If the structure of your home or other property includes timber, then wet and dry rot can be a real concern. If you think that you have wet or dry rot, then it’s essential to seek professional advice. At Benham Preservation, we are specialists in delivering quality, affordable wet and dry rot solutions to domestic and commercial clients. Our effective services and treatments are designed for the complete remedial solution for wet and dry rot so please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Effective & Affordable Wet and Dry Rot Solutions
What are Wet Rot and Dry Rot?
Structural timbers in buildings are affected by several types of wood-rotting fungi known as wet rot and dry rot. If not addressed quickly, wet rot and dry rot can lead to costly repairs, and time-consuming problems and can impact health. So what exactly are wet rot and dry rot?
Wet Rot
Wet rot is the term used to describe numerous species of fungus and is activated when the surrounding moisture content reaches 50%. This moisture can be found either on the timber itself or other permeable surfaces and can commonly be found in basements, roofs, and timber structures. Although wet rot starts in a localised area, it can quickly spread throughout other structures of your home if left untreated. There are two common types of wet rot:
White Rot
The decay that white rot causes can take on a whiter-looking appearance. This takes place when the fungus digests the lignin – a polymer that bonds the cells of wood together and gives it natural rigidity. This also results in the timber feeling spongy to the touch.
Brown Rot
Brown rot is typically darker in appearance than white rot. Due to this, it can be a little harder to spot as it can match the colour of the timber. When wet rot fungus can’t digest the lignin, it feeds on sugars and cellulose instead, giving the affected wood a brown appearance.
Dry Rot
Dry rot is much more serious than wet rot. It is highly aggressive and can easily spread through a whole building and its structure. Dry rot is activated when the surrounding moisture content reaches 20%, it then generates moisture to sustain itself. Dry rot is typically caused by poor ventilation, rising or penetrating damp or leaking gutters and downpipes. As it can spread quickly, dry rot is the most serious form of fungal decay.
How do I Know If I Have Wet Rot?
There are several warning signs to look out for that your timber or surfaces in your home are suffering from wet rot. These include:
- Timber that appears darker or white.
- Cracked or crumbling appearance.
- Shrinkage, visible as cracks in the timber.
- Flaky paint.
- Soft, spongy texture.
- Damp, musty smell.
- Localised fungal growth.
Wet Rot Treatments
Here at Benham Preservation, we provide a complete remedial wet rot treatment. Once wet rot has been identified, we can treat the timber with a high-quality, effective fungicide. This works to eradicate wet rot, as long as the source of the water ingress has been treated.
How do I Know if I Have Dry Rot?
There are several warning signs to look out for that your timber or surfaces in your home are suffering from dry rot. These include:
- Shrinking of the timber.
- Timber appears dry, brittle and crumbly.
- Darker timber than usual.
- Split or cracked timber into small cubes.
- Flooring feeling ‘bouncy’.
- Flooring dropping away from skirting boards.
Dry Rot Treatment
Here at Benham Preservation, we provide a complete remedial dry rot treatment. Once dry rot has been identified, we will remove all dry rot and visible spores. Then all areas will be cleaned using a stiff brush. An effective dry rot treatment involves applying a high-strength fungicidal microemulsion either by spray or injection.
Why are Wet and Dry Rottreatments so Important?
If you spot wet or dry rot in your home, it’s vital that you treat it immediately. There are several reasons why remedial action must be taken for wet and dry rot, including…
To protect your home
If wet and dry rot are left untreated, this will lead to structural decay caused by the wood and timber degrading. Older properties are particularly susceptible to structural decay forming as up to 75% of older buildings’ structures can be made from timber.
To stop it from spreading
Immediate action is required when you spot wet or dry rot to stop it from spreading. Though both begin in a localised area, they are quick to take hold and spread across other structures in your home.
To safeguard your health
There are several health issues associated with living in damp environments that wet and dry rot can create. Untreated wet and dry rot can contribute to health conditions such as asthma and other respiratory problems.
How Much Does it Cost to Treat Wet and Dry Rot?
The cost of wet and dry rot treatments will vary depending on its severity, location and treatment required. We recommend getting in touch with us for a quote based on your requirements.
Why choose us?
Team of Professionals
All of the high-quality services we provide are completed by our team of experts who have years of experience in the damp-proofing industry.
Competitive Prices
We aim to make sure that all of the quality services we provide are available for a competitive price. Get in touch with us for a quote today!
Wide Range of Services
We provide quality services including Dry/Wet Rot, Rising Damp, Damp Proofing, Condensation, Woodworm , and Historic Buildings.
If you’ve been looking for reliable, effective and affordable solutions for your rising damp problem, then you’ve found the answer. Contact us today for a quote!
Contact Us
Benham Preservation Ltd provides quality services including Damp Proofing, Rising Damp, Condensation, Woodworm, Dry/Wet Rot and Historic Buildings. All of the quality services we provide are available throughout London, Essex, Kent and Suffolk.
All of the high-quality services we provide are completed by our team of professionals. Every worker we have employed all have many years of experience in the damp-proof industry.
- 01702 511 141
- info@benhampreservation.co.uk
- Main Office: Stewards Yard, Wakering Road, Shoeburyness, Essex, SS3 9TR
