TREATING WET ROT YOURSELF
The effect wet rot has on a property can range from the manageable (a squishy chipboard floor) to major (loss of structural integrity of important structural timbers). If you feel your wet rot problem is something you can tackle alone, here are some tips for DIY wet rot treatment.
1. IDENTIFY THE SOURCE OF WATER INGRESS
After identifying you have wet rot, the first and most important step is figuring out what has caused it. In most cases the cause will be obvious, if the rot is appearing near a washing machine or a bath for example the chances are you have a leak to fix. This is usually easily remedied. However, if the moisture ingress is not so easily identified, seeping in from underground for example, then an expert wet rot survey may be required.
2. ALLOW THE TIMBER TO DRY
The next step is to dry out the area to see what timber has been affected by wet rot and is required to be removed.
3. REMOVE AFFECTED TIMBER
Anywhere that wet rot has penetrated deep into timber you will need to remove any structurally weakened timber sections. These weakened timbers will be identifiable by cracked (cuboidal) crumbling damp timber often accompanied by localised patches of fungus.
4. EVALUATE THE SIZE OF THE JOB
It is possible that timber surrounding the wet rot will be fit for purpose and salvageable. In this instance you may be able to splice new timber onto old, particularly if a small area is affected, otherwise entire sections of timber will need to be replaced
5. TREAT THE TIMBER
To avoid the possibility of fungal regrowth, treat all new & surrounding wood with a good quality preservative. Allow the whole area to dry out again before sealing it off.
6. BE VIGILANT
Finally, keep an eye out for any signs of the wet rot returning. If you catch it early it will be less work next time.
7. DO NOT START A JOB YOU CANNOT FINISH
Most enthusiastic DIY fans will feel they can take on the world when it comes to fixing things up, but wet rot can cause severe structural problems to your property if it is handled badly. If you find wet rot in an area of your property that could compromise its structural integrity we would always recommend professional treatment.
TALK TO A WET ROT EXPERT
If you feel the above steps would be beyond your own DIY skills, or you have a severe wet rot problem that require professional wet rot treatment, do not hesitate to get in touch with fully qualified and experienced experts at Wise Property Care.
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