What exactly is wet rot?

Wet rot is a general term for wood-destroying fungi that attack timber with high moisture content (typically above 30%). It stays localised to the damp area and won't spread through masonry, unlike dry rot.

What's the difference between wet rot and dry rot?

Wet rot stays in the damp area—remove the moisture and it stops. Dry rot is aggressive and can spread through masonry to attack timber throughout a building. Identification is critical as treatments differ significantly.

Does wet rot spread through walls?

No. Wet rot cannot spread through masonry or brickwork. It only affects timber directly exposed to moisture. However, it will continue to destroy affected timber if the moisture source is not fixed.

How much does wet rot treatment cost?

Costs depend on the extent of the decay and how much timber needs replacing. We provide detailed written quotations following a professional survey so you know exactly what is needed.

Can I treat wet rot myself?

Minor surface decay might be treated with wood hardeners, but wet rot often indicates a bigger moisture problem. If structural timber like joists or rafters are affected, you should always use qualified specialists.

Wet Rot Treatment Glasgow | Expert Repair & Surveys | Advanced Preservation Specialists

Glasgow's Trusted Wet Rot Specialists

Professional Wet Rot Treatment in Glasgow

If you've discovered wet rot in your property, Advanced Preservation Specialists are the local experts you can rely on. As Glasgow's longest-running PCA registered preservation company, we've been treating wet rot and protecting timber across Central Scotland for 25+ years.

We cover Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire and Dunbartonshire, providing expert diagnosis and treatment backed by our comprehensive long term guarantee.

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Specialist wet rot timber treatment and survey in a Lanarkshire property

Long-Term Guarantee

Understanding Timber Decay

What is Wet Rot and Why It Needs Treatment

Wet rot is a type of fungal decay that attacks timber exposed to prolonged moisture. Unlike dry rot, wet rot stays localised to the damp area - it won't spread through masonry to find new timber. However, this doesn't mean it can be ignored.

Left untreated, wet rot will steadily destroy the structural integrity of affected timber. Floor joists, window frames, skirting boards, door frames and roof timbers are all vulnerable. By the time you notice soft, spongy wood or a musty smell, significant decay may already have occurred.

The good news? Once the moisture source is eliminated, wet rot stops. Our qualified surveyors identify both the rot and its cause - whether that's a leaking pipe, faulty gutter or penetrating damp - so we can fix the problem permanently, not just patch over symptoms.

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Common Types

Types of Wet Rot Fungi

Several fungi species cause wet rot, each thriving in different conditions. Correct identification helps us specify the right treatment.

Cellar Fungus

Coniophora puteana

The most common wet rot in UK properties. Typically found in cellars, ground floors and areas with persistent dampness. Causes timber to darken and develop lengthways cracking. Often has thin, brown strands on the surface.

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Mine Fungus

Fibroporia vaillantii

Thrives in very wet conditions and spreads quickly across damp timber. Produces white, fern-like surface growths. Commonly found where there's been significant water ingress from leaks or flooding.

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White Pore Fungus

Porostereum spadiceum

Often affects hardwoods and external joinery like window frames and door surrounds. Creates a bleached, pale appearance on affected timber. Associated with persistent rainwater penetration.

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Warning Signs

How to Spot Wet Rot

Wet rot often develops in hidden areas - under floors, behind skirting boards, in roof spaces. Here's what to look for:

Timber feels soft, spongy or springy to the touch
Wood appears darker than surrounding timber
Localised fungal growth (often brown or white strands)
Cracking along the grain of the timber
Paint that's bubbling, flaking or damaged
A damp, musty smell in the affected area
Timber crumbles easily when dry
Visible signs of moisture staining nearby

Don't ignore the signs. While wet rot won't spread like dry rot, it will continue destroying timber as long as moisture is present. Early treatment prevents costly structural repairs.

Identifying wet rot symptoms in Glasgow: soft decayed timber and fungal growth

Understanding the Causes

What Causes Wet Rot?

Wet rot needs moisture to thrive. Timber must have a moisture content above 30% for wet rot fungi to take hold - significantly higher than the 20% needed for dry rot. Common causes include:

Leaking or blocked gutters and downpipes
Damaged or missing roof tiles
Faulty plumbing — pipes, radiators, water tanks
Defective seals around baths, showers and sinks
Penetrating damp through cracked render or pointing
Poor ventilation in sub-floor voids
High ground levels bridging the damp proof course
Condensation in poorly ventilated areas

Scottish properties are particularly vulnerable due to our wet climate and the age of much of our housing stock. Many older Glasgow tenements and Victorian villas have timber that's been quietly absorbing moisture for decades. Regular maintenance - clearing gutters, fixing leaks promptly, ensuring good ventilation - is the best prevention. Read our detailed guide on the common causes of wet rot in Scottish homes.

Common sources of wet rot moisture: leaking gutters and roof defects causing timber decay

Identification & Comparison

Wet Rot vs Dry Rot

Wet rot and dry rot are often confused, but they require different treatments. Getting the diagnosis right is essential.

Wet Rot

Stays localised to the damp timber
Requires very high moisture (30%+)
Cannot spread through masonry
Timber cracks along the grain
Stops when moisture is removed

Dry Rot

Spreads aggressively through masonry
Needs lower moisture (20%+)
Can travel to find new timber
Timber cracks into cube shapes
Requires extensive treatment

If you're unsure which type of rot you're dealing with, don't guess - get a professional survey. Misdiagnosis can mean wasted money on the wrong treatment, or worse, an aggressive dry rot outbreak continuing unchecked.

Learn About Dry Rot vs Wet Rot

How We Work

Professional Wet Rot Treatment & Timber Repair Process

From survey to guarantee, we make the process straightforward

Survey and Diagnosis

A PCA-qualified surveyor inspects your property to identify the type of rot, its extent, and crucially the moisture source causing it. We use moisture meters and years of experience, not guesswork.

Identify the Moisture Source

We trace where the water is coming from. Whether it's a roof leak, plumbing issue, or penetrating damp, we'll pinpoint the cause and recommend repairs to stop moisture at source.

Treatment and Timber Repair

Decayed timber is cut back and replaced with pre-treated wood. Surrounding timber is treated with fungicidal preservatives. Where structural timber is affected, we ensure repairs maintain the integrity of your property.

Guarantee and Prevention

All work is backed by our comprehensive long term GPI-backed guarantee. We provide advice on ventilation and maintenance to help keep your property rot-free for the long term.

The APS Difference

Why Choose Us for Wet Rot Treatment?

With 25+ years protecting Glasgow properties from timber decay, we deliver expert treatment with genuine personal service.

PCA Registered Since 2002

Industry-recognised qualifications and the highest professional standards.

Long-Term Guarantee

GPI-backed protection for complete peace of mind on all work.

Family-Run Business

Personal service from people who care - not just another job number.

25+ Years Experience

Glasgow's longest-running PCA registered preservation company.

Trusted by Major Clients

NHS Scotland, ScotRail and Network Rail trust us with their properties.

Local Expertise

We understand Scottish properties and the common issues they face.

Common Questions

Wet Rot FAQs

Wet rot is a general term for several wood-destroying fungi that attack timber with high moisture content (typically above 30%). The fungi break down the wood's cellular structure, causing it to lose strength and eventually crumble. Unlike dry rot, wet rot stays localised to the damp area and won't spread through masonry.

The key difference is how they spread. Wet rot stays in the damp area - remove the moisture and it stops. Dry rot is far more aggressive and can spread through masonry, brickwork and plaster to attack timber throughout a building. Wet rot also needs much higher moisture levels to thrive. Correct identification is essential as treatments differ significantly. Learn more about the difference between wet rot and dry rot.

No. Unlike dry rot, wet rot cannot spread through masonry or brickwork. It only affects timber that is directly exposed to moisture. However, if the moisture source isn't fixed, the rot will continue to destroy the affected timber and may eventually affect adjacent timbers that also become damp.

Costs depend on the extent of the decay and how much timber needs replacing. A small area of affected skirting board will cost far less than replacing structural floor joists. We provide detailed written quotations following our survey, so you know exactly what's needed before any work begins.

For very minor surface decay, DIY treatment with a wood hardener and preservative may be possible. However, wet rot often indicates a bigger moisture problem that needs professional diagnosis. If structural timber is affected - joists, rafters, lintels - you should always use qualified specialists to ensure repairs are safe and effective.

This depends on the severity. Minor wet rot affecting window frames or skirting might be treated in a day. More extensive decay requiring timber replacement could take several days. We'll give you a clear timeframe in our quotation.

Not if the moisture source is properly fixed. Our approach always addresses both the rot and its cause. Once timber is dry and stays dry, wet rot cannot return. All our work is backed by a comprehensive long term guarantee for your peace of mind.