If you have a timber frame home, you need to make sure you take proper care of it so that it stands the test of time. Timber preservation is key in this regard and you could see your property falter because of both wet and dry rot.
Wet rot is caused when wood comes into contact with damp masonry and exposure to lots of water over a long period of time, which will naturally lead to a breakdown in organic material. This is typically seen on untreated wood that is exposed to the elements and what’s good about it is that it won’t spread beyond the damp area in question.
Dry rot, on the other hand, is a fungus that develops when moisture content exceeds 20 per cent, which is why reducing the moisture content in your timber and masonry is vital in order to treat the problem. Unlike wet rot, this can spread quite far through the masonry and affect timber well away from the original source of the problem.
Before you can decide upon a course of treatment, you must make sure you correctly identify which type of rot is affecting your wood. The Property Care Association – an organisation dedicated to promoting high standards within the industry – has a specific part of its website devoted to timber treatment and fungal decay which can help both homeowners and those in the construction industry.
Information relating to water ingress, insect infestation, condensation, damp control, waterproofing, flood restoration and weed control can also be found on the site.
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