Tapco HomeDry Dry Rot Treatment Westcott

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 Westcott

If you’re concerned you may have dry rot in your home in Westcott, please don’t ignore this issue. The problem won’t go away on its own, and it could lead to widespread structural damage if left untreated. We can help get to the heart of the issue and put things right, so you can feel confident that your dry rot problem is under control.

Not sure if you have wet rot or dry rot? While these two might sound the same, they require different conditions in order to thrive. Both should be treated with a sense or urgency. You’ll know if it’s wet rot if the wood left behind is soft and spongy. While dry rot leaves behind wood that is dark, dry and brittle.

What is dry rot?

Dry rot is another name for the Serpula Lacrymans fungus. This is more commonly found in woodlands where it plays an important role in breaking down fallen timber. By digesting dead wood, it can clear space for new growth while also adding nutrients back into the earth. Issues can arise if this fungus finds its way into your home.

While the name might suggest otherwise, dry rot actually needs quite high moisture levels in order to thrive. This is why we nearly always see dry rot alongside a damp or moisture ingress problem. The fungus will find suitable material in your home and then secrete an enzyme that digests the cellulose and lignin in the wood. This leaves it brittle and without any structural integrity.

This is bad news for your home if this fungus finds its way to your stairs, floorboards, joists or rafters. A common telltale sign that you have dry rot is that the wood will have a cuboidal cracking structure which causes it to break down into small cube shapes.

Signs of dry rot in your home

One of the best ways to protect your property is to learn the signs of dry rot, and other structural issues. Dry rot problems happen in stages, and there are things we can do at every stage to help stop the spread. It often starts with a damp problem, and while you might not be able to see this, you will be able to smell it. Damp has a distinct earthy or musty odour.

Next, you might discover a furry white growth on affected wooden structures. As this matures, it develops a bright orange bloom that spreads out from the centre and then casts tiny mould spores into the air. This is how dry rot is able to spread. Bear in mind that dry rot spores can find their way through masonry, so the issue could be coming from your neighbour’s property.

Wood left behind by dry rot will be darker than unaffected wood. It will also be very brittle and will crumble easily between your fingers. This can make structures like stairs and floorboards unsafe, so it’s essential to treat the issue quickly.

Book a survey appointment today
Call: 0800 195 9878

Why trust Tapco Homedry?

We’re the local experts in dry rot treatment in the Westcott area. We’ll help you to quickly understand the extent of your dry rot and damp problem with a home survey, so you can make an informed decision about the best steps for your property.

How is dry rot treated?

We always recommend seeking professional help for dry rot, as this is the best way to ensure the issue has been properly dealt with. We start with a fungicidal treatment to stop any further spread and to kill any active fungus. We can then replace affected wood with pre-treated wood. And finally, we can help you to get on top of the damp problem that caused the issues in the first place.

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