When considering any building, no matter how old, timber decay within the structure is usually as a result of rot. Wood rot comes in two predominant forms: wet and dry rot, and they both occur as a result of fungal decay in building timbers.
What is Wet Rot?
Wet rot is a type of parasite which grows in wet timber. It distorts the timber, making it swell and separating the fibres, which eventually leads to crumbling and loss of strength in the structure. Wet rot can speed up the decay process, making timber lose its structural integrity and eventually collapse. Wet rot in structural wood is due to increased exposure to moisture. This could be from the ‘wet’ side of the structure, through faulty plumbing or penetrating damp. Wet Rot is a fungus and will spread to neighbouring timbers, which in turn suffer damage.
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What is the Difference Between Dry Rot and Wet Rot?
Dry rot causes more and faster damage to structural timber as it spreads and consumes structural wood within a property. Wet rot, while occurring more often, causes less harm; the waterlogged areas on the timber suffer virtually all the damage. It is possible to differentiate between dry and wet rot by associating the extent of damage as well as the colour of the timber with the development of either type of rot.
What causes Wet Rot?
Wet rot spores are only present in certain environmental conditions. Moist timber is the major cause of wet rot in timber. Moisture expedites the progression of wet rot fungi. As a result of this, indications of premature deterioration can be seen in the decaying wood.
The Dangers of Wet Rot in Newhaven
Wet rot is a serious problem. It can cause irreparable damage to your home and reduce its value. If you find wet rot in your home, you must treat it quickly or risk allowing the infection to spread. A recent survey asked 2,038 homeowners in London if they had ever experienced wet rot in their homes, where they noticed it, and whether they were able to prevent a recurrence.
The results were quite surprising; over 20% of the respondents had experience with some form of wet rot. Wet rot can attack timber flooring; making the property lose its structural integrity. Besides the costly repair work required to get rid of wet rot, it can also reduce your property’s value, and many insurance firms do not provide coverage for houses where there is moisture ingress and damp build-up.
What are the Warning Signs of Wet Rot?
Signs of Wet Rot or the conditions needed by the fungus to become pervasive can vary depending on type cause of moisture with a property. Peeling wallpaper (especially at the corners), malfunctioning central heating boiler, a persistent musty smell, and malfunctioning cookers are some easy-to-spot signs of wet rot. Common areas where wet rot occurs include beneath the kitchen sink, along external walls, attics and roof spaces. Wet rot commonly affects older houses built using timber frames as opposed to modern species like Meranti and Sapele. Timber that is found below ground level or reaching a one-floor level is susceptible to wet rot as well. Identifying wet rot or dry rot is the first step toward preventing it. If you believe that your house suffers from a wet rot infestation, then you should carry out a damp survey immediately.
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How and When Should I Look for Wood Rot?
It should be conducted annually. Similar to spring cleaning, you need to inspect your home for telltale signs of wood rot or damp, and the period reserved for weatherproofing activities before winter is an ideal time to do this. You’ll need a screwdriver with a long handle and a decent flashlight.
You should check the window siding for signs of discolouration and swelling. Paint can often disguise wood rot, so poke the siding with the screwdriver to make sure that the wood is solid. If the wood is spongy and the surface gives as you apply pressure, you’ve got a wood rot problem. Test the attic for discoloured wood using a good flashlight. Move on to the screwdriver test if you see wood that fits this description. Ensure you check the underside of the roof decking, in the joints where the wood members connect at the top of the roof, and at the edges of the attic where the rafters slope down to form the eaves, are prime spots in the attic for wood rot.
Use the flashlight to examine the wood in the crawl room or basement for discolouration around the border wood plate sitting directly on the concrete wall. Use the screwdriver test wherever necessary. Examine the walls and floors to detect discolouration under the sink or water leaks around baths, tubs, and the water heater.
How do we identify wet rot?
Identifying wet rot is not an exact science, there many different forms of wet rot that can affect timber in different ways. An excellent way to confirm rot in painted timber is to stick a knife in it, up to the hilt. Our team of damp-proofing specialists have advanced training and years of experience to pick out the following:
- Localised fungal growth on timber
- The soft, spongy feel of timber; the affected area appears darker than the surrounding timber.
- The soft and spongy texture of rotting timber; the affected region often looks darker than the other parts.
- That spongy, soft feel timber gets when affected by wet rot; the affected parts are darker than the other areas.
- The spongy, soft texture of rotten timber; the infested area is darker than the other parts.
- The springy feeling that is an indicator of wet rot; the affected area is often darker than others around it.
- Crumbling of affected dry timber into particles.
- Dry timber crumbling into particles.
- The crumbling of infested timber into dry particles.
- Dried-out timber disintegrating into particles.
- The disintegration of rot-eaten timber into particles.
- Shrinking timber
- Bleaching wood in window and door frames
- Flaky or damaged paint
- A musty, damp smell
What to Do After You Detect Wet Rot?
You need a damp expert to treat wet rot and make sure the source of moisture is cut off to prevent a recurrence. For further information about treating wet rot, call us on 01273 257 765 and let Sussex Damp Experts help.
Wet Rot and Damp Proofing in Newhaven
If you need damp proofing services or wet rot treatment in Newhaven, you are on the right page. When you call us immediately you notice signs of damp or wet rot, we can fix the problem by putting a stop to the progression of the infestation; helping you avoid pricey repairs down the road and minimising health risks. We will investigate the source of the damp or wet rot and provide solutions as well as advise on how to prevent a similar situation.
Timber damp proofing is quite different from cosmetic treatment; it is a strategic approach to maintenance that is geared towards protecting the timber from decay. You can protect the timber from damage.
Surface treatments are not reliable; they always fail and end up intensifying the issue. The only way out is to encapsulate the entire surface with a membrane, replace or treat the timber. Call 01273 257 765 today to speak to one of our experts concerning wet rot treatment in your building.
Wet Rot Treatment Specialists in Newhaven
With over ten years of experience in the field, we are one of the leading wet rot specialists in Newhaven, offering free surveys and no obligation quotations to householders, landlords and commercial property owners. Our team of experts will visit your property and investigate the source of the wet rot and provide advice on the next steps to take to get rid of it. Our team of experts employ advanced techniques to curb the spread of different types of wet rot in properties.
Wet Rot Treatment in Newhaven
Wet rot can be found predominantly in areas that are constantly exposed to moisture. We consider the source of the problem as well as the affected area during wet rot treatment. We identify how the timber gets in contact with moisture and block it against future occurrences. To get a lasting solution, only seasoned professionals should be responsible for wet rot treatment. Delay in treatment can result in a compounded increase in the treatment cost. The best thing to do when you notice signs of wet rot or damp is to call experts such as Sussex Damp Experts for help.
We have the technical knowledge to handle wet rot treatment effectively. Sussex Damp Experts is always willing to help, we quickly assess the source of the moisture and which areas suffered damage. Don’t wait any longer, pick up your phone and call us on 01273 257 765 or by using the contact form on our website.
Our Wet Rot Treatment Process in Newhaven
The damage worsens the more you put off starting the treatment process. Identifying the progress of the fungal rot early could mean the treatment will be restricted to just a small area. In more serious situations where the fungus has spread along the breadth of the timber, you may need replacements for entire timber beams. You must take several steps to treat wet rot. The treatment of wet rot involving timbers must start with addressing the root of the problem and preventing moisture from reaching the timber. We take corrective action to locate and eliminate the sources of water leakage on timber including poor guttering and condensation. Builders and contractors who lack expertise often resort to replacing the affected wood. Thereafter, such treatment typically involved the spraying of chemical preservatives in the affected area. This method will end in disaster. If you are unsure about the presence of wet rot in your building, no worries! Sussex Damp Experts is always ready to help you get rid of it and save your timber.
What happens to Wet Rot if left untreated?
Ignoring wet rot gives it the license to weaken the structural timber, which could put the lives of the residents in danger. When rot sets in, the timber becomes spongy and soft, and caves in when you prod it with a sharp edge such as a knife or screwdriver. An extreme result means that structural timbers lose their integrity over time. In a worst-case scenario, this means your property could be condemned. Call Sussex Damp Experts on 01273 257 765 and speak with one of our Experts in Wet Rot Treatment today!
What is the cost of Wet Rot Treatment in Newhaven?
Rot can cause extensive damage to any property. The cost of damp proofing and remedial works varies depending on the type and severity of the problem, but you shouldn’t let that put you off. We are always willing to provide our wet rot treatment services in Newhaven at an affordable cost for all our clients. We advise you on the right decisions for the wellbeing of your family and your home.
How to prevent wet rot?
Wood must be ideally kept dry and treated to prevent the timber from decaying. You can also apply wood hardeners to protect the timber from the effects of rot. The wood becomes more resistant to moisture when coated with the hardener. Areas of properties most affected by damp include sills, window boxes, timbers that touch brickwork but have not subjected to damp proofing treatment including the use of a fungicide and sealant.
Talk to Our Wet Rot Treatment Experts Today!
Call 01273 257 765 today to speak to one of our experts concerning wet rot treatment in your building.
FAQ
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