Tapco HomeDry Dry Rot Treatment Cobham

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 Cobham

Worried about the risk of dry rot in Cobham? Don’t neglect this issue, as it won’t go away on its own. Trust Tapco Homedry to deliver cost-effective and reliable solutions that will help you to get on top of your dry rot problem and avoid cosmetic and structural damage.

What is dry rot?

Dry rot is the name given to a type of fungus that is more commonly found on forest floors. The Serpula lacrymans fungus plays an essential role in breaking down fallen timber to make space for new growth on the forest floor, but it can also find its way through masonry to spread through suitable material in the home.

While the name might make you think it requires dry conditions to thrive, there is actually a moisture requirement for dry rot to spread. This is why we would commonly investigate a damp problem alongside a dry rot infestation. This is not just a cosmetic problem that homeowners need to be aware of. It could lead to structural problems if left untreated.

If you are concerned about a damp problem in your property, or if you have recently purchased a new home and you’re aware of an existing damp problem, it’s worth investigating if dry rot is present in your home. As the dry rot digests the lignin and cellulose in timber, it leaves it weakened and brittle, without any structural integrity.

Is dry rot the same as wet rot?

While the two might sound similar, they are actually caused by different fungus infestations. They require different conditions to take hold and will leave your wood in a very different state. You don’t have to know which one is present in your home to take action, as we can help to identify and eradicate the dry rot or wet rot. If you have dry rot, the leftover wood will be dry and brittle, while wet rot leaves behind wood that is soft and spongy.

How to spot dry rot in your home

Homeowners can protect their properties by learning to identify the early signs of dry rot in the home. You’ll need to use all of your senses, as the first sign is often a damp or musty odour. If you notice a new damp smell in your home, it’s time to investigate the source.

If the dry rot is in its early stages, you might find a furry white growth on the damp timber. In the later stages, this fungus will have a rusty orange bloom spreading from its centre. This is the fungus spores spreading, and it could look like brick dust settling on furniture and walls throughout your home.

After the wood has been digested by the fungus, it will be left looking darker than the surrounding wood. It will also be brittle and will break apart easily between your fingers. It might also have a cuboidal cracking structure that causes the wood to break down into small cube shapes.

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Dry rot experts in Cobham

If you’re worried about dry rot in Cobham, get in touch with our team today. Don’t delay treatment if you suspect you have a damp problem or dry rot issue. Our team can handle the process from start to finish so you can make decisions that are best for your home based on insight.

How is dry rot treated?

The first step we take is to address any active fungus in your home to stop the spread. We’ll use a fungicidal treatment to stop the spread. Next, we will address the damp problem, as this is likely to be seen alongside any dry rot problem. Finally, we can replace the affected timber with pre-treated material to help avoid a repeat of the issue in the future. 

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