Damp Proofing
Basement Damp Proofing
Water Damage
Condensation Control
Dry Rot Treatment
WOODWORM & WET ROT
CAVITY Wall Ties
Property Maintenance
Waterproofing And Tanking
Structural RepairsTapco HomeDry Dry Rot Treatment Charlwood
We are long term members of Trust Mark and a member of the BWA. CHAS accredited contractor. In addition, all of our surveyors are trained to the high standards of the PCA (Property Care Association).
Dry Rot Specialist In Charlwood
Concerned about the risk of dry rot in Charlwood? Don’t ignore this issue as it won’t go away without intervention. Tapco Homedry can help you to get on top of your dry rot problem so you don’t have to deal with the cost of structural damage or cosmetic repairs.
How to spot dry rot in your home
As a homeowner, you can benefit from learning to identify the early signs of dry rot in your property. Often, the first sign is one that you can smell, rather than see. This is why it’s important to pay close attention to your senses and investigate further if you notice that anything is amiss.
After a damp smell, further inspection might reveal a furry white growth on affected timber. As this grows, it will develop a rusty orange bloom at the centre that will cast fungus spores throughout your home. These can settle on surfaces and will look like brick dust.
Wood that has already been digested by dry rot will be dark, dry and brittle. It will also have a cuboidal cracking structure that causes it to break down into small cube shapes. The cellulose and lignin in the wood is digested, leaving it without any structural integrity.
What is dry rot?
Dry rot is caused by the fungus Serpula lacrymans, which is more commonly found in woodland areas. It plays an essential role in breaking down fallen timber to help make space for new growth on the forest floor. However, it can also make its way through the masonry into your home where it can cause extensive damage.
While the name might suggest it needs dry conditions, it is actually a condition commonly seen as secondary to a damp problem. Once the fungus has digested the lignin and the cellulose of the wood, it leaves behind a dry and brittle material that no longer has the same structural integrity.
This is not an issue you can ignore, not least because it also suggests that you have a damp problem somewhere in your home. So, if you’re concerned you might have a damp problem in your property, be aware that this could also mean that you have a dry rot problem. With our help, you could tackle both of these issues at once.
Is dry rot the same as wet rot?
No, while the two might sound similar, they are actually caused by two different strains of fungus, require different conditions to take hold, and leave timber in very different conditions.
As the name suggests, wet rot requires higher levels of moisture to thrive, usually around 50%. This is typically seen in abandoned properties or one with extensive flood damage. Dry rot only required moisture levels of around 25%, which could be seen with a simple water ingress problem. The wood left behind will be soft and spongy with wet rot, and dark and brittle with dry rot.
Dry rot experts in Charlwood
If you’re concerned about the presence of dry rot in Charlwood, don’t delay treatment. Get in touch with our team to learn how we can help you to tackle your dry rot problem and prevent further damage to your home or business premises.
How is dry rot treated?
The first step will be to treat any active fungus with a fungicidal treatment to stop it from spreading further. We can also look into addressing the damp problem that has allowed the dry rot to take hold. Next, we can replace the affected timber with pre-treated material that should help you to avoid future problems with dry rot. Our team can handle the process from start to finish, so you’ll enjoy peace of mind that the dry rot problem is under control.
