Wet rot is a very similar problem to dry rot as they both originate from common sources of moisture – but as the rot progresses, they begin to take on individual characteristics. Dry rot tends to quickly spread throughout the building whereas wet rot usually only appears in a specific area. However, the most concerning characteristic of wet rot is that it can cause significant amounts of structural damage, especially to timber. Preservit offer a wet rot inspection and eradication solution – eliminating potential problems and allowing you to rest assured that your property is free of damage.
What is Wet Rot?
Wet rot is a type of fungal decay that is caused by underlying damp, ventilation or condensation. Rooms with incorrectly ventilated sub-flooring or lofts tend to be common areas for decay. Various types of timber structures are potentially suceptible to a fungal attack. Wet rot infestations start when moisture or water comes in contact with timber for sustained periods. This enables the fungus to spore, resulting in the wet rot penetrating the wood and causing potential major damage.
How is Wet Rot Different To Dry Rot?
When timber is infested with wet rot, it usually remains located around the original source of the moisture. However, dry rot potentially spreads throughout the timber and can even spread into brickwork if left untreated. While dry rot appears to be the more serious of the problems, wet rot can still cause extremely expensive structural damage if it is ignored. If you suspect you may have a wet rot infestation in your property, contact us now to request a survey.
Sources of & Wet Rot
- Poor ventilation from lofts, cavities and sub floors
- Water ingress – caused by poorly sealed windows and doors
- Roof Leaks
- Walls with rising damp coming into contact with timbers
- Damp cellars or basements
- Leaking appliances such as washing machines or dishwashers
- Leaking pipes from baths, showers or sinks
Signs of Wet Rot
- Weak timbers
- Mushroom-like spores
- Timbers darkening in colour
- Cracking of timbers
- A musky smell in the room
Preservit are damp proofing experts in the West Midlands, Staffordshire and Birmingham area.