Wet & Dry Rot Treatment
Specialist diagnosis and treatment of wet rot and dry rot across Northamptonshire. Our CSRT qualified surveyors identify the full extent of fungal decay and carry out controlled remedial works with long-term insured guarantees.
Understanding Dry Rot
Dry rot, caused by the fungus Serpula lacrymans, is the most destructive and serious form of timber decay found in buildings. Unlike wet rot, dry rot can spread extensively through masonry and other building materials, making it capable of causing catastrophic structural damage if left untreated.
The fungus produces fine strands (hyphae) that can grow through mortar joints, behind plaster, and across masonry to reach new timber food sources. This ability to travel through non-timber materials makes dry rot particularly dangerous and difficult to contain without specialist treatment.
- Deep cracking of timber along and across the grain (cuboidal cracking)
- White or grey cotton wool-like mycelium growth
- Rust-red spore dust on surfaces near affected areas
- Distinctive mushroom-like fruiting bodies
- Musty, damp smell in affected rooms
Understanding Wet Rot
Wet rot is far more common than dry rot and is caused by several species of fungi, the most prevalent being Coniophora puteana (cellar fungus). Unlike dry rot, wet rot remains confined to the damp timber and does not spread through masonry, making it generally less destructive but still requiring prompt treatment.
Wet rot typically occurs where timber is in direct contact with moisture — around leaking pipes, faulty guttering, condensation areas, or where external joinery is failing to keep water out. The affected timber becomes soft, darkened, and eventually loses its structural integrity.
- Darkened, soft timber that crumbles when probed
- Cracking along the grain of the timber
- Paint peeling or flaking on affected timber
- Localised dampness around the affected area
- A damp, musty odour near the source
Our Rot Treatment Process
Treating rot effectively requires far more than simply replacing the damaged timber. The moisture source must be identified and eliminated, all affected and at-risk materials must be treated or removed, and measures must be put in place to prevent recurrence.
Our CSRT qualified surveyor will carry out a thorough investigation to determine the type and full extent of the rot outbreak. For dry rot, this often involves opening up concealed areas to trace the full path of fungal growth before any remedial work begins.
- Comprehensive survey to identify rot type and extent
- Identification and elimination of the moisture source
- Removal of all affected timber and plaster
- Chemical treatment of surrounding masonry (dry rot)
- Replacement with pre-treated timber and specialist replastering
- 10-year insured guarantee on all remedial works