Wet Rot In Roof Timbers

When dry the timber will easily crack and crumble into fine particles.

Wet rot in roof timbers.

Wet rot is a fungal infestation which thrives in damp conditions. Where is wet rot commonly found. Wet rot is simply the wood decaying naturally because of moisture it is almost always caused by a structural problem a damp wall poor or damaged paint work or simply water collecting on the timber. Generally speaking wet rot can occur anywhere where there is water in a property and the water has been in long term contact with the wood.

Where are the areas most at risk from wet rot. As the name wet rot suggests wet rot affects wood that is wet. We commonly find wet rot in timbers that have become damp due to excess moisture. Wet rot is less common a problem than dry rot and is often caused by the timbers being exposed to above average levels of moisture or humidity accelerating the natural decay of timber and is often caused by an external issue such as a structural problem or a leaking pipe.

The cause must be sorted when the timber is treated for wet rot or it will reoccur. Timber in the roof can also be at risk especially where there is roof damage allowing rainwater to run onto the roof timbers. Wet rot is commonly found in cellars roofs and in timbers around windows. Timber suffering from wet rot will feel spongy even through a coat of paint and look darker than the surrounding timber.

Wet rot is therefore a general term used to describe a variety of fungal species responsible for wood rot the most common being cellar fungus coniophora puteana. It has a damp musty smell that has been described as smelling earthy and like rotting soil. Wet rot is more likely to smell than dry rot. Wet rot occurring in the upper flooring and roof timbers is less common than in ground floor timbers due to ground floor timbers potentially being in closer contact with damp soil areas and rising damp and less likely to be seen.

If left untreated wet rot can cause major structural problems as it can lead to weakened timbers. The most common causes of water ingress to upper areas of a property are listed below.