What may turn out to be the wettest summer on record has many a British homeowner concerned about damp patches on the ceilings or walls. What are they concerned about? Timber rot. And if timber rot is a genuine concern for you, it is also cause to have a professional inspection conducted. Both wet and dry rot can be devastating to the timbers of your home if left untreated.
Timber rot is not the direct result of excessive rain or even moisture in your home. But moisture is a contributing factor. The fungi that causes both wet and dry rot require moisture to proliferate, which is why homes prone to even minor water leaks can become overrun with timber rot.
The process of getting from wet timbers to substantial timber rot is actually quite simple. Water leaks can create prolonged dampness that provides an optimal environment for wet and dry rot fungus. That fungus may find a way into a home as microscopic spores that travel through the air and make their way in through the same entry the water uses. Once those spores land on damp wood, they are ready for a feeding frenzy. The fungus feeds on the timbers and, over time, rots them.
Inspecting Your Home
Finding a single damp patch after an especially severe rain event is no reason to panic. You should still inspect the affected area and make any necessary repairs, but one minor leak is nothing to worry about if it is caught right away. Homeowners with serious concerns are those experiencing multiple damp patches that continue to linger. Such scenarios are cause for professional inspection.
An inspector should be looking for the following:
Roof Inspections
- Blocked or broken gutters
- Broking, missing, or displaced tiles
- Broken or missing flashing
- Abnormalities consistent with small holes.
Wall Inspections
- Brick and mortar damage or deterioration
- Overflowing or leaks in cisterns and water tanks
- Broken water and waste pipes
- Damaged or deteriorated flashing around windows
- Damaged or deteriorated door frames
- Blocked air bricks.
If an inspection reveals even the slightest concern of timber rot in your home, call us. Our professional technicians will either confirm your suspicions or set your mind at ease. Either way, you do not want to leave things to chance. Dry and wet rot are easier to take care of the sooner they are identified. The longer you wait, the more damage the fungus can do to the timber around your home.
Thames Valley Timber Treatment are specialists in resolving both wet and dry rot. Unlike non-professionals, we are capable of identifying exactly which fungus is causing your problem and then treating it accordingly. We treat all affected areas to completely remove the fungus and then deal with the damage left behind. We even offer a 30-year guarantee on our timber rot treatments.
Remember, any suspicion of timber rot in your home is cause for professional inspection. Do not put things off until it's too late.