We spoke yesterday about identifying dry rot and the effects it has on a property. Today will turn out focus onto wet rot and understanding a little more about it.

Wet rot starts initially from moisture.  This Moisture may come from roof leaks, condensation, penetrating damp or plumbing leaks, but without it no decay can begin.  Moisture content is critical in the germination and development of the fungi.

Strands that look like black ferns can be seen on the surface but do not spread to the adjoining timber but instead confined to the damp area. Some wet rots may result in bleaching of the wood; these are more common in doors and window frames. Commonly joists can be affected by wet rot and this may result in the supporting masonry on the ends of joists becoming damp (either by rising damp or penetrating dampness) thereby transferring moisture to the floor joists.

Survey

It is essential to identify the type of damp correctly so before any treatment is carried out, a surveyor will conduct a thorough inspection to assess the extent of the wet rot, and will decide whether there is a need for chemical treatment.  Wet rot can be successfully treated following a detailed inspection by an experienced surveyor in remedial treatments.

The best way to avoid wet rot is to prevent the water gettting at the wood in the first place. Wet rot is the common name given to all wood rotting fungi other than the true dry rot fungus.  If the wet rot is only affecting a small area then you can cut it away and replace it with new wood.  The good thing about wet rot is that unlike dry rot, the fungus does not spread along the wood and will confine itself to the wet areas only.

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