Tapco HomeDry Dry Rot Treatment Hastings

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 Hastings

If you suspect you might have dry rot in your Hastings property, we can help identify and eradicate the issue at the source. Put your mind at ease with the help of Tapco Homedry, the local Hastings experts in damp proofing and dry rot treatment.

Signs of dry rot in your home

The growth stages of dry rot are very different, so you might need to look out for different signs. If dry rot has already caused damage to your home, the wood left behind will be dark, brittle and have cuboidal cracking in the structure. Active growth will be white and furry in the beginning, transitioning to a rusty brown colour as the spores fruit. If the dry rot is in a difficult-to-see location, such as under your floorboards, the first sign might be a musty and damp smell.

What is dry rot?

Dry rot is caused by the fungus Serpula lacrymans, which dries out wood to break it down. This fungus thrives in woodland where it plays a vital role in breaking down rotting wood. This fungus can also thrive in homes where moisture levels are just right.

In the early stages of dry rot growth, the fungus produces a furry white growth. The fruiting body results in a rusty brown growth. This growth dries out the wood, making it brittle and easily broken down. The fungus will continue to spread through healthy timber without intervention.

Despite its name, dry rot does need some moisture to take hold. It’s called dry rot because it then dries out the wood and causes it to break down. Once established, dry rot will spread quickly through the timber in your home. This is why it is vital to secure a dry rot survey at the first signs of an issue.

How is dry rot treated?

There are multiple steps in the dry rot treatment process. Since dry rot is initially caused by moisture, it’s important to identify the root cause of this moisture ingress. Addressing the cause of high moisture levels in your home will often be the first step.

Next, we treat the affected wood with a fungicidal treatment to kill the spores and prevent them from spreading any further. Next, we will identify any areas of extensive damage and replace this wood with timber pre-treated with a fungicidal agent. Follow-up checks will help to ensure the dry rot problem has been completely eradicated. 

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Dry rot experts in Hastings

If you suspect you have dry rot in Hastings, don’t delay treatment. Book a dry rot survey in Hastings so we can identify the source of the issue and prevent further damage. Left untreated, dry rot can cause structural damage to your home that will be much more expensive to put right. Our professional and courteous team can help address a wide range of issues caused by dampness, including dry rot.

Do I have wet rot or dry rot?

These two conditions are caused by different types of fungi that thrive in different conditions. The moisture levels required for each one to thrive are very different. As the name suggests, dry rot requires much lower moisture levels, usually around 20%. Wet rot requires moisture levels of around 50% or higher to thrive.

You don’t need to know the difference between the two to take action. If you suspect you have any form of rot in your home, you should arrange a survey to identify the cause of the outbreak and the extent of the damage. It would be unusual to have both wet rot and dry rot in the same place, as the conditions required are very different.

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