Wet rot is a fungal ‘infection’ of timber. It affects the structural strength of timber and it can damage a building.
The wood decay happens when there are high levels of moisture.
There are a number of different types of wet rot fungi including:
· Cellar fungus (Coniophora puteana) usually found in damp basements, under floors and in skirting boards. Causes timber to darken and produce cracking both along and across the grain of the wood. It prefers very damp conditions in areas like basements, leaking roofs and wood floors where there is insufficient ventilation.
· Mine fungus (Poria vaillantii) causes wood to shrink and split into cuboidal sectors. The strands are white, sometimes fern-like.
· Phellinus contiguous bleaches wood, which becomes fibrous and stringy. This is a common type of decay in external joinery timbers such as door and window frames.
Where
Wet rot is likely to be found in areas with high levels of moisture, and bad ventilation.
Areas may include:
· Cellars and basements.
· Timber floors with insufficient ventilation or floor joists connected to masonry which has rising damp or moisture ingress through poor guttering etc.
· Roof timbers where roofing is leaking, or window frames if water is allowed to collect.
· Under or near the washing machine, dishwasher, kitchen sink, bath or shower.
Wet rot will make timber look darker and it will become spongy. If the timber has dried out it will crumble to the touch.
How
The first action is to check for dampness and causes of dampness or water ingress. A health check of roofing, gutters, windows, rising damp, floors, joists, cellars and basements is advisable.
If you find dampness or wet rot the first action is to identify and resolve the source of the dampness. Peter Cox Ltd can survey your property and advise what steps to take.
When
Wet rot is not as likely to spread through the building as dry rot, and will not propagate if the source of moisture is removed. The illustrations show how wet rot can spread within a damp area.
Wet rot will cause significant damage over time and it is important that wet rot is dealt with promptly.
Who
Peter Cox is the country’s leading wet rot and dry rot specialists. We have experienced timber treatment technicians near you. Contact Peter Cox now to arrange for a survey and give your property a clean bill of health.
Click for more information about wet rot and to see Peter Cox’s track record for dry rot and wet rot control.
Specialised help is needed:
· To check your building and structure
· To remedy wet problems
· To remove and replace infected timber and
· To protect your property for the future
A reputable contractor will give you a free consultancy visit, explain the issues and options, and make a clear proposal that is easy to understand.
For enquiries call us free on 0800 030 4701.
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Email: headoffice@petercox.com
