What is the Difference Between Wet and Dry Rot?

One of the most common concerns of property owners and tenants across the UK is dry and wet rot control. Despite this, identifying the differences between a dry rot fruiting body and wet rot can be quite tricky to distinguish. Though both are wood-destroying fungi, there are significant differences between the two. Regardless of whether you recognise the smell of dry rot or see signs of wet rot, it’s imperative that you get in touch with a damp and timber specialist to resolve the issue.

Wet and dry rot is dangerous to the structural integrity of your property, so it’s vital that you don’t allow it to fester. Read on to discover how you can distinguish between wet and dry rot.

The Main Difference Between Wet Rot and Dry Rot

As previously mentioned, wet and dry rot are two types of fungi; however, the biggest difference is probably that wet rot requires a higher moisture content to grow. For instance, wet rot grows on timber with a moisture content that exceeds 50%, while dry rot can germinate at 20% to 30% moisture content. Establishing the difference between these types of damp is the first step to resolving the issue.

Due to its destructive qualities, any form of rot should be treated as a matter of urgency. Though wet rot is more common, it spreads at a more localised rate, typically only affecting timber at the damp source. Despite this, wet rot shouldn’t be underestimated, as it still has the capacity to cause severe structural issues.

Dry rot, however, is the most severe form of fungal decay in properties. This is because it’s capable of spreading throughout an entire building and destroying the property’s fabric. What’s more,  it can affect any unprotected timber with a moisture content of as little as 20%.

Wet and dry rot can be a product of penetrating damp and defective internal plumbing and have the capacity to significantly damage a property before the homeowner is even aware.

Identifying Wet Rot

When it comes to identifying wet rot, you may notice some of the following:

• A musty or damp odour
• The appearance of damaged paint finishes that highlight cracked timber
• An exclusive damp area
• The timber may exhibit mycelium strands
• Discoloured timber
• Spongy or soft timber
• Shrunken and cracked timber

Identifying Dry Rot

In identifying the stages of dry rot, you may notice:

• Mycelium growing along the walls
• A damaged paint finish that shows cracked timber
• Red spore dust from the fruiting body
• Fruiting bodies
• A musty or damp odour
• Spongy or soft timber
• A surface veneer hiding the rot
• Shrunken and cracked timber

Where Does Wet Rot Grow?

As previously mentioned, wet rot thrives in damp conditions, meaning that anywhere from the floor to the roof could be affected. The saving grace of this is that as soon as the source of moisture is removed, the growth of wet rot will cease. Sources of damp include defective masonry pointing, leaking gutters and roofs, and rising damp.

Where Does Dry Rot Grow?

The same can be said for dry rot in the sense that anywhere from the floor to the roof can be under threat. Similarly, dry rot can present itself in both modern and old structures. Though dry rot is also caused via dampness, it doesn’t require as much moisture as wet rot. Most frequently, dry rot will be a result of plumbing leaks, defective masonry and gutters, penetrating damp, and leaking roofs. Due to the lack of ventilation in underfloor and roof areas, these are the most common areas for dry rot to develop.

How to Treat Wet Rot

Any form of rot requires specialist treatment, wherein the source will need to be located and eliminated. The process may include:

1. A property survey in which the source of moisture is identified.
2. An assessment of the defects that are causing or contributing to the problem that needs repairing.
3. A strip out of the affected area.
4. Weakened timber being supplemented or repaired.
5. The application of fungicidal treatment to adjacent timbers that are at risk.
6. A final assessment to guarantee the rot has been eradicated ahead of the reinstatement of the structural fabric.

How to Treat Dry Rot

Since the cause and extent of dry rot are different from wet rot, a different method of treatment is required. This may include:

1. A property survey in which the source of moisture is identified.
2. An assessment of the defects that are causing or contributing to the problem that needs repairing.
3. A strip out of flooring, ceilings wall fabric, skirtings, panelling, linings, and decayed wood.
4. Weakened timber being supplemented or repaired.
5. The application of an appropriate fungicide to the affected area, creating a protective chemical treatment.
6. A final assessment to guarantee the rot has been eradicated ahead of the reinstatement of the structural fabric.

Treat Rot with Garratt’s Damp & Timber Ltd.

If you suspect that your property is suffering from rot, don’t hesitate in finding a solution. Discover more about our wet rot treatment services here and get in touch to learn what we can do for your property.