Dry Rot Treatment

Dry rot is widely regarded as the worst type of rot issue which can be faced by property owners. This page will assist your understanding of what dry rot is. This page will then highlight the methods of dry rot treatment and what is involved in dry rot surveys. We will also advise on the best practices to prevent an attack of this timber decay issue.

Treating Dry Rot

Dry rot requires three specific elements in order for it to thrive; water, food and oxygen. Timber can make up close to seventy percent of a property’s fabric, and as a result this means a dry rot problem can rapidly grow through your property. In order to eradicate dry rot within your property, our surveyors will require to identify where the source of moisture is that is allowing the attack to germinate. The moisture’s source is likely to be caused by an external penetrating damp issue such as defective rainwater goods and masonry or an internal plumbing issue.

Once the moisture’s source has been stopped, all infected timbers need to be removed from the property. The amount of timber to be removed will depend on the extent and severity of the attack. Our specialist dry rot treatment surveyors will be able to provide an accurate specification of the amount of disturbance required and a time scale of the required works.It is important that affected masonry is treated to prevent a reoccurrence of the dry rot attack and new timbers must be treated and protected with a damp-proof membrane when touching the masonry. Whilst dry rot will not deteriorate the masonry it will use the mortar beds to travel from one section of timber to another just as we use bridges, therefore it is important to treat the surrounding masonry in addition to replacing the affected timbers. Replacement timbers will be pre-treated, and lintels and beams will be replaced in steel or pre-stressed concrete where possible.

Dry Rot Survey

Specialist surveyors should be used to correctly identify the cause and remedial works required. Richardson & Starling surveyors will undertake a detailed visual survey of the affected area(s) and make recommendations on required remedial works. Should the surveyor not be able to identify the full extent of the decay, it may be a requirement to have an exposure survey carried out. This will involve removal of sections of flooring and plaster within and adjacent to the affected area. There is an additional cost should this be required; our surveyor will be pleased to discuss this with you.Richardson & Starlings surveyors will:

  • Determine the extent of the property’s dry rot problem
  • Diagnose the source of the dry rot issue – and make recommendation for any repairs.
  • Provide a detailed report offering a specification of remedial works required

Our surveyors have considerable expertise in carrying out surveys in commercial, domestic and public buildings.

Our specialists provide environmentally friendly and effective dry rot treatment solutions to prevent timber decay issues in the future. These solutions can be used to rectify any type of timber infestation which may be caused by dry rot, other types of fungal growth or insect attacks.

Our detailed report will provide recommendations for the required remedial works including any works required to stop the source of moisture which has caused the dry rot attack. On completion of treatment by our trained technicians we will issue our 30-year dry rot treatment guarantee on the works carried out as per our report. This guarantee is fully transferable to any future owners for the duration of the guarantee.

How to Prevent Dry Rot?

Good maintenance of your property will greatly reduce the possibility of your property being affected by rot. Frequent checks to the outside envelope of your property such as guttering, rainwater goods masonry and roof coverings will highlight where defects may be allowing moisture to enter your property. Have a look around the timbers in the roof void the next time you are storing items there for evidence of water staining. Other issues such as defective plumbing can cause a dry rot outbreak if left unattended. Most modern properties have combi boilers fitted, which will identify if there is a drop-in pressure and therefore a leak.

The leak should be identified as soon as possible and the area exposed and fully dried prior to re-instating to prevent the development of dry rot. The area may need a precautionary treatment of fungicide to stop germination of the fungal growth during long term drying out of the timbers.

30 Year Wood Rot Eradication Guarantee

Richardson & Starling have been eradicating dry and wet rot attacks to property for over 85 years and offer a 30-year guarantee on most repair work which our specialists undertake. This guarantee is fully transferable to any new owner of the property. Thus, providing you with additional value for your property.  This will allow you to take out an insurance backed guarantee over and above out guarantee for a period of 10 years. There is a one of cost for this policy based on the value of the contract, your local office will be able to provide more information on this.

What To Do Next?

If you suspect you have a dry rot attack in your property you should consult a specialist company who have the expertise to eradicate the attack. Dry rot can spread rapidly in a building dependant on the conditions within. It is important to treat not just the affected area but also to repair and replace any surrounding damaged timbers, however, you must also halt the source of the moisture, which is causing the decay.

By contacting your local Richardson & Starling branch you can gain free advice and arrange a timber survey. Our specialist’s surveyors have the necessary experience, skills and resources to deal with your dry rot problem efficiently and safely in order to get your property back to health as quickly as possible.Concerned about Dry Rot outbreak in your home? Contact your local branch for advice or a property survey to regain your peace of mind.