protection

Wood decay needs careful attention to prevent further damage. Our team works closely with you to evaluate affected areas, remove compromised materials, treat surrounding structures, and rebuild with quality wood or composite materials. Whether repairing trim, siding, decks, or framing, we provide smart, practical solutions that restore strength and functionality while protecting your home from future moisture and rot.

As your dedicated Bay Area contractor, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights ensures every dry rot repair project is thorough, efficient, and rewarding. We begin with a detailed assessment, develop a clear and cost-effective repair plan, and deliver expert craftsmanship that keeps your home safe, comfortable, and structurally sound. Trust us to restore your property and safeguard your investment for years to come.

Specialty General Contractor Services
Dry Rot Repair
Dry Rot Repair

Ready to bring your vision to life?

Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today and let our 40 years of Bay Area expertise turn your dream project into reality.

Benefits of Going with Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights

Experience & Accreditations

Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights is certified and accredited by the best manufacturers in the industry. From Grip-Tite Foundation Systems, to James Hardie Siding, to VELUX Skylights, you can be sure to get the highest quality products for whatever your project.

Knowledge & Expertise

Serving the San Francisco Bay Area for over 40 years with quality general contracting, home remodeling, and skylight installation means you'll get the benefits of our expertise for every project.

Proven Customer Satisfaction

Maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction, we are proud to have provided our customers throughout the San Francisco Bay Area with quality construction and home improvement services for 40 years. With half of our new clients coming to us from referrals, it’s no secret that our customers/friends are truly pleased with the work we do.

40
Years of Experience

Serving the San Francisco Bay Area for 40 Years

Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, Inc. is a longstanding partnership of 40 years between Archie Mares, Dennis Dow and hundreds of great customers throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. We are a general contractor, building custom homes, additions, home remodeling, skylights, retaining wall construction and commercial remodeling.

Maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction, we are proud to have provided our customers throughout the San Francisco Bay Area with quality construction and home improvement services for 40 years. With half of our new clients coming to us from referrals, it’s no secret that our customers/friends are truly pleased with the work we do.

Philosophy

Quality and service come first. We approach every job, big or small, with the same care and attention to detail we’d give our own homes. Our team combines time-tested building practices with modern innovation to deliver results that stand the test of time.

Get In Touch

Ready to start your next project? Whether you’re planning a home remodel, skylight installation, or foundation repair, our team is here to help.

Reach out to us for a free consultation. We’ll listen, offer expert guidance, and provide a detailed estimate tailored to your goals.

Our Mission

To enhance the lives of Bay Area homeowners through expert construction, thoughtful design, and dependable service. For over 40 years, our mission has remained simple: build with integrity, serve with pride, and create spaces our clients love to live in.

Values

We believe in integrity, craftsmanship, and lasting relationships. Every project is built on honesty, transparency, and respect - for our clients, our partners, and the homes we’re entrusted to improve.

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Words of Appreciation from Our Valued Clients

At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, we believe great service is its own reward. Every satisfied client, glowing review, and lasting relationship reminds us why we’ve dedicated over 40 years to building with integrity, craftsmanship, and care.

Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights installed a large Velux skylight for me in August 2017. The entire experience was wonderful and the skylight is beautiful, both functionally and aesthetically. Janet made sure the work was scheduled to be completed before a trip I had planned. Jimmy measured carefully when he quoted the work and even accommodated a last minute change on the location when he arrived to do the work. They protected my new floors and were careful to keep dust to a minimum. Archie came by to ensure that all was going smoothly. Freddy helped matched the stain on my nearly 70 year old tongue and grove ceiling that really took some effort and he even matched some a few small spots that a previous contractor had sanded and removed the original stain. EVERYONE was cheerful and knowledgeable. Now, my little mid century house has emerged into the light!

Norma B. San Francisco, California

Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights replaced two aging skylights in our bedroom and installed automatic blinds on four skylights. This was not an easy job, since our bedroom has very very high cathedral ceilings. In fact, one other skylight installer refused to do the job altogether, and a second made a bid that was almost twice as expensive as Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights. Janet Mares, who was our main contact for the job, was a pleasure to work with. Her son, Jimmy, who led the installation, was fearless climbing the ceiling, and he eally knew his stuff. We’re thrilled with our new and improved skylights, and we appreciate Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights’ solid, reasonably priced, work. Thanks guys!

Aaron R. Concord, California

I’ve had Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights install 3 sun tunnels in my home and most recently, 2 skylights in my garage/art studio. I couldn’t be more satisfied with the quality of their work and professionalism! All my communications with their office and installers have been extremely pleasant. I would use them again (and again) and highly recommend them to anyone looking to install Velux skylights/sun tunnels in their home!

Myla L. Concord, California

Being a new homeowner, i really did my research before having someone come out and give me a quote on a skylight. You never know what to believe when you read yelp reviews. So, i went ahead and had Jimmy from mares and dow come out and give me an estimate. He was right on time, came out and measured and was very professional while he was here. Janet called me a few days later and sent me over an estimate. I went them them and couldn’t be happier. It arrived in the time frame she had told me, and they were out that week. The workers came out on time, and were very friendly and professional. Dennis ( one of the owners) came out as well and checked on the job. The went above and beyond with their work. The skylight looks beautiful! Night and day from the old one. If you are wanting a skylight, i strongly reccomend going with mare and dow

Chris W. Walnut Creek, California

We had Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights install a Velux skylight in our new master bathroom. The space was small and dark, so Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights suggested a big skylight to add in lots of natural light. They built in a double crown molding to beautifully frame the skylight, and now the space is open and airy with wonderful natural light. We can open the skylight during warm months to let in fresh air. It was a superb addition to our bathroom renovation and a great suggestion from Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights. They did a fantastic job and were great to work with! Thanks guys!

Jennifer S. Walnut Creek, California

Building Knowledge: Insights From 40 Years of Craftsmanship

At Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, sharing knowledge is part of our commitment to great service. Our blog offers expert tips, project insights, and inspiration drawn from decades of experience building and remodeling homes across the Bay Area.
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Frequently Asked Questions about our Dry Rot Repair Services

Dry rot can threaten your home’s structural integrity, but timely repairs can save significant costs and stress. Homeowners often have questions about detecting damage, repair techniques, timelines, and prevention strategies. To help you make informed decisions, we’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about dry rot repair with Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights.
Dry rot is a type of wood decay caused by fungal growth in areas with moisture. Signs include soft, crumbly wood, discoloration, a musty smell, and visible mold or fungal growth. Our experts conduct thorough inspections to identify both visible and hidden damage, ensuring no affected areas are overlooked.
Common areas include exterior trim, window and door frames, decks, siding, fascia boards, and wooden structural components exposed to moisture. Any wood in contact with damp conditions or poor drainage can be vulnerable.
We safely remove decayed wood, treat surrounding areas with fungicides, and replace damaged sections using high-quality, durable materials. Repairs are performed to restore both structural integrity and visual consistency with your existing woodwork.
Proper treatment and preventative measures significantly reduce the risk. We address moisture issues, apply protective treatments, and ensure proper ventilation and drainage to prevent future fungal growth, giving you long-lasting results.
Yes. We use high-quality materials and professional installation techniques to ensure your driveway can handle daily traffic, heavy vehicles, and Bay Area weather, including sun, rain, and temperature fluctuations.
Yes. Dry rot can compromise the stability of decks, framing, siding, and trim. Our team provides comprehensive solutions that include structural reinforcement, wood replacement, and integration with ongoing remodeling or repair projects.
We carefully select materials, finishes, and textures to match your home’s existing woodwork. Our skilled craftsmen focus on seamless integration so the repaired area blends naturally, restoring both function and aesthetics.
Schedule a free inspection and estimate with Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights. We will assess the affected areas, discuss repair options, and create a detailed plan for your project. Our team manages the entire process from assessment to completion, ensuring a safe, durable, and visually appealing result.