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dry rot

Dry rot versus wet rot: what’s the difference?

The terms dry rot and wet rot may be familiar to you if you’re a homeowner. Is there a significant difference between them? This blog post will answer these questions and discuss how to identify dry rot in your home.

Dry Rot

Fungal decay affects wood as a result of dry rot. The Serpula lacrymans fungus is responsible for this decay. It requires oxygen and moisture to grow. A basement or a bathroom are typically damp or humid places for dry rot to occur. Often, it occurs after water damage, such as roof leaks or plumbing leaks.

There are a number of symptoms associated with dry rot, including:

  • The wood can become brown or black due to dry rot.
  • The affected wood often crumbles or flakes away easily as a result of the damage.
  • Wood can become brittle and break easily due to dry rot.
  • There is often a musty smell associated with dry rot.

Any of these signs could indicate dry rot in your home. Note, however, that dry rot does not require all of these signs to occur. In the event that you suspect dry rot, it’s important to get it checked as soon as possible by a professional.

Wet Rot

Unlike dry rot, wet rot is caused by the fungus Coniophora puteana. In contrast to dry rot, wet rot does not require oxygen to grow. As a result, it may occur anywhere in your home regardless of moisture levels. Furthermore, wet rot is more common in older homes because decayed wood is more susceptible to it.

The following symptoms are associated with wet rot:

  • Discoloured wood: Wood with wet rot is normally dark brown or black in colour.
  • Softwood feels spongy or soft to the touch.
  • Wood can become mushy as a result of wet rot, making it easily breakable.
  • The smell of wet rot is often musty or mouldy.

Any of these signs may indicate wet rot in your home, but often, wet rot does not show all of these symptoms at one time. Wet rot should be checked by a professional once you suspect it in your home.

Abbey Builders Liverpool now offers a 10-year warranty against dry rot and wet rot. Contact us today to schedule a survey: 0151 220 4433.

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