Wet Rot Treatment

What is Wet Rot?

Wet rot is caused by timber decaying due to high moisture levels. Wet rot is a general term that defines a variety of wet rot species, primarily the fungus Coniophora Puteana. The fungus obtains their food by breaking down wood cells and feeding on them, resulting in weakened wood. Wet rot treatment is essential for this reason, left untreated the outcome could be detrimental to your property.

Timber that is exposed to excess moisture provides the perfect breeding ground for wet rot spores. Excessive moisture can happen for a variety of reasons, including: a leaky roof, burst pipes, and drying clothes (both on a clothes horse or tumble dryer). No matter what the reason is, timber that is exposed to damp for a sustainable amount of time will generally result in wet rot. Although wet rot is not as destructive as dry rot, it is more common and still requires effective wet rot treatment.

Where Does Wet Rot Come From?

The cause of wet rot is due to excessive moisture creating the perfect environment for fungus to grow. Excess moisture is most commonly caused by defects to your home that allow moisture in, as mentioned above. Timber needs only 30% or above moisture content for wet rot to thrive.

Signs of Wet Rot

There are many signs of wet rot you can look out for to help you decide if you need wet rot treatment:

• Distorted wood
• Discolouration
• Soft and cracking timber
• Visible fungal growth
• A damp and musty smell

Woodworm

When you have a wet rot issue, woodworm can also attack the area, thriving off of a similar condition to wet rot. This causes your timber to decay and deteriorate rapidly due to the two destructive sources. This can take a toll on the structural integrity of the property, as well as making the area more difficult to undertake wet rot treatment.

Wet Rot Treatment: How to Fix the Problem

The first step to wet rot treatment is completely removing and disposing of the wood where the rot is located. It is essential to remove the source of the rot to prevent it spreading and damaging more wood. The next step is to use a fungicidal solution, reducing and stopping the spread of further rot from the already infected timber. Any wood around the area that was infected must be treated with a timber preservative, as well as treating the wood that replaces the previously damaged area. This helps to prevent the fungus from returning. It is also extremely important to fix the original cause of the wet rot, excess moisture. This is done discovering the damage to the house or other issue that could be allowing too much moisture into your home and fixing it. Visit our damp proofing page for more information on this.

Allerton Damp Wet Rot Treatment

Allerton Damp offer effective wet rot treatment. Contact us as soon as you notice you are suffering from wet rot and our Surveyors will visit your home. Contact us for your free survey appointment today.