Damp Proofing
Basement Damp Proofing
Water Damage
Condensation Control
Dry Rot Treatment
WOODWORM & WET ROT
CAVITY Wall Ties
Property Maintenance
Waterproofing And Tanking
Structural RepairsTapco HomeDry Dry Rot Treatment West Molesey
We are long term members of Trust Mark and a member of the BWA. CHAS accredited contractor. In addition, all of our surveyors are trained to the high standards of the PCA (Property Care Association).
Dry Rot Specialist In West Molesey
If you’re worried about the threat of dry rot in your property in West Molesey, we encourage you to seek professional help today. Tapco Homedry can help to quickly diagnose the problem, get to the bottom of the cause, then offer cost-effective and reliable solutions to help put things right again. Don’t let this problem continue unchecked, as it could cause widespread damage to your home.
Not sure if you’re dealing with wet rot or dry rot? Don’t worry, we can help you to get to the heart of the issue. Both should be treated with a sense or urgency, as they require high levels of moisture in order to thrive. A simple way to tell them apart is to look at the damage; wet rot leaves wood soft and spongy whereas dry rot leaves it brittle and crumbly.
What is dry rot?
Dry rot is simply another name for a type of fungus called Serpula Lacrymans. It is more commonly found in woodlands where it helps to break down fallen timber. Dead wood is digested by the dry rot fungus, making space for new growth while adding nutrients back into the soil. Problems may arise if this fungus finds its way into your home.
Despite the name, dry rot actually needs quite high moisture levels in order to thrive, usually around 25%. This is why we commonly see dry rot alongside a damp problem or a plumbing leak. The fungus will seek out suitable damp timber in your home and then secrete an enzyme that digests the lignin and cellulose. This strips the wood of its structural integrity, leaving it brittle and crumbly.
This could spell disaster for your home if it finds its way into important structures like stairs, floorboards, joists and rafters. Thankfully, Tapco Homedry in West Molesey is here to help.
Signs of dry rot in your home
As a homeowner, you can protect your property by learning how to spot the early signs of dry rot. The earlier you catch it, the better, but we can support you whatever stage you discover the problem. It often starts with a damp problem, so we would encourage you to pay close attention to any new earthy or musty odours in your home.
The fungus starts with a furry white growth that spreads over affected timber. As this matures, it develops a rusty orange bloom that will scatter brick red spores throughout your home. This is how dry rot spreads so effectively. It’s worth noting that dry rot spores can find their way through masonry, so your neighbour’s property could also be at risk if they have a similar damp problem.
The wood left behind following a dry rot problem will be dark and brittle. It will break apart easily between your fingers, forming into little cube shapes due to the cuboidal cracking structure.
