What Should Homeowners Ask Before Signing A Deck Installation Contract?
Key Takeaways Homeowners must do their homework, and ask their contractors the right questions to confirm that they’re not working with someone who’s inexperienced, unlicensed…
Even in beautiful Alameda, dry rot can be a serious issue for homeowners. All it takes is a combination of moisture, warmth, and wood—and before you know it, solid lumber starts to shrink, darken, crack, and soften. Exterior trim is especially vulnerable, and it doesn’t have to be old to fall victim to dry rot.
The good news is that rotted trim is typically simple to repair. However, dry rot affecting structural components like framing or mudsills can present a more complex challenge that requires expert attention. Dry rot only affects wood with high moisture content—usually above 20%—and there are many ways moisture can sneak in.
Indoors, water damage often stems from leaking appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, sinks, bathtubs, or showers. Outside, dry rot is commonly found around windows, doors, trims, roofs, and areas with cracked siding or stucco. The first and most important step in treating dry rot is to eliminate the source of moisture. Then, the area must be thoroughly dried to stop the rot from spreading.
Once the wood has dried out, any damaged sections should be removed and replaced with pre-treated or pressure-treated lumber. It’s also critical to install the correct framing, trim, and metal flashing to guard against future moisture problems. The remaining wood that may still be at risk should be treated with a high-quality fungicide to help prevent the rot from returning.
Whether you’re dealing with minor rot or extensive damage, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights has the expertise to restore your Alameda home. We provide reliable, long-lasting solutions to protect your home’s structure and value. Contact us today for a free estimate!
Contact Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights today and let our 40 years of Bay Area expertise turn your dream project into reality.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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
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!
Key Takeaways Homeowners must do their homework, and ask their contractors the right questions to confirm that they’re not working with someone who’s inexperienced, unlicensed…
Key Takeaways A new deck installation before you sell your home can really add to the value and appeal of your home, particularly when your…
Key Takeaways Check any deck installer’s credentials, licensing and insurance to protect yourself from potential risk and to comply with local regulations. Evaluate the contractor’s…
Dry rot is a common issue for Alameda homes due to the area’s coastal moisture, fog, and aging housing stock. Whether you’re noticing damaged wood around windows, siding, or structural framing, understanding how dry rot develops—and how it’s properly repaired—can help you protect your property and avoid costly repairs. Below are answers to some of the most common questions homeowners in Alameda ask about professional dry rot repair.
Dry rot is decay caused by wood-destroying fungi that thrive in moist, poorly ventilated conditions. In Alameda’s coastal climate, moisture from fog and rain can infiltrate exterior wood, trim, and framing — leading to cracking, sponginess, and structural weakness if not addressed.
Look for wood that feels soft or spongy, cracking or crumbling wood grain, darkened discoloration, or a musty smell. You may also notice bubbling paint or shrinking trim around windows and doors — especially after storms or irrigation overspray.
Alameda’s coastal fog and humid mornings can keep exterior wood damp longer than inland areas, creating ideal conditions for fungi growth. Poor drainage or blocked gutters near the Bay can also trap moisture against wood surfaces, accelerating rot.
A trained contractor will inspect high-risk areas such as window sills, roof eaves, decks, and exterior siding. They use moisture meters and probing tools to find hidden rot that may not yet be visible.
Yes — repairs involving structural components like framing, joists, or exterior walls typically require a building permit under Alameda city codes to ensure safety and compliance. Qualified contractors can manage this process for you.
Costs vary widely based on damage severity, location of the rot, and materials involved. Local estimates for basic wood rot repair (not including permits and contractor fees) commonly range from several hundred to several thousand dollars per affected area.
Smaller trim and siding fixes may be completed in a few days, while structural replacements and moisture barrier installations can take one to two weeks depending on access and extent of damage.
Prevention focuses on eliminating moisture sources: ensure proper drainage and gutter function, seal gaps around windows and doors, improve ventilation in crawlspaces and attics, and schedule regular home maintenance checks — especially after wet winter weather.