Wet Rot Treatment

Wet rot is a wood-destroying fungus that thrives in damp conditions. It’s crucial to deal with wet rot outbreaks promptly to prevent long-term damage to your property. Wet rot not only deteriorates timber but is also a sign of underlying damp issues in your home. Whether you are dealing with wet rot in your walls, floors, or roof, our expert team at Rentokil Property Care can help correctly identify and restore your property and ensure it’s protected against future outbreaks.

With over 60 years of experience and industry-certified treatments, Rentokil Property Care has been trusted by thousands of homeowners across the UK to resolve wet rot problems. We offer a comprehensive survey process, with guaranteed solutions and provide you with peace of mind, knowing your property is protected against future damp issues.

Key Benefits of Choosing Rentokil:

• Industry Expertise: Over 60 years of experience treating wet rot
• Nationwide Coverage: Qualified surveyors for prompt service from a network of local branches
• Guaranteed Results: Treatments are typically backed by a 20 year warranty
• Trade Body Certified: Accredited and trusted by leading industry bodies

Wet rot is a form of fungal decay that feeds on timber in damp conditions, before emitting spores into the atmosphere. It thrives in susceptible wood with a moisture content above 20%, and leads to the softening and weakening of timber. Typically, wet rot is caused by damp, leaking gutters, or water ingress from roof damage. It is essential to fix the underlying moisture source before treating the rot to ensure long-lasting results.

There are different types of wet rot, however the most common type is Coniophora Puteana. Wet rot is less destructive than dry rot as it is isolated to the source of moisture, but can still cause significant damage to timber.

Wet rot is a sign that your home is suffering from moisture ingress, usually from sources such as:

• Rising damp
• Penetrating damp
• Condensation
• High ground levels
• Leaking plumbing fixtures (such as washing machines, showers and pipes)
• Roofing failures and broken gutters

Wet rot is often hidden in dark, poorly ventilated areas of your home. Watch out for these signs:

• Dark, damp spots or soft timber, especially around windows, door frames, and floorboards
• Soft and spongy timber that has lost its structural integrity
• Musty or damp odours in enclosed spaces like attics or cellars
• Peeling paint and crumbling woodwork

Preventing moisture ingress is key to avoiding recurring wet rot issues. Here are some expert tips to protect your property:

• Fix leaks promptly, especially around sinks, baths, shower trays and washing machines
• Inspect your roof and guttering regularly for cracks and damage, broken tiles may allow moisture ingress.
• Ensure good ventilation throughout your home, especially in damp-prone areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.
• Install a damp-proof course (DPC) to protect from upwards moisture ingress through the walls of a building.

At Rentokil Property Care, we stand by our work. Our wet rot treatment services typically come with a 30-year guarantee that ensures your property remains free from wet rot. This guarantee is transferable to future homeowners, adding value to your property and peace of mind.

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  Can I Treat Wet Rot Myself?

  While DIY solutions exist, it's recommended you get a professional to correctly identify the extent of the wet rot issue and provide a plan for treatment. However isolated problems may be possible for those with an understanding of DIY, but wet rot treatment can be complex and lead to further issues if not done correctly. It's crucial to address the underlying moisture issue and remove the infected timber, which is a challenging and skilled job.

  Professional treatment ensures that the problem is fixed at its source, and it’s backed by our 30-year guarantee offering you long term peace of mind.

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  What’s the Difference Between Wet Rot and Dry Rot?

  Wet and dry rot thrives in damp, humid conditions with a lack of ventilation. However wet rot requires a higher moisture content and is isolated to the source of moisture. Once the source of moisture is removed wet rot will cease to grow. However dry rot is able to spread through masonry in search of fresh timber to attack.

If you’ve spotted signs of wet rot and want a professional opinion on the cause, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Contact Rentokil Property Care for a professional survey. Our experts will assess the issue, identify the moisture source, and recommend the best course of action.