What Is Wet Rot?

Dampness and Timber Decay

Timber is a widely used material in construction, but it is vulnerable to damage. Wet rot and dry rot are two types of fungal decay that can pose serious threats to structural wood. It’s important to differentiate between the two as they require different treatments.

What Exactly Is Wet Rot?

Wet rot is a natural process of wood decay that occurs when the moisture content in the wood reaches 30 to 50 per cent. This stands in contrast to dry rot, which manifests at a lower moisture level of 20 to 30 per cent or less. Wet rot is caused by various types of fungi that thrive on damp wood and gradually consume it until it disintegrates completely. The most common type of wet rot fungus is Coniophora Puteana, also known as cellar fungus. It’s essential to identify and treat wet rot early because it can cause significant structural damage if left unchecked.

Origins Of Wet Rot On Properties

Excessive humidity is the root cause of a plethora of damp issues, leading to moisture accumulation, mould growth and structural damage in buildings. Identifying the source and origin of the problem is crucial for effective remediation. In case of condensation-related problems, improved ventilation may prove to be an adequate solution. However, if water seeps through walls due to damaged guttering or other external factors, penetrating dampness can occur which cannot be resolved by ventilation alone. On the other hand, rising dampness typically manifests at the base of walls when a protective barrier such as a damp-proof course has been compromised allowing groundwater infiltration into building materials like masonry or woodwork. It’s important to address these issues promptly before they lead to further deterioration and costly repairs down the line.

How To Identify Wet Rot?

Wet rot, a type of wood decay caused by excessive moisture, is the most common source of damage to timber structures. It can affect any kind of wood in a home and is often mistaken for dry rot, which is more severe. A suspected structural fault or long-term rising damp can also cause wet rot. However, detecting it requires expertise that only specialists possess. To ensure your peace of mind and deal with all damp concerns effectively, contact Sussex Damp Treatments on XX to have their specialist team inspect your property thoroughly. Their experts will identify the root cause of the problem and provide you with an appropriate solution tailored to your needs. Don’t let wet rot compromise the integrity of your property; call Sussex Damp Treatments today!

Differences Between Wet Rot And Dry Rot

Dry rot is a pernicious problem that should be dealt with immediately. It is a harmful type of decay that spreads from the source of damp and destroys timber and other property fabric. Wet rot fungus, while more common than dry rot fungus, is typically more localised in its effects on timber closest to the source of moisture.

However, wet rot can be equally deadly as dry rot and can gravely undermine structural timbers if left untreated. The only fungus responsible for causing dry rot is Serpula Lacrymans, which poses a significant danger to buildings by spreading throughout the entire structure. Dry or wet rots can result from faulty interior plumbing or penetrating damp caused by defective render, guttering or downpipes. These types of fungi are particularly insidious because they can cause extensive damage before homeowners become aware of them since they grow between wall coverings and beneath flooring materials.

Wet Rot Treatments

Wet rot is widespread in wet regions where wood has been exposed to moisture. We don’t just fix the damage that wet rot has caused, but we stop it from coming back. The source of the problem must be addressed. To avoid future dampness and ensure that the timber rot does not recur, it’s crucial to determine where the water enters the wood. In some cases, you may need to replace the afflicted timbers. In most cases, however, wet rot may be avoided by treating the wood with a fungicide. Wet rot is treated by the use of a fungicide during the drying out process.

To detect and sterilise fungal growth or hyphae strands, you’ll need to selectively employ a powerful fungicide to water the area with a forceful fungicide. You must also remove and discard any tainted plaster that has been contaminated by strands, for example. Any hazardous wood or trash discovered in voids beneath the floor would have to be removed and burned. You’ll need to use a fungicidal solution to treat the damaged wood.

Don’t wait any longer if you’re not sure where to begin treating your wet rot problems. If you choose a professional company, such as ours at Sussex Damp Experts, you’ll obtain the best results. They are experts in the field of wet rot therapy. We’ll figure out what’s causing the wetness and which areas have been harmed. Please don’t wait any longer to reach us. Pick up the phone and dial 01273 257 212.

Treating Wet Rot with a Chemical Fungicide

Wet rot is prevalent in damp areas where wood has been exposed to moisture. We not only remedy the damage it causes, but also prevent its return. To stop further moisture and guarantee that timber rot does not come back, one must identify where water enters the wood. Replacing damaged timbers may be necessary in some cases; however, usually wet rot can be prevented by treating the wood with a fungicide. During drying out, a fungicide should be used to treat wet rot.

To detect and eradicate fungal growth or hyphae strands, deploy a powerful fungicide to water the affected area. Discard any contaminated plaster, as well as hazardous wood or debris found in cavities beneath the floor. Treat damaged wood with a fungicidal solution then burn it.

Steps for Treating Wet Rot

Our staff will attend your property and address the wet rot issue following a timber survey, agreement of a solution and arrangement of a suitable time with you.

Our expert team will undertake the following procedures to fix your wet rot issue:

1. Remove and replace affected timbers

2. Treat with fungicidal solution

3. Replace dry lining

4. Examine for any other signs of damage

5. Provide guarantee for work completed

The Benefits of Brighton Damp Treatments

Qualified surveyors assess the condition of properties and provide reports. They measure and inspect buildings, checking for any signs of structural damage or safety hazards. Surveyors must possess a degree in surveying or related field, as well as experience in the profession.

Qualified surveyors evaluate properties, producing detailed accounts of their condition. They determine if there are any structural issues or potential safety risks, measuring and inspecting the building to do so. To become a surveyor one needs to have undertaken study into surveying or similar disciplines plus professional experience in this area.