How to Deal with Dry Rot

What is Dry Rot?

Dry rot is a type of wood decay which affects all kinds of construction wood in and out of your house. It is also known as brown rot and caused by specific types of fungi. These fungi attack the cellulose and hemicellulose in the wood, making it lose its strength and flexibility. Wood affected by dry rot looks blocky and becomes weak and brittle.

Damp is the number one factor that causes dry rot, especially if the moisture level in the wood is more than 20 per cent. This is why accurately identifying the source of moisture is the most important step when removing dry rot.

The reason dry rot represents such a big problem in a home is that it destroys structural wood quickly and aggressively. This can make the entire building lose its strength and possibly leave you with irreparable damage.

Dry rot is often hard to detect, which is why you should act as soon as you notice or suspect its presence. Stopping it early and on time will save you a lot of work and money in the long run.

Our speciality is dry rot and our team of experts can carry out a thorough inspection of your home accurately and efficiently, as well as recommend the appropriate treatment for your issues.

Dry Rot Treatment and Services in London

  • 01Dry Rot Treatment & RepairRead more
  • 02What is Dry Rot?Read more
  • 03Symptoms of Dry RotRead more
  • 04What is Dry Rot Caused ByRead more
  • 05How to Deal with Dry RotRead more
  • 06How to Stop Dry RotRead more
  • 07How to Eliminate Dry RotRead more
  • 08How to Prevent Dry RotRead more
  • 09Dry Rot vs Wet RotRead more

How to Prevent Dry Rot

The first step when dealing with dry rot is to identify the source of moisture affecting the wood and sealing it. It can sometimes be just a leaky pipe that needs fixing, but it can often be something bigger and more complicated to repair. In some cases, dry rot comes as a result of wood being in contact with soil due to a cracked foundation.

You don’t have to wait until you actually have dry rot problems to prevent it. Make sure to check all wood in your home for moisture regularly. If you come across any leaks in the bathroom or laundry room, get them repaired immediately.

However, if you do notice a dry rot outbreak in any part of your home it’s always best to call for professional help.

Depending on the condition of the wood affected by dry rot, there are different treatment products. Some are used for coating the wood on the outside, and others are designed to penetrate it. Fungicidal gel is often applied to treat the wood or simply protect it from dry rot. The gel concentration is different, depending on the gravity of the problem.

There are steps that you can take to protect the structural wood in your home against future damp and moisture outbreaks. This way the wood will be immune to mould even if it ever comes in contact with moisture in the future.

If you have little or no air ventilation in your basement, it would be a good idea to use air-bricks. These will allow better air circulation down there and will greatly eliminate the risk of dry rot. This way you can feel safer that your basement is dry and your floor joists are not exposed to moisture. If you wish to be even safer, treat the structural wood with a wood hardener that will increase its strength and resilience.

Preventing and treating dry rot is a serious matter. Southern Damp Proofing is an established company in the field and can offer efficient assistance when dealing with or protecting your home against dry rot.

How to Find Help for Dry Rot

Eliminating the source of damp and moisture is the most important thing when dealing with dry rot. As mentioned, dry rot only appears in areas where the moisture level is over 20% for a prolonged period. If the moisture level is kept low, there is no risk of dry rot. Condensation is among the biggest causes of moisture. One in every five homes in Britain has condensation problems during winter. If you struggle with condensation in the winter, make sure to use dehumidifiers and keep even temperature throughout your entire house.

Our team of dry rot experts can tackle all sorts of problems quickly and efficiently, making sure your home is protected in the future. We can identify the cause of dry rot and offer you appropriate treatment.

We have a strong reputation, thanks to all the services we have been providing for the past 5 decades in the field. We can help you with proofing, wet and dry rot elimination, basement waterproofing, woodworm treatment and more. We use powerful products which effectively eliminate dry rot and wet rot problems and seal your home from future outbreaks.


Frequently Asked Questions

Where Does Dry Rot Form?

Dry rot is a lot trickier to catch than wet rot. It tends to appear in hidden places around the home, such as the roof, under the floor, and any other area that is damp and has low air circulation. Dry rot can affect any type of building, modern or old. Even if your home is a relatively new construction, you can’t be certain you are dry rot free. If you suspect any dry rot symptoms, it’s best to seek professional assistance as soon as possible.

Does Dry Rot Smell?

Yes, it does. And it is the most recognizable symptom. Dry rot is actually hard to see, so being able to detect it by its damp, musty fungal odour is very helpful. Musty odour doesn’t automatically mean you have dry rot issues, but it does point to damp and moisture problems, which can lead to dry rot if not tackled properly.

Does Dry Rot Spread?

Yes, it does. The fungus that causes dry rot is able to spread quickly, searching new, unaffected wood as a food source. If the moisture level is right for it, it will spread very fast.

What is the Difference between Dry Rot and Wet Rot?

First of all, they are caused by different types of fungi. The main difference is the moisture level they require to form and spread. Dry rot requires a moisture level of 20-30%. Wet rot requires higher moisture, 50% and over.