The Ultimate Guide to Treating Wet Rot

The team at Croft Preservation have been dealing with wet rot for over three decades, so we know a thing or two about stopping it in its tracks. Read our guide below to find out everything you need to know about tackling wet rot, from identification to eradication.

What Is Wet Rot?

Wet rot is a general term for a number of fungal diseases that can cause wood to deteriorate and, in the worst cases, collapse. It's most commonly found in damp environments with a constant source of moisture.

There are two main types of wet rot: brown rot and white rot. Brown rot fungi break down cellulose, the main component of wood cell walls, causing the wood to become brittle and crumbly. White rot fungi break down both cellulose and lignin, another component of wood cell walls, making the wood soft and spongy.

What Causes Wet Rot To Develop?

Wet rot spores are airborne and can land on various surfaces, but they only germinate and develop into rot-causing fungus in damp environments. These environments can arise for several reasons, such as:

• Leaking roofs or gutters: When rainwater isn't properly diverted away from your building, it can seep into the wood, creating an ideal environment for wet rot.
• Plumbing leaks: Burst pipes or faulty plumbing can introduce a lot of moisture into your wood framing.
• Condensation: In poorly ventilated areas, condensation can build up on wood surfaces, leading to rot. This is especially common in bathrooms and kitchens.
• Rising damp: Moisture from the ground can seep into your walls, reaching the wooden components and causing wet rot.

If timber has been exposed to damp for a prolonged period, it's very likely that wet rot will occur.

What Does Wet Rot Look Like?

Sometimes, wet rot is easy to spot due to the fungus growing on the timber. If the fungus isn't visible, however, you can identify wet rot by the colour difference compared to the surrounding wood. The affected areas often appear darker and feel spongy to the touch, and they may smell musty and damp. Occasionally, wet rot can also cause the wood to bleach.

What's the Difference Between Wet Rot and Dry Rot?

Telling wet rot from dry rot can be tricky - both are types of fungus that can damage wood in your home, and they can often look near identical. But there are some key things that set them apart:

• Wet rot thrives in environments with a moisture content of around 50% or higher. Despite the name, dry rot also requires some moisture to grow, although the moisture content doesn't tend to be over 20%.
• Wet rot is generally less aggressive. It tends to stay localised to the area where the wood is damp. Dry rot, however, is much more serious. The fungus can spread through the air, even across brick and masonry, to find new sources of wood to attack.
• Because of its ability to spread extensively, dry rot is a bigger threat to the structural integrity of your house. Wet rot, while still damaging, is usually easier to contain and eradicate.
• Dry rot can grow within the building structure by extracting moisture from the wood itself. This is why most cases of dry rot are found in hidden areas like attics, window casings, behind walls, and under floors. Wet rot, on the other hand, needs a more constant and obvious source of damp (like a leak or condensation), which is usually easier to spot. 

Can Wet Rot Develop Into Dry Rot?

No, wet rot cannot develop into dry rot. They're two distinct types of decay caused by different fungi, and each requires different conditions to grow and spread.

How Can You Fix a Wet Rot Problem?

Treating wet rot involves a two-pronged approach: addressing the source of the moisture and treating the affected wood. Due to the complexity and potential dangers of the process, it's usually best left to the professionals - they'll have the tools and expertise to deal with the issue properly, even if the rot is extensive or hidden.

Here's a breakdown of the steps they'll take:

1. First, a specialist will use a moisture metre to determine the cause and extent of the rot infestation, as well as the source of the damp allowing it to thrive (e.g. a leaking pipe, poor ventilation, or faulty drainage). After identifying the issue, they'll take steps to fix the cause and prevent the rot from returning once it's been removed.
2. Once the wet rot is exposed and the source of moisture addressed, the specialist can tackle the affected wood. Severely damaged wood will need to be cut out and replaced with sound timber, while salvageable wood will be dried and coated in a fungicide to eliminate any remaining spores and prevent regrowth. This can be a spray or brush-on application, depending on the product used.
3. After treatment, the specialist will thoroughly dry out the area, possibly using dehumidifiers or fans to speed up the process.
4. To give the wood an extra layer of protection, they might apply wood hardeners to improve stability and reduce the risk of future damage.

Effective Wet Rot Treatments in Dorset and Hampshire

Is your home suffering from wet rot? Don't worry, the specialists at Croft Preservation are here to help!

We've been eliminating wet rot in Dorset and Hampshire for over 30 years, and we know exactly what it takes to make your home safe and sound again. We'll diagnose the problem, remove and replace damaged timbers, and treat the area to stop the rot in its tracks. No matter how big or small the job, you can trust us to get it done right - all at a price that's fair to you.

Ready to breathe easy again? Get a quote online or call us on 01202 737739 today!