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…
In El Cerrito, where many homes are exposed to coastal moisture and changing weather, dry rot is a common issue that can affect both older and newer properties. All it takes is wood, water, and a bit of warmth—and dry rot can begin to spread. Over time, the wood starts to shrink, darken, crack, and soften, compromising both structural integrity and visual appeal. Exterior trim is particularly vulnerable, even if it’s not very old.
Dry rot on trim is usually easy to fix, but when it spreads to more vital areas like mudsills or framing, repairs become more detailed and labor-intensive. Dry rot only forms in wood that’s consistently damp—typically with a moisture content above 20%.
In El Cerrito homes, interior leaks from sinks, tubs, washing machines, showers, or dishwashers are frequent causes. Exterior moisture often enters through damaged siding, cracked stucco, roof issues, or poorly sealed doors and windows. The first step in any successful dry rot repair is locating and stopping the moisture source. Then, the area must be allowed to dry completely to prevent further spread.
Once the area is dry, all rotted wood should be removed and replaced with pressure-treated or pre-treated lumber. Proper installation of framing, trim, and flashing is essential to protect your home against future damage. Finally, any remaining at-risk wood should be treated with a fungicide to guard against recurrence.
Whether it’s a small repair or a major restoration, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights offers expert dry rot repair services in El Cerrito. We’re here to protect and preserve your home with trusted craftsmanship and long-lasting results. 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 hidden but serious issue for many homes in El Cerrito, especially those with wood siding, decks, eaves, and shaded exterior areas. Seasonal rains, irrigation runoff, and limited airflow can allow moisture to seep into wood, triggering decay. If left untreated, dry rot can compromise both appearance and structural integrity. Here are answers to common questions Alamo homeowners ask about professional dry rot repair.
We provide full-service dry rot repair in El Cerrito, including structural wood replacement, siding and trim repair, window and door framing, beam reinforcement, and moisture intrusion prevention.
El Cerrito’s mix of coastal moisture, seasonal rain, and older housing stock creates the perfect conditions for dry rot. Even small leaks or poor ventilation can lead to fungal decay in wood.
Yes. We’re experienced with hillside properties and older homes in El Cerrito’s established neighborhoods. We take special care to preserve original architecture while restoring structural integrity.
Watch for signs like soft wood, bubbling or peeling paint, sagging boards, or musty smells—especially around decks, crawlspaces, and windows. If you notice any of these, it’s time for an inspection.
Yes. Most structural or exterior repairs in El Cerrito require permits through the city. We take care of the permitting process to keep your project compliant and stress-free.
Absolutely. Whether your home has stucco, lap siding, or custom wood trim, we work hard to match the texture, style, and paint so the repair blends in seamlessly.
Most dry rot projects are completed in 3 to 10 days depending on the scope of the damage. We’ll give you a project timeline upfront and keep communication open throughout the process.
We use high-quality, treated lumber, rot-resistant materials, waterproof sealants, and durable finishes to ensure long-lasting protection for your El Cerrito home.