Although both wet rot and dry rot are fungi, there are some major differences. Wet rot needs a higher moisture content before it will grow, but dry rot occurs due to contact with water. Wet rot fungus prefers to grow at a moisture content of around 50% or higher, while dry rot germinates and thrives at a lower moisture content, 20%-30%. If you have a cellar or basement that’s damp, you may need a basement waterproofing treatment.
There are many types of dry rot as well as wet rot. In order to combat either, it’s important to know the difference. One way is to know how the water spreads in a building.
How Are They Different?
Dry rot is an aggressive and destructive form of building decay. It spreads away from the source of damp and destroys timber and other fabric present in the property.
Unlike dry rot, the wet version of this type of fungus occurs more frequently but is less likely to do visible damage. The decay usually affects timber at its source – often where there’s been a leak. However, don’t be complacent because if you don’t deal with it then it will start to cause structural problems.
Dry rot is a type of fungal decay and can spread quickly. It causes the most significant damage to buildings and mainly occurs as a result of Serpula Lacrymans fungi.
Dry rot’s main target is timber and it can spread through an entire building of the property. If moisture levels in your property are above 20% then there’s a high chance you’re also susceptible to dry rot. Moisture can easily be caused by leaks within your property.
Wet and dry rot are caused by defective or soaked internal plumbing or damp coming in from the outside. This can be fixed by repairing or replacing faulty plumbing, installing vapour barriers or insulation, and also checking your roof for defects such as dilapidated roof coverings, loose tiles or guttering with damaged joints.
Wet and dry rot can cause damage to your property before you’re aware of the problem and for this reason, take a look around your house for any unusual smells or stains.
Conditions for Wet Rot To Thrive
Wet rot is an unfortunate fungal infestation that thrives in damp conditions. Unprotected timber, like the roofing and floors of your home or office can become infected with funguses that lead to wet rot.
Wet rot is a form of fungi that takes over your property and can make the materials in it deteriorate. You should tackle this infestation as soon as possible. It’s important to deal with wet rot right away to avoid structural damage.
Wet rot is a type of decay caused by excessive moisture left to roam unchecked. Wet rot itself cannot spread through masonry, but the growth will stop as soon as the moisture is removed.
Humid sources can create an environment for wet rot fungus to thrive. The fungus can show up in damp spots, which are usually caused by leaking roofs, gutters or defective masonry pointing. This fungi reacts to high humidity by germinating and quickly spreading.
The Right Conditions for Dry Rot
If your property is unprotected by a roof, the timber on all floors becomes exposed to damp conditions which can lead to dry rot. If you notice any signs of dry rot, it’s worth consulting a damp proof specialist.
You should know that dry rot can occur in old and new buildings alike. Dry rot can occur any time there is a source of moisture nearby. This type of rot is often triggered by water leaking from a roof, a surface wetting through cracks or defective plumbing or masonry.
If you suspect your property has wet or dry rot then contact us for advice.