What Causes Wet and Dry Rot

Finding the source of your rot problem is key to making sure it is dealt with effectively.

The main cause of rot is moisture in timbers. Wood destroying fungus feed off this moisture and as a result visible signs of dry rot or wet rot damage appear on the affected timber. Wet and Dry rot spores will only develop and take hold of timbers if the environmental conditions are correct.

In order to prevent rot it is essential that you fix ventilation issues and damp problems, such as rising damp, penetrating damp and condensation as they are the main causes of excessive moisture within a property.

Dry rot spores are always present in the atmosphere. Once they land on timber, they will germinate and produce hyphae (fine strands of fungal growth), if in the correct environmental conditions. These hyphae strands join together to form a mass called Mycelium which can vary in colour from grey to pure white, and these strands grow into and across the damp wood. It can also grow into materials such as plaster, mortars, bricks etc... in it's search more timber.

When the growth is advanced a fruiting body (Sporophore) may develop. This fruiting body takes the form of a “fleshy pancake”, the surface of which is orange/ochre coloured. A large numbers of spores generate from the centre of the fruiting body, under still conditions, and form the red “dust” often visible where there is a significant attack of dry rot.

Dry rot can be problematic to any property so it is essential that you identify signs of dry rot before further damage is done. If you notice the following then it could indicate a dry rot problem:

• Distinct mushroom smell
• White fungal growth with yellow and lilac tinges
• Deep cracks appear within the wood
• Both soft and hardwood timbers can be damaged

Wet rot in timber can cause issues with the structure of a property making it essential that you identify signs of wet rot before further damage is done. If you notice the following you may have a wet rot problem:

• Distortion, discolouration, softness and cracking
• Loss of strength to the timber
• Visible fungal growth - this may sometimes occur
• Smell - there may be a damp musty smell

If you suspect or are unsure whether your home could have wood rot we are here to help, our team of experts are experienced in the identification, removal and treatment of wood rot so you don't have to be.

We are long term members of the Property Care Association and Trust Mark and offer a 30 year guarantee with all our rot treatments. Call us free on 0800 0121 437 to discuss our professional treatments for rot. You can also book a survey appointment online if you wish a trained surveyor to determine if you have rot issues.