TIMBER – WET ROT

Wet rot is a general term used to describe the majority of fungal species responsible for timber decay. All wet rot fungi require higher moisture contents than the dry rot fungus, Serpula lacrymans and are much more common. However, they do not have the same ability to spread through a building so are much easier and less expensive to eradicate. The two most important wet rot fungi to attack timber in buildings are:

The Cellar Fungus (Coniophora puteana)

This may attack timber in buildings where there has been serious water ingress, through such things as leaking roof tiles, broken guttering, failed plumbing and rising damp. It is also a common cause of decay in external painted joinery and other timbers.

The Mine Fungus (Fibroporia vaillantii)

Sometimes called the White Pore Fungus, this species can grow at temperatures up to 36 C, conditions which would bring the growth of dry rot and other fungi to a halt. This explains its regular occurrence in mines in Great Britain, Continental Europe and many other parts of the world, and hence its unusual common name. It is now also often found in buildings in situations where the timber has been exposed to very damp conditions.

Our Solution

Primarily we stop the water which is causing the rot - dry wood doesn’t rot! So the initial work involves good building practice including repairing defects; this approach retains as much of the original structure and materials as possible, especially important when dealing with historic or period buildings.

In some cases where only minor damage has occurred, it may be possible to leave affected timbers in-situ and treat with a boron based fungicide protecting the timber against further or future decay.

In extreme cases where the rot has caused structural damage, replacement may be the only option, but unlike Dry Rot, the simple removal and re-instatement of the affected timbers is usually sufficient to prevent the problem re-occurring or affecting adjacent areas.

All materials used in re-instatement are high quality; timbers are isolated from potential dampness and preservative treated where deemed appropriate in accordance with good practice. Such an approach minimises disruption and loss of original materials. And, of course, all our work is covered by our 30 year guarantee which can be further backed up by a GPT Insured Guarantee.