{"id":49,"date":"2023-06-01T09:14:54","date_gmt":"2023-06-01T09:14:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wisepropertycare.com\/blog\/?p=49"},"modified":"2026-05-28T11:38:38","modified_gmt":"2026-05-28T11:38:38","slug":"the-difference-between-wet-rot-and-dry-rot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wisepropertycare.com\/blog\/the-difference-between-wet-rot-and-dry-rot\/","title":{"rendered":"The Difference Between Wet Rot And Dry Rot"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Do You Know Which One Is Worse<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A question that we get asked a lot is \u201cWhat is the difference between wet and dry rot?\u201d The answer to this question is actually very simple;\u00a0wet rot<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0requires higher moisture content than\u00a0dry rot<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0in order to grow. Read on to find out about further differences between wet rot and dry rot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where Does Wet Rot Grow?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Wet rot grows on porous surfaces such as timber where there is moisture content of at least 50%. Wet rot can often lead to major structural damage if it is left to grow unchecked as it can weaken timber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moisture content this high often is a result of defective plumbing, gutters, downpipes or stone pointing. If you spot a defective pipe then it is worth checking out your property to ensure there are no signs of growth. Fortunately, wet rot does not spread through masonry and the growth of wet rot will cease when the moisture is removed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"wet
Affected Timbers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Wet
Wet rot fungus<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Where Does Dry Rot Grow?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although the name dry rot suggests that no moisture is required for it to form dry rot actually requires moisture content of around 20%. A major, and important, difference between dry rot and wet rot is that dry rot will often occur in areas of the property that cannot be seen. This can lead to significant damage before the problem has been identified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These areas are often attics or underfloor areas that have poor ventilation and therefore a higher-than-normal moisture content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"Surveyor
Surveyor spotting dry rot<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Dry
Dry rot fruiting body<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Differences In Appearance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Wet rot identification:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n