SURVEY DAMP TIMBER WOLVERHAMPTON

What is Wet Rot?

Wet Rot is a fungus that affects very damp timber. It can also cause decay in plaster, wallpaper and carpets. Wet rot spores are attracted to materials with a high moisture content. 

Compared to dry rot, wet rot is less destructive as wet rot remains confined to the wet area only but still needs to be treated as it can affect a building’s structural integrity.

Is wet rot a fungus?

Wet Rot is a fungus. The scientific name of the fungus is Coniophora puteana.

Types of Wet Rot

Wet Rot is a general term for several fungal species, the most common being Coniophora Puteana, also known as cellar fungus.

Why does wet rot occur?

Wet Rot occurs when excess moisture is present in timber over long periods of time. This type of decay affects wet timber by causing it to soften.  

Wet rot is caused by moisture being absorbed into this timber. This moisture can originate from different sources.

Common causes of wet rot: 

The common causes of wet rot include the following:

• Roof defects

• Plumbing leaks

• Leaky or blocked gutters

• Shower trays and around baths

• Penetrating damp through walls

• Condensation

Do I have wet rot?

Identifying wet rot is not always easy because some of the symptoms of wet rot are similar to those of dry rot. Wet rot should be identified by a professional who can tell it apart from other forms of rot by the differing colour of the decayed timber as well as the size and type of cracking it exhibits as the wet rot progresses.

The common signs of wet rot include:

• Darkened timber – darker than surrounding timber

• Soft and spongy timber

• Cracked appearance that may crumble to touch when dry

• Localised fungus growth

• Shrinkage 

• A damp, musty smell