You walk in and spot it – a crumbling bit of wood by the window, or a mushy patch on the floorboards. Even worse? After a bit of investigating, you suspect it’s dry rot.

Rot is never welcome, but dry rot is even more of a worry than wet rot. It spreads like wildfire and can wreak havoc on your home if not caught in time.

Your first thought? “How do I fix this?” Then the even scarier one hits: “How much is this going to cost me?”

You might be wondering if your home insurance will cover the cost of repairs, like it would a burst pipe or a fire. But is this the case? The property care experts at Prokil are here to break it down. Keep reading to find out if dry rot is covered by most insurance policies, as well as what steps to take next.

Is dry rot covered by building insurance?

Unfortunately, dry rot isn’t covered under most building insurance policies. This is because it’s seen as a gradual deterioration rather than sudden, accidental damage. Here’s the reasoning:

• Insurers view dry rot as a consequence of long-term issues like poor ventilation or dampness. These are considered wear and tear, which isn’t covered by standard policies.
• Building insurance protects against unforeseen events, not problems caused by a lack of maintenance. Since dry rot thrives in damp environments, it’s seen as the homeowner’s responsibility to take steps to prevent moisture build-up.

Are there any exceptions?

Yes and no. If the dry rot can be traced back to a specific incident covered by your insurance, like a burst pipe, you might be able to claim for the damage caused by the leak itself. However, the cost of treating the dry rot itself likely wouldn’t be covered.

It’s always best to check your specific policy wording or contact your insurer directly to see if there’s any chance they might cover some of the costs associated with dry rot. Even if they don’t cover the treatment, they’ll still want to know about the problem.

If you want peace of mind about dry rot, there are special insurance policies out there that cover treatment. These aren’t as common as regular home insurance, so you’ll need to talk to a specialist provider to get a quote.

How do I minimise the costs of dry rot?

It’s always better (and easier on the wallet) to stop a problem before it starts. But if dry rot has shown up uninvited, don’t panic – there are ways to fight back and keep the damage (and the cost) to a minimum:

Early intervention

The best thing you can do to keep dry rot repair costs down is to tackle it quickly – the longer you leave it, the more it spreads. This means more inspections to figure out the damage, more wood to replace, and a longer repair process. All that adds up to a bigger bill and a longer headache for you. Catch it early, and you can nip it in the bud before it gets out of hand, saving you time and money.

Future prevention

Once you’ve dealt with dry rot, the last thing you want is for it to come back for another round. Here’s how to keep your home safe from recurrences:

• Keep an eye out for leaks and fix them quickly.
• Proper ventilation helps prevent moisture buildup, so make sure your home has good airflow, especially in areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
• Address condensation by using dehumidifiers and keeping the humidity levels in check.
• Consider professional wood preservation to add an extra layer of defence against dry rot.

Trust Prokil for expert dry rot treatment in the South

Don’t let dry rot damage your home (and drain your bank account)! At Prokil, we offer fast, effective, and affordable solutions to stop dry rot in its tracks.

Here’s why you can trust us:

• We take action fast. Our qualified technicians will quickly assess the situation and recommend the best course of treatment.
• We work with your budget. We understand the financial stress dry rot can cause, and will create a treatment plan that fits your needs without breaking the bank.
• We provide long-lasting protection. Our proven methods eliminate dry rot for good, giving you peace of mind in the safety of your home.

Our services cover most of the South, including London, Surrey, Sussex, Kent, Dorset, Hampshire, and further afield. Book a survey online or call us on 0800 048 9488, and let us protect your home and your wallet today!