Dry Rot and Wet Rot are Different – Here’s How to Tell

Dry Rot and Wet Rot

Rot is a common culprit in the failure and collapse of wooden structures around the home. Deck, balconies and other wooden structures are rendered useless when they are infected by the fungi. The damage caused can be devastating. It can be expensive to repair and may cause serious injuries.

Telling the Difference

Dry and wet rot are different in their causes and appearance. It is important to be able to identify just which type of rot you’re dealing with. This will ensure that the right treatment is applied.

Dry rot is one of the most serious forms of fungal decay you could encounter in a building. It exhibits the following signs:

• The fungi form a white growth that may have a lilac or yellow tint.
• Timber that is infected by the fungi forms deep cracks as moisture has been absorbed from it.
• The fungi infest both hardwood and softwood and causes extensive damage to both types of woods.
• An infestation is easily identified by the distinct smell of mushrooms.

Wet rot is common, but confined to timbers that have been exposed to high levels of moisture for an extended period. Some signs to look out for include:

• Discoloration, softness, distortion and cracking of timber
• Fungal fruiting bodies
• A damp musty smell

Treating Rot

The major difference between the two types of rots is in the degree of the spread of the mycelium. The fungi that causes dry rot has the ability to spread into other timbers through masonry that is adjacent to the infected timbers. This ability makes it more dangerous than other types of rot. It can cause far much more damage. Treatment of this type of rot therefore, has to be more intensive.

The basic treatment plan for the two types of rots is similar. The source of moisture is identified and dealt with. The infected timber is then identified and replaced with preservative-treated timber. The area is treated with fungicide prior to the replacement of the timber.

When dealing with dry rot, the masonry in the space must also be treated with fungicide. This provides a protective chemical barrier that will prevent the spread of the fungi.

It is important to have the space inspected by a professional. This ensures that you accurately determine how widespread the infestation is and therefore treat all infected surfaces. This will provide long term results and prevent future infestation of the space.