Dry rot is something no homeowner wants to deal with, and it’s easy to see why. It can start off quietly, often without you noticing, but over time it can seriously weaken your home and lead to some expensive repairs. But how bad can it really get? Could dry rot actually cause a house to collapse, or is the damage usually more manageable?

Thanks to over 50 years of experience treating dry rot, we at Prokil have seen just how damaging this fungus can be. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how dry rot develops, the kind of damage it can cause, and what you should do if you suspect it’s affecting your home.

What is dry rot?

Dry rot is a type of wood decay caused by fungi that thrive in damp conditions. Despite the name, dry rot still requires moisture to develop, and the moisture it grows on in a home usually stems from high humidity, leaks, or other moisture sources in the home. The fungus breaks down the cellulose in the wood, causing it to weaken, crack, and crumble over time.

As the decay spreads, the wood loses its strength and integrity. What were once strong, load-bearing beams or floor joists can become brittle and fragile, no longer able to support the weight of the home’s structure.

How does dry rot develop?

Dry rot often starts small, maybe as a bit of discoloration or a musty smell in the air. But don’t be fooled by its mild appearance – underneath, the fungus is quietly eating away at your home’s wooden structure. Over time, it can spread into the plaster and even brickwork.

As the rot advances, it weakens important structural elements like floorboards, roof beams, and wall supports. In severe cases, if it affects key load-bearing areas, parts of the house can start to sag or even collapse.

How likely is a collapse?

While it’s rare for a house to collapse entirely from dry rot, the possibility can’t be ruled out, especially if the problem has been ignored for a long time.

The real issue is when dry rot affects important parts of the home, like load-bearing beams and structural supports. If these areas are weakened, it can lead to large sections of floors or ceilings needing major repairs or even collapsing.

Even if it doesn’t get that extreme, dry rot can still cause costly damage and safety concerns. In some cases, homeowners have had to temporarily move out during repairs – something that could have been avoided with early action.

How to spot the signs of dry rot

Catching dry rot early is key to avoiding serious damage to your home. Keep an eye out for these common signs:

• Wood that feels soft, spongy, or crumbles when touched
• A musty, damp smell lingering in the air
• The appearance of white or grey mycelium growth
• Fruiting bodies or visible spores

Check out our full guide to learn more about spotting the signs early.

What you should do if you discover dry rot in your home

Preventing dry rot starts with regular home maintenance, especially keeping moisture under control. You can do this through a combination of proper ventilation and damp proofing.

If you suspect dry rot has already set in, it’s important to call a professional right away. The damage isn’t always obvious, and a specialist is needed to properly assess how far it has spread and what needs to be done.

A qualified professional will be able to:

• Identify the source of moisture and eliminate it to stop further fungal growth.
• Assess the extent of the damage, including hard-to-reach areas.
• Remove the infected wood and treat surrounding areas to prevent regrowth.
• Repair and preserve remaining timber to strengthen your home’s structure.

Prokil: Your trusted partner in damp and rot treatment

When it comes to keeping your home safe from dry rot, you need an expert you can rely on – and that’s where Prokil comes in.

With over 50 years of experience, Prokil is one of the South’s leading specialists in dry rot treatments. Our team can quickly find and treat any rot inside your home, even hidden cases, and we’ll make sure to tackle the cause so it doesn’t come back. We also offer timber preservation services to help keep your home safe and strong for years to come.

If you’re worried about dry rot in your home, don’t wait. Book a home survey online or give us a call on 0800 048 9488 today!