All you need to know about dry rot and how to prevent it
There are many pleasures to owning a home in London. Its value is likely to increase owing to demand, and there is no need to pay rent to landlords who increase their rent at a moment’s notice. But with it also comes responsibilities and costs of maintenance, which, while it might mean eating into a budget, can work out beneficial rather than leaving a property to decay with age.
It can be quite alarming when finding wood in the home as part of its structure that feels and shows signs of being far drier than it should be and is different to other pieces around the home. When it is the skirting board, the visible signs will also be only too apparent. If in this situation, it is worth thinking about contacting a dry rot specialist near me, as that is what the issue is likely to be. Let us discover what dry rot is, its causes, and how to prevent it.
Its name can be extremely misleading, because although it is called dry rot, it requires a moist atmosphere and damp conditions to thrive. It is caused by the fungus being able to grow and spread in a damp environment, which then attacks the timber, reducing its strength, with the wood becoming brittle and flaky in appearance. The fungus eats away at timber and can cause serious problems if not addressed as soon as possible. That is why it is imperative, when the first possible signs are detected, to contact specialists who will make a rapid diagnosis and provide peace of mind to the homeowner. A dry rot specialist will arrive using the latest high-tech equipment and then be able to deliver an onsite estimate as to the costs of putting things right when it’s a member of the London Damp Proofing team.
If the damp is allowed to spread through walls and masonry, it can lead to serious issues, which are costly and take time to put right, adding inconvenience to the list of things to be avoided, which is why an early assessment is imperative. The possible signs can be detected by those with no previous experience through the musty smell that it leaves, which is not dissimilar to that of mushrooms and is more earthy than that of wet rot.
While dry rot treatment might be the answer, there are things that owners can do to prevent the chances of dry rot. The main one is to control moisture in their home by ensuring any leaks are quickly repaired and that it has proper ventilation. Using moisture-resistant materials is another solution, while carrying out regular inspections is highly recommended, which include making sure that exhaust fans are in good order and guttering is in pristine condition.
It is important to ensure that moisture in the home is kept to acceptable levels to avoid issues such as dry rot, but if there is any sign that it is visible, it is time to speak to the experts on 020 7593 8030.