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 San Francisco—where coastal fog, damp conditions, and historic architecture are part of daily life—dry rot is a common and often hidden threat to homes. All it takes is a mix of moisture, wood, and warmth, and dry rot can begin to spread beneath the surface. Over time, the wood shrinks, darkens, cracks, and softens—compromising your home’s structure and aesthetics. Exterior trim is usually the first area to show signs, even on well-maintained homes.
While minor dry rot around trim and siding can usually be handled with simple repairs, more severe cases—such as damage to structural framing or mudsills—require expert attention. Dry rot only affects wood with elevated moisture levels (typically over 20%), so identifying and removing the source of that moisture is the first step.
In San Francisco homes, that moisture may come from internal leaks—like those from dishwashers, tubs, sinks, or washing machines—or the outside, due to cracked stucco, damaged roofing, unsealed windows, or faulty flashing. Once the water source is resolved, it’s critical to dry the area thoroughly to stop further deterioration.
After drying, any rotted wood must be removed and replaced with pre-treated or pressure-treated lumber. Preventing future damage involves installing proper flashing, framing, and weather-resistant trim. For extra protection, any remaining nearby wood should be treated with a quality fungicide.
Whether you own a historic Victorian or a modern build, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights offers trusted dry rot repair throughout San Francisco. Our experienced team delivers long-lasting results and peace of mind, restoring your home’s integrity with precision. 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 San Francisco, 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 offer comprehensive dry rot repair services in San Francisco, including structural framing replacement, siding and trim restoration, stair and porch repair, and waterproofing solutions for long-term protection.
San Francisco’s year-round fog, cool temperatures, and dense housing make it easy for moisture to get trapped—especially behind siding and in crawlspaces—creating perfect conditions for dry rot.
Yes. We have extensive experience working with historic San Francisco homes, including Victorians, Edwardians, and mixed-use buildings. We carefully follow city guidelines and preserve architectural details.
Absolutely. San Francisco has strict permitting and inspection standards. We manage the entire permit process, submit drawings if required, and schedule city inspections as needed.
Common signs include soft or crumbling wood, bubbling paint, discoloration, or a musty odor. If you live in an older home or near the ocean, regular inspections are strongly recommended.
Yes. We provide dry rot repair throughout San Francisco, including the Sunset, Mission, Richmond, Marina, Noe Valley, and other neighborhoods. We’re familiar with local architecture and conditions.
Definitely. We specialize in restoring decorative wood elements like corbels, columns, window casings, and scrollwork that have been damaged by dry rot while maintaining historical accuracy.
Improper flashing, cracked caulking, and water intrusion are common in San Francisco homes, especially where older wood-framed windows meet stucco or siding. We identify the source and make targeted repairs.