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The Difference Between Wet and Dry Rot
One fundamental distinction between wet rot and dry rot lies in their dependence on moisture levels. Wet rot fungi thrive in timber drenched with a significant moisture level—around 50% or higher—whereas dry rot spores can germinate and propagate even in drier timber, needing only a moisture level between 20% and 30%.
This nuanced moisture preference shapes not only the environments in which these fungi can take root but also the way they infiltrate and erode wooden structures.
Dry rot is the most severe form of fungus decay in a building, spreads onto, and destroys much of the timber.
Identifying Signs of Wet Rot
To detect wet rot, you’ll need to watch for distinct indicators caused by excessive moisture levels in wood. Affected timber often softens and deteriorates, resulting in a weakened, spongy texture. Additionally, the wood may display a darker hue than its original color, signaling that the rot has taken hold and begun breaking down the timber’s structure.
What Wet Rot Looks Like on Walls
On walls, wet rot often manifests as discolored patches or darkened, damp areas that feel soft to the touch. You may notice a cracked or flaky texture on the surface, as well as a musty smell indicating prolonged moisture exposure. In some cases, the affected area may start to warp or bulge, highlighting the damage beneath the surface.
How to Remedy Wet Rot
To address wet rot effectively, begin by removing any decayed sections of timber and replacing them with a suitable wood filler. After clearing all visible traces of wet rot fungus, ensure the wood is thoroughly dried, then treat it with a biocidal surface treatment to prevent regrowth. Finally, apply a waterproofing layer to protect against future moisture buildup.
Is Wet Rot Worse Than Dry Rot?
Though both types of rot demand prompt treatment, dry rot is generally considered more invasive and destructive due to its ability to spread more extensively and rapidly. However, any form of rot should be tackled immediately to prevent structural damage.
Wet Rot vs. Dry Rot: Understanding the Severity
When comparing wet rot and dry rot, dry rot is generally more hazardous. Known for its highly aggressive nature, dry rot can spread swiftly throughout an entire structure, leading to extensive, potentially catastrophic damage. Unlike wet rot, which tends to remain localised in damp areas, dry rot can infiltrate large sections of a building, often triggered by structural issues like inadequate ventilation, persistent damp, or leaks from gutters and downpipes.
Wet rot fungus develops more frequently but is less serious, the decay is usually detained to where the timber becomes and stays wet.
Dry Rot Characteristics
- Fungus-affected timber shrinks and causes cracking, generally along the grain.
- The rot-affected timber may leave a surface veneer intact, concealing the rot.
- The mycelium can have a lemon-yellowish tinge.
- Mycelium turns to grey when older.
- Fruiting bodies grow when the rot is well established, taking on a mushroom-like appearance.
- Red spore dust from the fruiting body is evident in rooms.
- Paint finish can appear damaged, revealing cracked timber below.
- Dry rot mycelium can grow along and through walls, spreading extensively to colonise more timber throughout a property.
- Damp, musty smell.
Wet Rot Characteristics
- Timber feels soft and spongy to the touch.
- Discoloration of timber is often present.
- Mycelium strands may appear on the timber in some cases.
- Wet rot remains confined to the damp area and does not spread widely.
- Paint finish can appear damaged, with cracks showing the timber beneath.
- Damp, musty smell.
Wet rot is a fungal infestation which thrives in damp conditions. Any unprotected timber in your property from your roof to the ground floor which becomes damp is at risk of fungal attack.
There are many types of wet rot fungi and the infestation should be treated as soon as possible as it can structurally deteriorate timbers in your property or home.
Wet rot can often lead to major structural damage if it is left to grow unchecked. Fortunately, wet rot does not spread through masonry and the growth of wet rot will cease when the moisture is removed.
Any damp source can lead to a wet rot attack including damp from rising damp, leaking roofs, gutters, and problems with defective masonry pointing or render can all create the right damp conditions in your property to germinate the wet rot fungi. Wet rot will stay in the vicinity of the damp source