Dry Rot

Dry Rot

Dry Rot Treatment

Dry rot is the most serious type of timber decay. It is a fungus that destroys the cellulose component of wood turning it brown, and eventually reducing timber to a dry and crumbly consistency.

How To Identify Dry Rot

Image of dry rot damage from Rentokil

Dry rot has a distinct mushroom smell and white fungal growth often with yellow and lilac tinges. 

The reddy brown fruiting body produces spores, which are deposited as a layer of brick red dust throughout the building.

Unlike wet rot there is extensive fungal growth and distinct cuboidal cracking of the timber.

Get further technical information from our Dry Rot information leaflet.

What Are The Risks Of Dry Rot?

If you suspect that you have dry rot, we recommend that you contact dry rot specialists to inspect the problem. Dry rot can pose many risks to your building, as listed below:

  • It does not need significant dampness to grow (unlike wet rot)
  • Grows rapidly through a building and is difficult to control
  • Can spread behind plaster and through walls into neighbouring properties
  • Compromises the structural integrity of a building
  • If left untreated, it could lead to the collapse of the building

Dry Rot Survey

Before Rentokil carries out any dry rot treatment, a surveyor will carry out a thorough inspection, often removing plaster to establish the extent of the dry rot, and its cause. The surveyor will also:

  • check for associated problems such as other rot or damp.
  • inspect other areas that may be at risk.
  • provide a cost effective solution to your problem.

Professional Dry Rot Treatment

At Rentokil Property Care, our specialist technicians have the skills, craftsmanship and treatments necessary to get rid of dry rot.
The stages of dry rot treatment are:

  • Eliminate the source of moisture.
  • Remove all decayed wood and damaged plaster.
  • Remove the visible and accessible fungal growth.
  • Apply fungicidal treatment to the remaining timber and brickwork
  • Replace all removed timber with treated timber.

Rentokil’s dry rot treatment is covered by a 30-year guarantee, which can be passed on to future owners of the property. We can also offer insurance to cover untreated areas for timber and damp problems by taking out a Rentokil Insurance policy.

Contact Rentokil Property Care on 0800 0121 437 for more information on our dry rot treatment or to arrange a visit by a technician.