Timber
Wet rot investigation and repairs
Identifying and repairing timber decay caused by sustained high moisture content.
What the issue is
Wet rot is decay of timber that has remained wet. It stays localised to the damp timber, so correcting the moisture source is the primary remedy.
Common symptoms
- Soft, spongy or darkened timber
- Cracking along the grain
- Localised decay near leaks
- Failing window joinery or door frames
Likely contributing factors
- Leaking rainwater goods
- Failed window or door seals
- Plumbing leaks
- Timber in contact with damp masonry
- Poor ventilation
Conditions that may be mistaken for it
- Dry rot, which behaves differently
- Surface staining
- Old mechanical damage
How the issue should be investigated
- Locate the extent of decay
- Identify and confirm the moisture source
- Record moisture content
- Assess structural significance
Potential treatment or repair options
- Repair of the moisture source
- Cutting out and replacing decayed timber
- Splice repairs to joinery
- Preservative treatment of adjacent sound timber
- Drying and making good
When treatment may not be appropriate
- Where decay is superficial and the timber is drying
- Where full replacement is proposed but a splice repair is adequate
Factors affecting the cost
- Volume of timber replacement
- Joinery matching requirements
- Access and temporary support
- Decoration
What to expect during an inspection
An inspection of the affected timber and surrounding structure, with moisture readings and photographs.
Final recommendations always depend on the property, the inspection findings and the confirmed cause. Elevated readings alone do not confirm rising damp, not every mould problem requires extensive treatment, and damp-affected plaster does not always need replacing.
Frequently asked questions
Next step
Not sure which inspection you need? Start with a few questions.
Tell us what you are seeing and we will set out what is likely, what is uncertain and which inspection would answer the question. Speak to us on 0333 335 6152 if you would rather talk it through.