Timber rot is a fungal infestation that destroys the structural integrity of your home's woodwork.
At Barrier Property Care, we specialize in the rapid identification and eradication of both Dry Rot (Serpula lacrymans) and various species of Wet Rot, providing full timber replacement and moisture control to prevent recurrence.
| FEATURE | DRY ROT (The Serious One) | WET ROT (The Common One) |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture Need | Can survive in timber with ~20% moisture. | Requires high moisture (above 40-50%). |
| Spread | Spreads through masonry to find new wood. | Stays localized to the damp area. |
| Visual Appearance | White/grey "cotton wool" growth or orange dust. | Dark, softened, "spongy" wood; often turns black. |
| Structural Risk | Extremely high; can destroy a house quickly. | High, but usually confined to one area (e.g., window). |
| Barrier's Fix | Sterilize masonry + replace timber + stop damp. | Remove damp source + replace timber. |
Timber rot rarely happens in isolation; it is almost always the result of a long-term moisture issue, such as a leaking pipe, a failed roof tile, or poor sub-floor ventilation. Because fungi thrive in dark, undisturbed areas, rot can often spread behind wall panels or beneath floorboards for months before becoming visible. Recognizing the early red flags is essential to preventing significant structural damage and keeping repair costs manageable.
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your property requires an immediate specialist timber survey.
Treating rot is about more than just replacing a piece of wood. It requires a systematic approach:
We have treated rot in every type of property, from Liverpool's historic docks to suburban semi-detached homes.
Our rot treatments come with 20 year guarantees that are accepted by all major mortgage lenders.
Unlike many damp firms, we are building contractors. If your floor joists are gone, we don't just tell you—we replace them and re-lay the floor.
Yes, because it can travel through bricks and mortar to reach new timber. However, caught early, it is entirely treatable.
"DIY" sprays often only kill surface fungus. If the internal strands (hyphae) remain, the rot will return. Professional sterilization is essential for Dry Rot.
Most standard policies exclude rot as it’s considered "gradual deterioration." This is why our Free Specialist Survey is so important for catching issues early.
Not sure which type of rot you have? Don't guess—our specialists use specialist equipment to give you a definitive answer. Book your free survey.
64 Mill Lane, Liverpool, L12 7JB
Tel: 07957 531 208
info@barrierpropertycare.co.uk