Wet & Dry Rot Treatments
Overview
At Lancashire Damp Proofing, we offer expert inspection, diagnosis, and treatment for both wet rot and dry rot. Our services ensure your property remains structurally sound and visually appealing. This guide outlines what wet rot and dry rot are, their causes, identifying signs, and our professional solutions for addressing these common timber issues.
Wet Rot
Wet rot is the general term for several fungi that degrade the strength of wood and timber. It thrives in high moisture environments and stops once the moisture is removed. The most common species is Coniophora puteana, also known as cellar fungus.
- Causes:
Wet rot occurs due to excess moisture from issues such as structural defects, broken plumbing, faulty guttering, or leaking pipes. Poor ventilation further exacerbates the problem, allowing damp conditions to persist. - Signs of Wet Rot:
- Change in timber colour (either dark or light)
- Soft, spongy texture indicating loss of strength
- Localised fungal growth near moisture sources
- Musty odour from associated damp conditions
- Contamination beneath floorboards from water ingress
Dry Rot
Dry rot is caused by the wood-destroying fungus Serpula lacrymans, which feeds on the cellulose and lignin in timber. It predominantly affects damp timber and, if left untreated, can severely compromise your property’s structural integrity.
- Causes:
Dry rot spores are naturally present in the atmosphere but only become problematic when damp conditions prevail. A lack of ventilation coupled with persistent moisture allows the fungus to develop and spread, often travelling through damp materials or masonry. - Identifying Dry Rot:
- A distinctive damp, mushroom-like odour
- Presence of brown spore dust in large concentrations
- Fine hyphae strands on timber surfaces
- Grey/white cotton-wool like mycelium indicating spread
- Discolouration and brittleness of affected timber
- Cuboidal cracking and visible mushroom-like fruiting bodies in dark, damp areas
Our Professional Rot Treatment Services
Our expert team conducts thorough surveys to diagnose the extent of rot infestation. We then use advanced treatments to remove affected timber and apply protective measures, including moisture control and improved ventilation, to prevent future outbreaks. Our high-quality chemical treatments inhibit further fungal growth, ensuring long-term structural integrity.