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Wet Rot Signs & Treatments
Allerton Damp have over 40 years experience in identifying, treating and preventing wet rot. Speak to a friendly member of our team today or click below to geta an Online Quote in less than 60 seconds!
There are three main causes of wet rot: moisture, wood type, and environmental conditions.
Moisture is the primary cause of wet rot. It can come from a variety of sources, such as leaks in a roof, guttering or plumbing, rising damp, or poor ventilation. When exposed to excessive moisture, timber is the perfect environment for fungi to grow and spread.
The most common reasons for a building’s timber becoming moist are:
The type of wood used in the construction of a building can also contribute to the development of wet rot. Softwoods like pine and cedar are more likely to fall victim to wet rot than hardwoods, like oak and teak. Softwoods are more porous in nature and naturally have a higher moisture content, making them an ideal breeding ground for fungi.
Factors including temperature and humidity can also affect the growth of wet rot. Wet rot causing fungi thrive in warm, damp conditions, so buildings located in areas with high rainfall, high humidity or low ventilation are more likely to suffer from wet rot.
Preventing wet rot requires identifying and eliminating the source of moisture, treating affected areas with fungicidal treatments, and ensuring proper ventilation and drainage systems are in place. By understanding the causes of wet rot, homeowners, and builders can take the necessary steps to prevent this potentially-destructive condition from occurring.
Wet rot can have severe consequences for the structural integrity of buildings and structures. If left untreated, wet rot can cause serious damage to buildings and be costly to repair.
One of the primary consequences of wet rot is the weakening of timber. As the fungi spread, they consume the wood’s primary strengthening components: cellulose and hemicellulose. This in turn causes the wood to become soft and structurally vulnerable, compromising the overall integrity of a building.
Wet rot can also affect the aesthetic appearance of buildings. As the fungi spread, they can cause discolouration and staining on walls and ceilings, as well as leaving a damp, musty odour. This is a major issue in homes and commercial buildings, where the appearance and smell of the property can impact its value.
Another danger of untreated wet rot is the potential for the fungi to spread throughout the building. This can cause further damage and create a hazardous environment for occupants, as the weakened structures can collapse or become unstable.
If left untreated, wet rot can attract other pests and insects, such as termites, which can further weaken the structure and cause additional damage.
Wet rot is a progressive and aggressive maintenance issue. Untreated, it can cause significant and widespread damage to any home which is why it’s essential to act fast whenever you suspect a problem.
Here are the key signs of Wet Rot:
Where wet rot is discovered, the badly decayed wood which is beyond repair should be removed and disposed of as a first action, no matter where the rot is found. This is the first step in wet rot treatment.
We then use the ALLDAMP Timber Treatment Solution to reduce and stop the spread of the further rot due to the already affected timber. Any wood which is not removed needs to be treated with a suitable timber preservative and any timber used to replace the old should be pre-treated against fungal decay. This makes sure that the fungus does not return.
The above, however, does assume that the cause of the wet rot – the damp – has been solved. For more information about damp treatment, visit our damp proofing page.
How can I tell whether a fungus is Wet Rot?
We have listed some common signs of wet rot above on this page, but you should always seek an expert opinion. wet rot can pose serious danger to you and anyone living in the property, and we would advise undergoing wet rot treatment.
Is Wet Rot dangerous?
The fungus that causes wet rot is not directly dangerous to our bodies or our health. However, the damage it causes to timber is a risk and makes it a considerable danger in the home. It’s not uncommon for wet rot to cause considerable damage to floors or the structure of a building.
Does timber affected by rot always need to be replaced?
The need to replace timber affected by an outbreak depends on the severity of the infestation and the duration of the damage. As the rot progresses, the timber loses strength, and if it becomes unable to support weight, replacement is necessary. Our surveyors evaluate the extent of the damage and strive to minimize replacements to reduce costs. If replacement is unnecessary, our team applies a specialized fungicide to treat the affected timber.
Whatever your needs, a member of our Customer Care Team will be happy to hear from you. They are trained in all areas of our work from damp proofing to cellar conversions and will aim to help you as far as possible at the initial stage. They’re friendly, approachable and they always have time to discuss your property needs.
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