Dry rot and wet rot Preston
One of the most severe sources of timber damage within buildings is fungal decay, commonly known as dry rot and wet rot.
What is dry rot and wet rot?
If you think you have a problem in your property and, live in Preston or the surrounding region, please read on to learn how RTC can help you.
Damp in the home, combined with a lack of ventilation, provide the perfect conditions for fungal decay to form on timber. A common question that we get asked a lot is “What is the difference between dry rot and wet rot?” The answer to this question is actually very simple; wet rot requires a higher moisture content than dry rot in order to grow.
Wet rot growth
Wet rot can, and does, often lead to major structural damage if it is left to grow unhampered, as it can weaken timber. High moisture content is often the result of excessive moisture due to rising damp, penetrating damp, inadequate sub-floor ventilation or defective plumbing. If you spot a damaged pipe, it is worth checking out your property to ensure there are no signs of growth.
The growth of wet rot will cease when the moisture is removed and, if there are any structurally weakened timbers, they will need to be replaced.
How to look for wet rot damage:
- Dark in colour (usually black) fungus growing on timber
- Will feel soft and spongy and look darker than surrounding timber
- Dried out timber will easily crack and crumble into fine pieces
Dry rot growth
The name dry rot suggests that no moisture is required for it to form dry rot, but, this growth actually requires moisture content of around 18%-20%.
A primary, and vital, difference between dry rot and wet rot, is that dry rot has the ability to spread in search of further moisture and timber and will often occur in areas of the property that cannot be seen. Areas affected are usually areas with poor ventilation and a higher than average moisture content. Owing to its ability to spread, dry rot can often lead to serious damage before the problem has been identified.
How to look for dry rot damage:
- Timber is usually brown in colour and will crumble in your hand
- Fluffy white appearance on surfaces
- A ‘fruiting body’ growing on the timber and red spore dust present
Dry rot and wet rot survey in Preston
If you suspect that you have a form of rot in your property, contact RTC today, Preston’s dry rot and wet rot treatment specialists. Book a dry and wet rot survey and eradicate the problem once and for all with our timber preservative treatments, which protect against future infection.
For any queries, or to book a survey, please contact us.
Our staff will work closely with you from survey stage, right though to the successful completion of the contract.
