WHAT IS WET ROT?
While wet rot should not be confused with the more severe timber condition dry rot, it still has the potential to cause substantial damage to your property. Wet rot attacks timber in damp conditions and this makes it a common cause of structural defects particularly when allowed to go unchecked with no wet rot treatment programme in place.
Keep reading this page to find out more about how to identify and treat wet rot or click on the button below to get in touch with our wet rot experts.
WHAT IS WET ROT?
Wet rot is a group of wood-destroying fungi that break down timber and leave it brittle and weak.
Wet rot is generally found on timber moisture with a high content, but unlike dry rot it more usually more localised and does not spread over masonry. Also, with wet rot, the fungal growth stops when the source of moisture is repaired.
HOW WET ROT OCCURS?
In order to grow, wet rot requires a regular source of moisture. This often comes from sources like defective plumbing, gutters, downpipes or stone pointing. When excess moisture infiltrates timber it can allow fungal spores to germinate and grow, this eventually leads to the timber losing its strength.
HOW TO IDENTIFY WET ROT
- A damp musty smell
- Cracking and softening of timber that is often discoloured, distorted and losing its strength
- You may notice some fungal growth
HOW TO FIX A WET ROT PROBLEM
Wet rot decay is typically confined to areas where the timber has become and remains wet. However, it is not a case of just fixing the damage the wet rot has caused. You have to fix the source of the water ingress to ensure that the wet rot does not re-appear.
After the source of the water has been identified and fixed, treatment of wet rot can continue. Wet rot treatment generally involves the replacement of timber within the infected area.
If you are still unsure if your property is suffering from wet rot, a professional property survey will be able to identify and reveal the full scope of any wet rot problem and the sources of any water ingress. Using specialist surveying tools, wet rot can be surveyed in unexposed areas within a property such as behind walls or below floorboards.
WET ROT TREATMENT
Want to know how to treat the problem? Check out our basic guide on wet rot treatments and solutions to eradicate a wet rot issue.
HOW TO SOLVE A WET ROT PROBLEM
When it comes to resolving a wet rot issue, the first step is to establish the severity of the problem. A professional wet rot survey from Wise Property Care will identify the full extent of any wet rot infestation in your property even within timbers that are not easily reached.
NEED A LITTLE MORE HELP REGARDING WET ROT
If you suspect you might have wet rot, contact Wise Property Care to speak to our team for help and advice. Alternatively, contact us online using our contact form to arrange a property survey.
