Wet and Dry Rot
Wet & Dry Rot

WHAT IS WET & DRY ROT?

Wet rot appears as a black fungus on timbers in contact with wet or damp masonry, causing the timber to become soft and spongy to touch and discoloured in appearance. The aim of the treatment process is to remove the source of dampness, treat or replace the decayed timbers and install a physical barrier to prevent further damage from damp masonry.

Dry rot is the most serious form of fungal decay in buildings, spreading through both timber and masonry to leave wood brittle and weak. Despite its name, dry rot is caused by high moisture levels in timber too, and its severity means dry rot infestations require immediate attention. The choice of treatment to cure dry rot depends upon the extent of the rot, age of the property and severity of the outbreak.

HOW TO IDENTIFY SIGNS OF WET ROT

Wet rot needs high levels of moisture in a building for spores to germinate. Unlike dry rot growth will cease once moisture is removed and does not have the ability to spread. Wet rot fungi is usually found in damp basements, under floors and in skirting boards.

Sometimes it is not possible to easily distinguish between the many species of wet rot and in practice it is not really necessary because the same remedial measures are required for all of them. The most important thing is to distinguish between dry rot and wet rot.

WET ROT TREATMENT

Once discovered, it is urgent you stop the rot attack to prevent further damage and remove the timbers already destroyed. Unlike dry rot, wet rot is localised to the source of damp, so won’t spread throughout your property. The source of damp must be removed to prevent further wet rot attacks.

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