Dry Rot Treatment - Eco Tiffin

Dry rot is one of the most destructive forces that can affect a property. Left untreated, it spreads rapidly through timber, weakening the structure and causing extensive damage. In extreme cases, it can lead to repairs costing upwards of £100,000. Fortunately, most insurance policies should cover the cost of dry rot treatment. If you suspect dry rot in your property, it’s crucial to act quickly and bring in a professional for assessment.

What is Dry Rot?

Dry rot, scientifically known as Serpula lacrymans, is a wood-destroying fungus that thrives in damp, poorly ventilated conditions. Despite its name, dry rot requires moisture to grow, usually in areas with at least 20% moisture content. The fungus feeds on the cellulose and hemicellulose in timber, causing it to decay and crumble over time.

What Causes Dry Rot?

Unlike other types of fungal decay, dry rot can spread beyond timber, passing through masonry and other building materials to reach new sources of wood. This makes it highly invasive and capable of causing widespread damage if not properly treated.

Dry rot thrives in environments with the following conditions:

Poor ventilation: Dry rot often occurs in enclosed areas like basements or lofts where air circulation is limited.
Excess moisture: Leaks from pipes, washing machines, or external sources like gutters and roofs create the damp conditions dry rot needs to grow.
Old structural design: Older properties, especially those built before 1960, often contain embedded timbers that are more prone to dampness and decay.

How to Spot Dry Rot

Identifying dry rot early is key to preventing extensive damage. Some common signs of dry rot include:

Timber shrinkage and distortion or a change in texture
Cuboidal cracking (small rectangular cracks forming in the wood)
A musty smell in the affected area
The appearance of mycelium, a fine white or grey fungal growth on wood or brick
Orange or brown fungal growths with red dust-like spores

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to get a survey from a dry rot specialist as soon as possible.

“Dry rot is known to multiply rapidly through a structure. I have seen it grow as fast as 10 feet in 2 weeks in ideal conditions and there are recorded growth rates of at least 4 meters in 12 months from the source.”

Robert Tiffin

Replaced Garage

Robert and the team replaced my old garage (with an asbestos roof) with a very nice larger garage. Everything was done when they said it would be. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. I would definitely use Tiffin again.

Barbara, Hertfordshire

Highly Recommended

Robert Tiffin successfully diagnosed and treated the increasing damp in the cellar of our old house, something several previous firms had failed to do. He was professional and efficient and provided an excellent report.

Susan, Middlesex

Excellent Work

Tiffin handled all the aspects of the job really well, keeping us informed and sourcing high quality materials. They did a good job of organising all the various trades to do their parts in an efficient manner.

Matt P, Buckinghamshire

Professional and polite service, fair and reasonable price

The “Tiffin difference” was immediately noticeable. We were left with a strong sense that Robert and the team were professional and reliable in their approach. We will be using Tiffin for our next project.

Craig R, Hertfordshire

Unhesitatingly Recommended

Robert Tiffin is helpful and professional. His advice is sound and he will save you money where he can. Not surprisingly, the people he employs are also hard working and professional. Schedules are maintained and when work is completed everywhere is left clean and tidy. I have no hesitation in recommending them.

John D, Buckinghamshire

Excellent

Excellent advice on cause of damp in converted block of flats and successful repairs too. Extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of causes of building failure and damage and reinstatement for insurance purposes too. Highly recommended.

Steven Lazarus, London

Professional firm with high standards

Eco Tiffin sorted out my damp problem in an outbuilding, insulated and decorated it, turning it into a pleasant and very usable storeroom. Their knowledge and experience inspired confidence, and I felt that I was given honest advice about the most sensible way to pursue this project, without wasting money unnecessarily.

Neena Bush, Hertfordshire

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How can a dry rot specialist help?

As well as being able to conduct a thorough dry rot survey, the Eco Tiffin team can advise on any remedial action necessary, as well as undertaking all the tasks needed to rid your home of dry rot.

Dry rot treatment includes:

Effective dry rot treatment involves more than just removing the affected timber. The entire process must address the underlying moisture issue and prevent future outbreaks.

STEP ONE

Stop the Source of Moisture

The first and most important step in treating dry rot is identifying and eliminating the source of dampness. This could be a leaking pipe, a broken gutter, or poor external drainage. Without addressing this, any dry rot treatment will only be a temporary fix.

STEP TWO

Remove Affected Timber

Next, all decayed wood must be removed and replaced with pre-treated timber. This prevents the rot from spreading further. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove a larger section of timber than initially damaged, to ensure all traces of the fungus are eliminated.

STEP THREE

Fungicidal Treatment

After removing the infected wood, any remaining timber should be treated with a fungicidal spray to kill any remaining spores and prevent re-infection. This step is crucial for long-term protection.

STEP FOUR

Treat Adjacent Materials

Since dry rot can pass through masonry and other materials, it’s essential to inspect and treat these areas as well. This might involve removing bricks or treating the mortar between brickwork joints by drilling holes to saturate all areas to ensure the fungus hasn’t spread.

STEP FIVE

Ensure Proper Ventilation

Improving ventilation in the affected area is key to preventing future outbreaks of dry rot. Ensure that spaces like basements, attics, and other enclosed areas have sufficient airflow to stay dry.

Contact us for expert dry rot treatment

Don’t let dry rot compromise the safety and structure of your property. If you suspect dry rot or have noticed any signs of timber decay, contact our team of dry rot specialists for a comprehensive survey and professional dry rot treatment.

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If you're looking to cut costs, improve your home's comfort levels, reduce heat loss, get rid of damp or discuss insurance claims, drop us a line and one of our expert team will be in touch.