Wet rot decay in buildings frequently occurs in those areas that are seldom, if ever, entered. For example, within floor voids over basements, timber joists in suspended ground floors, dark corners of the roof space and many similar areas. It is therefore essential that any remedial treatment survey carried out be conducted in a thorough and professional manner. Rudders & Paynes surveyors are qualified and experienced and will always carry out as thorough a survey as possible in the conditions that prevail. Our report will determine the cause and type of wet rot decay, detail the damage to the affected timbers and will include our specification and quotation for all necessary remedial and specialist treatment works to fully resolve the problem.

WET ROT

Wet rot is a general term used to describe all but one of the fungal species responsible for timber decay. The majority of timber decay found in buildings in the UK is caused by one of the species of wet rot fungi, the most common of which are described below.

Coniophora puteana, commonly known as the cellar fungus is a brown rot. It is probably the most common form of timber decay in buildings and is able to attack both softwoods and hardwoods.

Effect on Wood. The wood becomes dark brown occasionally having yellow streaks. Shrinkage cracks run mainly along the grain of the wood, often the outer 'skin' of the wood appears to be sound. Mycelium on the wood surface is very rare, however thin brown-black strands do occur on the surface of the decaying wood and on adjacent masonry. The strands are unable to penetrate masonry like those of dry rot (Serpula lacrymans). Fruiting bodies are uncommon in buildings but when found appear as an olive green-brown plate with a white outer margin, the surface is irregular and lumpy.

Fibroporia vaillantii, and Poria placenta are a group of brown rots. These fungi frequently cause extensive damage to structural timbers, particularly Fibroporia vaillantii. They are able to tolerate higher temperatures than most other wet rots. The damage caused to wood resembles that of dry rot (Serpula lacrymans) and is often mistaken as such by unqualified or inexperienced surveyors.

Effect on Wood. The wood becomes brown and splits into cubes when dry, the cracks are never as deep as with dry rot. Mycelium is white or cream, thin strands are formed up to 3mm in diameter and remain flexible when dry. Fruiting bodies form as soft white plates with pores 2mm-13mm long, the margin often runs off into strands. These fungi require high moisture content in wood to survive and are often associated with water leaks, damp sub-floor voids, etc.