Newcastle Wet & Dry Rot Treatment

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Fungal infection often accompanies prolonged periods of wall or ceiling dampness. Festering fungus can prove to be devastating to timberwork, support beams, and other wooden cladding if left to eat into it, a process known as rotting. Rot typically comes in two different varieties - wet and dry. Despite the names, both have damp and moisture as their root cause. However, the level of water saturation in wood typically determines which emerges. In the worst cases, it can spread to brick and plaster as well.

Dry rotting usually emerges when timber gets wet and the moisture recedes shortly afterwards. The ideal conditions for dry damage to start are located in wood that is between 20% and 50% water saturated. This level of moderate moisture can provide the ideal conditions for an outbreak to spread quickly, extending through floors, ceilings, and plasterwork. 

Dry fungus is considered one of the most destructive forms of building decay commonly known, with good reason. It can threaten the entire structural integrity of a property if it is allowed to eat away at it for too long. It can even move between buildings to infect other properties, if they are located close enough together. Dry fungal infections usually start in secluded and inaccessible places, such as behind radiators and furniture. Poor ventilation has been cited as one root cause of dry rotting. 

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Dry rot treatment in Newcastle is extremely complex and requires specialist knowledge. Improper treatment may result in extending the outbreak further, in the worst case scenario. All patches must be carefully removed and treated with fungicide, including those in underfloor surfaces and inside interior walls.

Wet rotting is considerably less destructive. However, it can still cause similar damage given enough time. If the moisture content of wet timber or woodwork is above 50%, the wood will begin to break down and decay as it would in the forest. Unlike dry rotting, it cannot spread through brickwork or plaster. 

However, left for long enough it can easily destroy or damage floorboards, furniture, joist ends, and skirting boards, particularly if they have been placed against another damp surface or wall. It can encourage pest infestations and mould into your building, as well.

Wet rot treatment Newcastle is usually much easier to successfully complete. The most common method is to remove and replace the wet wood and to install better damp proofing in the building to prevent a recurrence. If penetrating or rising moisture is causing the rot as a symptom, it must also be mitigated to prevent any further damage. This can mean installing better damp insulation or checking building features, such as membranes and exterior cladding, for cracks or faults. 

Newcastle Damp Proofers can help you with either type of rot. Our trained experts will provide the skills in fungicidal removal, building surveying, repair, and surface restoration that you'll need to get your rooms and walls back into top shape. Contact us today with details of your problem. We'll see what we can provide for you. ​