Wet Rot
Wet Rot: The Bad News, the Scary Stuff, and the Good News
Wet Rot is a serious issue that can’t be ignored. It’s unsightly, smells unpleasant, and gradually eats away at the timbers of your property. Left untreated, it will only get worse, much like a degenerative medical condition.
How is Wet Rot Caused?
Wet Rot is caused by moisture ingress, which means water has infiltrated the timbers of your property. External causes can include blocked guttering, broken or missing roof tiles, cracked masonry, or faulty downpipes. Internal causes might be leaking pipes or poor ventilation, leading to condensation that soaks into your home’s structure.
The Scary Stuff
Wet Rot often presents as a black or dark brown sheet, and the affected timber will feel soft or even crumble in advanced stages. Beyond the unsightly appearance and foul smell, Wet Rot decays the timbers, leading to significant structural damage. The fungus, known as Coniophora puteana or cellar fungus, thrives on moisture and penetrates beams, breaking down the cellulose in the wood. It can occur anywhere in the house where there is excess moisture and timber, including roof spaces.
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​Wet Rot flourishes in warm weather but will continue to grow slowly in colder conditions. It can spread, especially in roof spaces or around soffits and fascias, creating more opportunities for moisture to enter and worsening the problem.
Preventative Action
Prevention is always better than cure. Regularly inspect your property, especially roof spaces, soffits, fascias, and guttering, to identify any blockages, damage, or leaks early. Prompt treatment prevents more serious problems. Make a habit of checking attic and cellar spaces for water ingress or damp patches, and investigate any changes in the appearance of joists or other timbers.
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​Poor ventilation is often an overlooked cause of dampness leading to Wet Rot. Ensuring proper ventilation can significantly reduce the risk.
The Good News
Despite its severity, Wet Rot is generally treatable, and your property can recover fully. Once the source of moisture is removed, the Wet Rot stops, as it can only affect timber that remains wet. Although affected timber must be treated and often replaced, Wet Rot is easier to treat than Dry Rot, which is a more serious issue.
Wet Rot – Remedial Action
Treatment typically involves three steps:
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Identify and Fix the Moisture Source: Address the cause of the moisture ingress.
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Dry Out the Area and Replace Rotten Timber: Ensure the area is thoroughly dried and replace any rotten wood.
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Treat the Area: Use Boron or other appropriate fungicides and timber preservatives to prevent Dry Rot from invading the compromised area.
Next Steps: Speak to a Wet Rot Specialist
If you suspect Wet Rot in your property, contact LC Joinery Scotland. With many years of experience dealing with Wet and Dry Rot, our fully trained and qualified tradespeople can diagnose and treat the problem effectively. Using specialist tools, we can even survey unexposed areas within your property, such as behind walls or below floorboards.