Wood rot is fungal decay that develops when timber remains damp enough for fungi to grow. It can affect visible joinery such as skirting boards, windows and doors, as well as concealed timber including floor joists and roof structures. The moisture source and extent of the damage should be identified before repairs are recommended.

Wet rot and dry rot are both caused by fungi growing in damp timber. Wet rot generally remains close to the moisture source. Dry rot can spread through concealed spaces and adjoining materials to reach other damp timber. Correct identification matters because the extent of the investigation and remedial work may differ.

Wood rot is caused by timber remaining persistently damp. Common sources include roof or plumbing leaks, penetrating damp, condensation, defective window or door seals, poor sub-floor ventilation and timber touching damp masonry or ground. The moisture source should be controlled to reduce the risk of further decay.

Possible signs include timber that feels soft, brittle or spongy, cuboidal cracking, crumbling skirting boards, flaking paint, fungal growth, a musty or mushroom-like smell and movement in floors. Some decay may remain concealed behind finishes or beneath floorboards.

Wet rot usually remains concentrated around timber affected by persistent moisture. Dry rot can spread through concealed spaces and across adjoining materials to reach other damp timber. Removing the moisture source restricts further fungal growth, but timber that has already been weakened may still require repair or replacement.

Yes. Wood rot can affect floor joists, roof timbers and other structural wooden components. Significant decay may reduce the timber’s strength and cause movement, sagging or bouncy floors. The extent and condition of the affected timber should be assessed before repairs are planned.

Treatment begins by identifying and controlling the moisture source. The affected and surrounding timber is then inspected, with targeted opening-up where necessary. Sound timber may sometimes be retained, while weakened sections may need repair or replacement. Ventilation, weatherproofing or other damp repairs may also form part of the solution.

No. The decision depends on how much sound timber remains and whether the component can still perform its intended job safely. Localised damage may sometimes be repaired, but timber with substantial decay or loss of strength will normally require partial or complete replacement.

No. A photograph may show damaged or discoloured timber, but it cannot reliably confirm the type of decay, its moisture source, its depth or whether nearby concealed timber is affected. An on-site inspection allows moisture levels, timber strength, surrounding construction and possible hidden spread to be assessed.