Tapco HomeDry Dry Rot Treatment Deepcut
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 Deepcut
Worried you might have dry rot in your home? Get in touch with Tapco Homedry today for peace of mind. We are local experts in dry rot treatment in Deepcut, so you can feel confident that this fast-spreading fungus won’t cause widespread damage to your home.
What is dry rot?
Dry rot is the common name for a type of fungus that can be found in your home. Also known as Serpula lacrymans, this type of rotting fungus is more commonly found on the forest floor. It plays an essential role in breaking down fallen timber to make space for new growth. However, it can also find its way into homes and digest structural timber.
The fungus secretes an enzyme that digests the lignin and cellulose in the wood, leaving it dark, dry and brittle. This troublesome fungus thrives in damp homes and can even find its way through masonry to reach suitable material. Once established, it spreads its spores on air currents throughout your home.
Dry rot is nearly always seen alongside a damp problem, as high moisture levels are required for the fungus to thrive. Timber affected by dry rot will be darker, brittle and will break apart easily between your fingers. It loses all of its structural integrity, which is why it is so scary for homeowners. Dry rot could attack floorboards, door frames, stairs and roof rafters.
Is dry rot the same as wet rot?
No, these might sound similar, but they are caused by a very different type of fungus. Both need moisture to thrive, but wet rot needs higher moisture levels of around 50%. Dry rot can thrive when moisture levels are around 20%.
A simple way to tell the difference is to look at the damage left behind. If the wood is dry, brittle and breaks apart easily, this is more likely dry rot. If the wood is soft and spongy, this is more likely to be wet rot. Both should be addressed as a matter of urgency.
How to spot dry rot in your home
If you have dry rot in Deepcut, you’re more likely to notice the smell before anything else. It has a distinct damp smell that might be earthy or musty. If you notice your home is smelling damp, it’s time to investigate further.
You might then discover a furry white growth on wood in your home. This is the early stage of growth. As it matures, it will develop a rusty orange bloom that spreads from the centre and scatters spores throughout your home. These spores will often look like brick dust.
The wood left behind by dry rot will be darker than surrounding wood and very brittle. It will break apart easily between your fingers and crumble into cube shapes due to the cuboidal cracking structure. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to ask for help.
Dry rot experts in Deepcut
If you’re worried about dry rot in your home in Deepcut, don’t ignore the issue as it won’t get better on its own. At Tapco Homedry, we’re proud to help Deepcut residents get their dry rot problems under control so they can feel confident in the results. Get in touch today to learn how we can help.
How is dry rot treated?
We can address the damp problem at the same time as treating your dry rot problem. We start with a fungicidal treatment to help prevent the fungus spreading any further. We can then remove any damaged timber and replace this with pre-treated timber which should help to prevent the issue from returning.