What is Wet Rot?
There are many different ways that timber can be affected making it unsound and in need of replacement or treatment.
The most common type of wet rot is caused principally by Coniophora puteana. Poria vaillantii is another important wet rot fungus and a number of less common fungi also occur.
Coniphoria can be found in some form in most properties. Within timber the higher the moisture content the higher the chance of wet rot decay. While each fungus has its own unique features, the general appearance of wet rot is similar as is the treatment.
Wet rot is typically confined to the area of dampness because the mycelium does not spread into walls.
Wet rot is not as destructive as dry rot, however can and does cause structural damage.
Signs of Wet Rot in timber floors
Wet Rot decay is usually first identified when floor timbers start to bounce or have movement.
Skirting boards affected show signs of cracking even through paint. The unpainted unprotected rear of a skirting board will be more vulnerable to wet rot decay.
How to Prevent Wet Rot
To prevent wet rot it is advisable to ensure all timber including window and door frames are well painted/protected from rain water.
Ensure that all gutters, downpipes are free from defects or leaks. Ensure that sub floor ventilation is adequate and unblocked as poor ventilation will contribute greatly to any timber decay problems.
Ensure any new timbers introduced to a building are isolated from masonry by the use of a physical membrane.
Causes of Wet Rot
- Unprotected timber in direct contact with moisture
- Insufficient ventilation below suspended floors
- Possible leaks from pipes and domestic appliances
Wet rot can affect any unprotected timber and joinery so regular maintenance is very importance. Colne Valley Preservations have a independent CSRT surveyor who visits each property to inspect the areas of concern, clients are provided with a detailed report on all findings, treatments available and a breakdown of costs should any remedial works be required.
As a specialist timber contractor you can be assured of the problem being correctly diagnosed and a suitable specification of works being provided to resolve the timber problems. Our surveyor would ensure that the source of the moisture ingress that caused any issues were established and if defects found they are identified in the report so that they can rectified.
No timber treatments are required for an outbreak of wet rot. The decayed timber would be removed and if required replaced with pre-treated timbers. A long term guarantee can be provided for these specialist timber works.
Our qualified and experienced damp and timber infestation surveyor will establish the significance of the attack and determine, as far as is possible, what timbers are affected. He will locate the cause and the source of the attack and issue a detailed report on his findings together with our recommendations and estimate for carrying out all of the remedial treatment and reinstatement works.
Contractors, Technicians, Surveyors and Consultants you can trust.
10 Year Insured Guarantees Available Upon Request
Colne Valley Preservations is a family business based in Nelson, Lancashire. We have successfully been established since 1981 with over 40 years experience in Remedial Treatments of Damp Control, Damp proofing, Rising Damp, Penetrating Damp, Lateral Damp, Condensation and Mould Control, Timber Preservation, Wood Infestation, Dry Rot, Wet Rot, Woodworm, Timber Treatment, Structural Waterproofing, Basement Waterproofing, Cellar Tanking, Wall Tie Replacement, Lateral Restraints, Crack Stitching.
We also do Electro Osmosis Damp Proof Courses, DPC Chemical Injection Damp Proof Courses, DPC and Re-Plastering in line with trade body specifications.