Wet rot defects

Wet Rot: A silent threat to your property's timber

While dry rot often steals the spotlight in discussions about timber decay, wet rot poses an equally serious threat to your property. As experienced RICS registered building surveyors, we're here to shed light on this common yet often overlooked issue.

Understanding Wet Rot

Wet rot is a fungal decay that affects timber in buildings. Unlike its counterpart, dry rot, wet rot thrives in conditions with higher moisture content:

• Optimal conditions: Timber with moisture content above 20%
• Common locations: Areas exposed to regular or persistent moisture

Causes of Wet Rot

Several factors can contribute to the development of wet rot:

1. Leaking water outlets (pipes, gutters, downspouts)
2. Poor protective detailing on exterior woodwork
3. Inadequate or damaged drainage systems
4. Insufficient ventilation in high-moisture areas
5. Rising damp or penetrating damp issues

Common trouble spots

Wet rot often develops in areas such as:

• Window sills and frames
• Door frames, especially at ground level
• Exterior timber cladding
• Roof timbers near leaky roofing
• Floorboards and joists in bathrooms or kitchens

Signs of Wet Rot

Identifying wet rot early is crucial for minimising damage.

Look out for:

1. Softening of the timber
2. Darkening of the wood
3. Cracking or splitting along the grain
4. Paint blistering or peeling
5. Musty odour in enclosed spaces

The importance of professional assessment

RICS registered building surveyors are trained to:

1. Identify early signs of wet rot
2. Distinguish between wet rot and dry rot
3. Assess the extent of damage to structural timbers
4. Recommend appropriate treatment and prevention strategies

Case Study: Wet Rot in a period property

During a recent survey of a Victorian terraced house, we uncovered wet rot in several locations.

Key observations:

• Property: Mid-19th century terraced house
• Affected Areas: Window sills, door frames, and roof timbers
• Cause: Combination of leaking gutters and poor exterior paintwork
• Recommended Action: Timber replacement, gutter repair, and improved protective coatings

Prevention strategies:

1. Regular maintenance of guttering and drainage systems
2. Prompt repair of any leaks or water ingress
3. Ensuring proper ventilation in high-moisture areas
4. Application and maintenance of protective coatings on exterior woodwork
5. Regular inspections by qualified professionals

Treatment options:

When wet rot is identified, treatment may involve:

1. Removing and replacing affected timber
2. Treating surrounding timber with fungicidal treatments
3. Addressing the underlying moisture problem
4. Improving ventilation in the affected area

The role of RICS registered surveyors:

Our qualified surveyors offer:

1. Comprehensive property inspections
2. Early identification of wet rot and other timber issues
3. Detailed reports on the extent of damage
4. Expert advice on treatment and prevention
5. Guidance on maintaining your property's structural integrity

Wet rot, while less notorious than dry rot, can cause significant damage to your property if left unchecked. Regular inspections and maintenance, coupled with expert assessments from RICS registered surveyors, are key to protecting your property investment.

Don't let wet rot compromise your property's structure. Contact our team of RICS registered building surveyors today for a thorough inspection and expert advice on protecting your timber from wet rot and other decay issues.