Wet rot & dry rot treatment for Brighton & Sussex timbers.

Repairs, strengthening works and treatment for wood rotting fungi, conforming to PCA guidelines, British Standards, COSHH regulations and current building regulations.

Request a free survey Call 01273 600 700

Standard Followed PCA guidelines

Compliance British Standards & COSHH

Includes Repairs & strengthening

Services » Damp » Wet Rot & Dry Rot Treatment

Structural timber floor joists, joinery and features like window frames and door frames can be affected by different species of Wet Rot (Coniophora puteana is the most common) or by the more serious and prolific Dry Rot (Serpula lacrymans is the worst culprit). These types of wood rotting fungi commonly occur where there is a lack of subfloor ventilation, plumbing leaks, water spillage or flooding; they may also occur as a result of rising damp.

If left to manifest and spread, wood rotting fungi can cause substantial damage to your property. Bensleys offers a full range of options, including repairs, strengthening works and treatments and, where necessary, the use of suitable preservatives. All timber and masonry treatment of fungi conforms to PCA guidelines along with British Standards and COSHH regulations, to good building practice, and — where applicable — follows current building regulations. Bensleys can usually carry out all associated building works and repairs as required.

Why the distinction matters

Wet rot and dry rot need different treatment approaches. Wet rot is generally resolved by removing the moisture source and the affected timber. Dry rot needs a more thorough response, since its mycelium can spread through masonry as well as timber, well beyond where the damage is visible.

Species 01

Wet Rot

Coniophora puteana is the most common culprit, generally staying localised to timber with a persistent moisture source.

Species 02

Dry Rot

Serpula lacrymans is the worst culprit — more serious and prolific, capable of spreading through masonry as well as timber.

Common Causes

Moisture sources

Lack of subfloor ventilation, plumbing leaks, water spillage, flooding, or rising damp are the usual triggers for both types of rot.

From site

What wet rot & dry rot look like.

Real evidence from site, so you know what you're looking at before we arrive.

Wet Rot

Typical evidence of the wood rotting fungi Wet Rot Fibroporia vaillantii or similar poria related species.

Wet Rot

Wet Rot growth, notably fruiting bodies (sporophores) most likely Coniophora puteana, affecting matchboard panelling.

Dry Rot

A large surface Dry Rot (Serpula lacrymans) fruiting body (sporophore).

Dry Rot

Dry Rot hyphae/mycelium growth and breakdown affecting the underside of flooring joists, with some ceiling lathes still remaining.

How we treat it

From survey to repaired, protected timber.

Step 01

Survey & extent mapping

We identify the species involved and map how far it has spread, including checking adjoining masonry for dry rot.

Step 02

Removal of affected timber

Timber beyond saving is removed, along with addressing the moisture source that allowed the rot to take hold.

Step 03

Treatment & preservation

Suitable preservatives are applied where necessary, in line with PCA guidelines, British Standards and COSHH regulations.

Step 04

Repairs & strengthening

Bensleys can usually carry out all associated building works and repairs as required, restoring the timber to full strength.

Related services

Bensleys can usually carry out all associated building works and repairs as required, restoring the timber to full strength.

Condensation Control

Ventilation, control vents, heat recovery units and Ebac dehumidifiers, delivered within 72 hours where needed.

Find out more

Wood Borer Treatment

BBA-approved timber preservation for Common Furniture Beetle and Death Watch Beetle infestations, to COSHH and H.S.E standards.

Find out more

Rising Damp Treatment

Chemical damp proof course installation and BS 6576:2005-compliant replastering for failed or missing damp courses.

Find out more

Wet Rot & Dry Rot Treatment

Frequently Asked Questions

Find clear answers for Wet Rot & Dry Rot Treatment.

What is the difference between wet rot and dry rot?

Wet rot, most commonly Coniophora puteana, tends to stay localised to timber with a persistent moisture source. Dry rot, caused by Serpula lacrymans, is more serious and prolific, and can spread through masonry as well as timber, making it capable of travelling well beyond the original outbreak.

What causes wet rot and dry rot?

These wood rotting fungi commonly occur where there is a lack of subfloor ventilation, plumbing leaks, water spillage or flooding. They may also occur as a result of rising damp.

What standards does Bensleys follow when treating wood rotting fungi?

All timber and masonry treatment of fungi conforms to PCA guidelines along with British Standards and COSHH regulations, to good building practice, and, where applicable, follows current building regulations.

Does Bensleys repair the timber as well as treat it?

Yes. Bensleys offers a full range of options including repairs, strengthening works and treatments, using suitable preservatives where necessary, and can usually carry out all associated building works and repairs as required.

Found soft, crumbling or fungal-looking timber? Let's take a look.

The sooner wet rot or dry rot is identified, the less it costs to put right.

Call 01273 600 700 Email admin@bensleys.co.uk