Wet Rot Treatment in Westerham, Kent

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When considering any building, no matter how old, timber decay within the structure is usually as a result of rot. Wood rot commonly shows up in two forms: wet and dry rot, both forms are brought on by fungal decay in building timbers.

What is Wet Rot?

Wet rot is a parasite that can be found in wet timber. It alters the structure of the timber, causing swelling and separating its fibres, which 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. Exposure to sources of moisture is the root cause of wet rot in structural wood. It could be from faulty plumbing or penetrating damp, on the ‘wet’ side of the house. Wet rot is a fungus which also spreads to cause damage to neighbouring timbers.

What is the Difference Between Dry Rot and Wet Rot?

Dry rot causes more and faster damage to structural timber as it spreads and consumes structural wood within a property. Meanwhile wet rot, despite being a more common occurrence, causes less damage; decay is typically restricted to the areas that remain wet on the timber. In the absence of obvious fungus, we can differentiate Wet Rot from the Dry Rot by observing the differences in the timber colour and the type/size of cracking seen on the timber with the progression of either type of rot.

What causes Wet Rot?

Certain environmental conditions influence the emergence of wet rot spores. Moist timber is arguably the chief cause of wet rot. Moisture expedites the progression of wet rot fungi. In these cases, the timber starts to show visible signs of decay.

The Dangers of Wet Rot in Westerham

Wet rot can have a devastating effect on your home; it can even bring down its market value. Wet rot must be treated immediately it is noticed, or it will spread throughout your home. Recent surveys of 2,038 London homeowners asked whether they experienced wet rot, where the rot had taken hold and whether they were able to stop it recurring in the future.

Surprisingly, out of the respondents, 20% had battled some form of wet rot. Wet rot causes damage to timber floors and can make the building structurally unsound. Apart from the costly repair work, it could go even further by devaluing your property. Most insurance providers will not offer policies to buildings with clear signs of moisture ingress or damp buildup.

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?

The progression of the fungus from its appearance to become a pervasive issue depends on the moisture it is exposed to. Some obvious signs include peeling wallpaper, a musty smell, malfunctioning cookers and central heating boiler. Some of the common spots where wet rot is found include external walls, roof spaces/attics, and underneath the kitchen sink. It commonly affects older houses which have been built with timber frames and not modern timber species such as Sapele or Meranti. Timber below ground level and as high as the one-floor level are also vulnerable to wet rot. Being able to identify wet or dry rot is a big part of managing its growth. A damp survey is on the cards if you believe your home has been infested.

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How and When Should I Look for Wood Rot?

Searching your home for any signs of wood rot or damp should be done annually, just like spring cleaning. The period just before winter; during your weatherproofing activities, is a good time for it. You’ll need a screwdriver with a long handle and a decent flashlight.

You should check the window siding for signs of discolouration and swelling. Wood rot can be disguised by paint, make sure you poke the siding with the screwdriver to be sure that it is solid. If the wood gives in with pressure and has a spongy texture, then you are dealing with wood rot. Use a decent flashlight to inspect the attic for discoloured wood. Conduct the screwdriver test if you come across any discoloured parts. Ensure you check the underside of the roof decking, in the joints where the wood members connect at the top of the roof, and at the edges of the attic where the rafters slope down to form the eaves, are prime spots in the attic for wood rot.

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 the walls and floors to spot discolouration below sinks and catch water leakage around baths/tubs and the water heater.

How do we identify wet rot?

Unfortunately, detecting wet rot is not an exact science, wet rot can affect timber in several distinct ways. An excellent way to confirm rot in painted timber is to stick a knife in it, up to the hilt.

Our professional damp-proofing team has the training and experience to search for 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 the services of a damp expert to take on wet rot; ensuring the source of moisture is identified and blocked is crucial to preventing repeat cases. Call Southern Damp Proofing on 020 7971 1329 today to get more information about wet rot treatments.

Wet Rot and Damp Proofing in Westerham

We can provide help with damp proofing and wet rot treatment in Westerham. 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.

Timber damp proofing, not to be confused with cosmetic treatment, refers to a maintenance strategy intended to protect the timber from decay. Protection for timber is possible in two ways. Surface treatments are never reliable; they fail and worsen the situation in due course. The only solutions are either fully covering the surface using a membrane, replacing the timber, or treating it. If you want to speak to our experts for further information on wet rot treatment, call 020 7971 1329 today and let Southern Damp Proofing help.
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Wet Rot Treatment Specialists in Westerham

With 20 years experience tackling wet rot in Westerham, we are leading specialists offering free, no-commitment cost estimates and site surveys to a wide range of property owners. Our wet rot experts will examine your property and come up with solutions to cut off the source of moisture ingress. Our experts apply advanced methods to tackle the progression of different types of wet rot in buildings.

Wet Rot Treatment in Westerham

Wet rot commonly attacks areas that remain damp due to constant exposure to moisture. Nevertheless, during wet rot treatment we don’t just fix the damage alone, we address the issue from the source. We identify how the timber gets in contact with moisture and block it against future occurrences. Wet rot treatment should be handled by professionals who understand the process and can provide lasting solutions. Delay in treatment results in pricey repair work down the line. You are best served to contact damp proofing specialists such as Southern Damp Proofing immediately you notice signs of fungi development or hyphae strands. We can provide lasting solutions to wet rot. Southern Damp Proofing is always ready to help, we quickly identify the cause of the humidity and the affected areas. Don’t wait any longer, pick up your phone and call us on 020 7971 1329 or by using the contact form on our website.

Our Wet Rot Treatment Process in Westerham

As is the case of the majority of property-related issues, the longer you put off acting on a persistent problem, the worse it is likely to get. If you identify the presence of the fungal rot early, treatment can usually be confined to a small area of timber. Severe cases where the rot has advanced across the breadth of timber could mean you will need major repair work or replacements for the timber beams. You must take several steps to treat wet rot. 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. Replacing the affected wood is often the port of call for inexperienced builders or contractors. This is usually followed by applying chemical preservatives to the damaged area. This approach is sure to fail. If you are having problems with wet rot in your building, contact Southern Damp Proofing today. We can help you eliminate the problem.

What happens to Wet Rot if left untreated?

Overlooking wet rot can only lead to weakened structural timber which could have dire consequences for the residents. 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. The ultimate result is a loss of structural integrity and even possibly your building being condemned. Call Southern Damp Proofing 020 7971 1329 and discuss your project with one of our wet rot treatment experts today.

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What is the cost of Wet Rot Treatment in Westerham?

The effects of rot are devastating for any property. Repair and damp proofing costs will be different for each project based on the type and level of damage inflicted on the wood. However, don’t let it deter you. With our team of experts on hand to help, you’ll quickly discover that with wet rot treatment in Westerham, it is more affordable than you would expect. We advise you on the best course of action to protect your home and your health.

How to prevent wet rot?

Wood should preferably be kept dry at all times to avoid decaying. You can use wood hardeners to give timber in at-risk areas an extra layer of protection against moisture. The areas in a building that are most susceptible to damp include window sills and boxes, timbers touching stonework without being subjected to damp proofing treatment such as sealant and fungicide applications.

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.

FAQs

Is there a DIY treatment solution?

Wet rot problems are not easy for property owners to fix on their own. The treatment would require you to find why the timber in your building is exposed to moisture. We at Southern Damp Proofing will advise you to employ professionals to help you look into solutions for wet rot.

Can Wet Rot Cause Health Problems?

Empirical evidence revealed that only 2% of wet rot cases pose a threat to the health of the residents. Nevertheless, in severe cases of infestation, spores caused by wet rot can bring up respiratory issues in the elderly, children, and people with existing medical conditions.

Is Wet Rot Capable of Spreading?

Dry rot does, but not wet rot. If left unchecked, it can cause extensive damage to your property. You can stop the fungal rot by getting rid of the source of moisture; you must attack the issue at the source to get any sort of lasting solution.

Is wet rot smelly?

We associate wet rot with a damp and musty smell, much like the odour of rotten soil. In fact, wet rot has a stronger smell compared to that of dry rot.

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