If homeowners were tasked with the job of picking some of the most irritating things about owning a property, damp issues would probably be somewhere near the top. Nasty to look at, gross to the touch and potentially bad for your health, damp in all its forms can be a real pain.
However, while damp can be an annoying part of living in a home without the proper protections in place, it can also be the harbinger of other, more serious issues with your home, namely the spread of rot.
You may not realise it, but your home is filled to the brim with timber, a material which is extremely susceptible to both wet and dry rot, yet, what’s the actual difference between the two?
Although both can cause issues, wet and dry rot are actually two different breeds of fungi, with both causing differing problems. With this in mind, let’s take a closer look at the main differences between these two serious home invaders.
Wet rot
Growing on porous surfaces with a moisture content of around 50%, wet rot is a common problem that occurs from a damp home. The fungi that constitute wet rot are either Coniophora Puteana or its less common cousin Poria Vaillantii, with both usually appearing as black, white or brown fungus. You’ll also likely be able to notice a musty smell coming from the affected area.
Thankfully, wet rot is usually confined to areas where damp is present, meaning the mycelium will not spread further into the walls and masonry, however, it can damage timber which can affect the structural stability of your home if left untreated.
Dry rot
Don’t let the name deceive you, the much more serious issue of dry rot still relies on damp and wet conditions in order to grow. However, while wet rot requires a high moisture content, dry rot requires much less to do serious damage.
Dry rot, caused by the fungus Serpula Lacrymans, flourishes by eating away at timber around a property, it can also find its way into the masonry of your home, all of which can cause serious issues for the structural integrity of the building.
Dry rot usually appears as an off-white growth, however, it can also be yellow or lilac colour. If you believe your property is suffering from dry rot, it’s important to sort it out as soon as possible to prevent catastrophe.
Protect your home from damp and rot with London Property Preservation
The best way to dodge the issue of wet and dry rot is to ensure that your property is protected from damp. If your Croydon home is susceptible to damp, get in touch with London Property Preservation today. Helping countless homeowners throughout the capital fend off the scourge of damp and mould, we’re the go-to contractors to protect your home.
For more information on our range of damp proofing services, visit our website or get in touch with our team on 020 8689 0073.
