What is Wet Rot?
Wet rot refers to a parasite known to thrive in wet timber. It distorts the timber, making it swell and separating the fibres, which eventually leads to crumbling and loss of strength in the structure. Wet rot can expedite decay in timber, making it lose structural integrity and to eventually break. Wet Rot is caused by structural wood coming into contact with sources of moisture. It could be from faulty plumbing or penetrating damp, on the ‘wet’ side of the house. Wet rot is fungi, it spreads to timbers close-by and causes damage.
What is the Difference Between Dry Rot and Wet Rot?
Dry rot triggers quick and extensive damage to structural timber as it spreads through the affected property. Wet rot, however, occurs more often but is typically less severe; decay in such cases is limited to the area affected by water. In the absence of noticeable fungi, we can identify wet or dry rot by observing the variation in timber colour and the size of the cracks seen on the timber.
What causes Wet Rot?
Certain environmental conditions are behind the development of wet rot spores. The major cause of wet rot is moist timber. Moisture plays a major role in the appearance and progression of wet rot. As a result of this, indications of premature deterioration can be seen in the decaying wood.
The Dangers of Wet Rot in London
Wet rot is a devastating problem. It can destroy your home and ruin its value. When you notice wet rot, make sure to treat it quickly, if not there is a high likelihood of it spreading and infecting your house. A recent survey asked 2,038 homeowners in London if they had ever experienced wet rot in their homes, where they noticed it, and whether they were able to prevent a recurrence.
Damp Proofing Can Help Prevent
- Rising / Penetrating Damp
- Ingress of Water
- Salt Crystallization
- Plaster Breakdown
- Damp Staining
- Wet Rot / Dry Rot
What are the Warning Signs of Wet Rot?
Signs of wet rot in timber, or the conditions necessary to accommodate the growth of the fungus, can vary depending on the cause and type of moisture it is exposed to. Some noticeable signs include a musty smell, wallpaper peeling, the central heating boiler malfunctioning, and cookers not working properly. Some of the common spots where wet rot is found include external walls, roof spaces/attics, and underneath the kitchen sink. Wet rot typically attacks older buildings constructed using timber frames rather than modern species such as Meranti and Sapele. Timber from below ground level up to a one-floor level is another prime victim of wet rot. Identifying it when it appears is the first step towards getting rid of wet or dry rot. If you believe your home has a wet rot infestation, a damp survey is necessary.
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How and When Should I Look for Wood Rot?
It should be conducted annually. Similar to spring cleaning, you need to inspect your home for telltale signs of wood rot or damp, and the period reserved for weatherproofing activities before winter is an ideal time to do this. The inspection requires a long-handle screwdriver as well as a powerful flashlight.
Using the flashlight to check out discolouration on the perimeter wood plate on the concrete basement wall, study the wood in a crawl space (sill plate) or basement. Use the screwdriver test on any discoloured regions you come across. Check floors and walls for signs of discolouration underneath the sinks or water leakage around the water heater and baths/tubs.
How do we identify wet rot?
Recognising wet rot is not always a straightforward or easy task, wet rot is versatile and attacks timber in several forms. If a knife pushed into painted timber goes in right up to its handle, that’s a certain indication of rot.
Our damp-proofing specialists have tons of experience and training to detect the following:
- Localised fungal growth on timber
- The soft, spongy feel of timber; the affected area appears darker than the surrounding timber.
- The soft and spongy texture of rotting timber; the affected region often looks darker than the other parts.
- That spongy, soft feel timber gets when affected by wet rot; the affected parts are darker than the other areas.
- The spongy, soft texture of rotten timber; the infested area is darker than the other parts.
- The springy feeling that is an indicator of wet rot; the affected area is often darker than others around it.
- Crumbling of affected dry timber into particles.
- Dry timber crumbling into particles.
- The crumbling of infested timber into dry particles.
- Dried-out timber disintegrating into particles.
- The disintegration of rot-eaten timber into particles.
- Shrinking timber
- Bleaching wood in window and door frames
- Flaky or damaged paint
- A musty, damp smell
What to Do After You Detect Wet Rot?
You need to engage a damp expert to treat wet rot and ensure the source of the moisture ingress is identified and stopped to ensure that the problem does not recur. For further information about treating wet rot, call us on 020 7971 1329 and let Southern Damp Proofing help.
Wet Rot and Damp Proofing in London
Your search for wet rot treatment and damp proofing services ends here! If you notice that you have wet or damp rot in your home, then you should call us to repair the problem at once, as wet rot will spread quickly and lead to dangerous health risk and a loss of structural integrity if not dealt with promptly. One of our qualified damp surveyors will be able to determine the cause of the problem and the best course of action to rectify the issue.
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Wet Rot Treatment Specialists in London
With 20 years experience tackling wet rot in London, we are leading specialists offering free, no-commitment cost estimates and site surveys to a wide range of property owners. Our team of experts will visit your property and investigate the source of the wet rot and provide advice on the next steps to take to get rid of it. Our experts apply advanced methods to tackle the progression of different types of wet rot in buildings.
Wet Rot Treatment in London
Wet rot flourishes in areas where timber comes in contact with moisture and the wood remains damp. Nevertheless, during wet rot treatment we don’t just fix the damage alone, we address the issue from the source. We eliminate the possibility of facing similar issues by identifying exactly how the moisture reaches the timber and blocking off all the access points. Treating rot should be left to expert professionals who can deliver a holistic solution. Delaying wet rot treatment can be a costly mistake. The best course of action is to contact Southern Damp Proofing if you see any indication of wet rot anywhere in your building. We have the skills to get rid of wet rot. Southern Damp Proofing is always ready to help, we quickly identify the cause of the humidity and the affected areas. Don’t delay any longer, call 020 7971 1329 today or fill out the contact form.
Our Wet Rot Treatment Process in London
The damage worsens the more you put off starting the treatment process. If you identify the presence of the fungal rot early, treatment can usually be confined to a small area of timber. In more severe cases, where wet rot has spread its tentacles across the breadth of your timber, you may have to replace entire timbers beams or intake major remedial works. Treating wet rot involves a series of steps. The treatment of any fungus-related problem involving timbers must begin by preventing the timber from getting damp. We identify the source of moisture ingress including condensation and broken guttering, and we apply corrective measures to cut them off. Builders and contractors who lack expertise often resort to replacing the affected wood. Thereafter, such treatment typically involved the spraying of chemical preservatives in the affected area. This approach is sure to fail. If you notice even the slightest signs of wet rot in your property, the team at Southern Damp Proofing is more than happy to help out. Call us today.
What happens to Wet Rot if left untreated?
If you fail to treat wet rot, the structural timber in your property will eventually weaken and, in certain cases, will prove a threat to the safety of residents in the home. When rot sets in, the timber becomes spongy and soft, and caves in when you prod it with a sharp edge such as a knife or screwdriver. An extreme result means that structural timbers lose their integrity over time. In a worst-case scenario, this means your property could be condemned. Call Southern Damp Proofing on 020 7971 1329 and talk with our experts today!
Contact Southern Damp Proofing Now to Speak With an Expert
What is the cost of Wet Rot Treatment in London?
Rot has devastating effects on properties. The cost of repairs and damp proofing is based on the type and extent of damage done to the timber, however, don’t be discouraged. With our experts who are always willing to help, you will find that wet rot treatment in London doesn’t have to cost a fortune. We are dedicated to providing the right solutions to help you keep your home rot-free.
How to prevent wet rot?
At all times, wood should be kept dry to avoid cases of rot. Wood hardeners are an effective way of protecting timber that is at risk of being infested by wet rot. The wood becomes stronger as the hardener soaks into it. Areas of properties most affected by damp include sills, window boxes, timbers that touch brickwork but have not subjected to damp proofing treatment including the use of a fungicide and sealant.
Talk to Our Wet Rot Treatment Experts Today!
If you need further information on wet rot treatment from one of our experts, call 020 7971 1329 today.
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