Dry rot is never something you want to find in your home, but it’s more common than you might think. With an estimated 962,000 to 6.5 million homes in England affected by damp – the main factor behind dry rot – there’s a good chance many households are dealing with this issue without even realising it.

Even more destructive than its cousin wet rot, dry rot brings to mind crumbling wood, damaged structures, and a lot of hassle. But is it really an emergency, or can it wait until later?

While dry rot isn’t an emergency in the same way a burst pipe or a gas leak is, it’s still a serious issue that needs to be addressed quickly to prevent further damage to your home. Here’s what you need to know about dry rot, its risks, and why it’s worth sorting sooner rather than later!

What is dry rot?

Dry rot is a type of wood decay caused by fungi that thrive in warm, damp conditions. It’s especially worrying because it spreads quickly, weakening the wood and making it crumble, which can lead to serious structural damage over time.

Read our guide to learn more about dry rot and the culprits behind it.

Why shouldn’t you leave dry rot untreated?

Dry rot might not seem urgent at first, but ignoring it can quickly turn a manageable issue into a disaster. Here’s why:

Rapid spread

Like other types of rot, dry rot doesn’t stay in one small area, and it’s notorious for spreading faster than most. Even if you find it in a piece of wood that isn’t touching other timber, the problem isn’t contained – the fungus can travel through masonry and other non-wood materials to reach more wood to infect.

Increased costs

The longer dry rot goes untreated, the farther it spreads, and the more damage it causes. What might begin as a small, manageable issue can quickly turn into a major and expensive repair job – something that could have been avoided with earlier intervention.

Structural damage

Because dry rot weakens wood from the inside out, it can pose serious risks to your property’s safety. Structural elements like beams and joists can become compromised, creating unsafe conditions for anyone inside and potentially causing further damage to your home. In extreme cases, dry rot can even cause parts of a building to collapse outright.

What should you do if you spot dry rot in your home?

Early detection can save you money while preventing further damage to your home, so the sooner you catch and treat dry rot, the better.

Your best bet is to consult a damp, mould, and rot specialist. They’ll assess your home, determine the severity of the issue, and create a treatment plan based on the results of their survey. They can also identify the root cause of the problem and recommend solutions (like damp proofing, improved ventilation, or wood preservation treatments) to prevent future occurrences.

Trust Prokil for expert dry rot treatment

Dry rot can cause some serious problems if it’s not dealt with, but acting quickly can stop it in its tracks and keep your home safe for years to come.

At Prokil, we’ve been helping homeowners across the South protect their properties from rot for over 50 years. Our friendly, experienced team knows how important it is to tackle dry rot before it gets worse, and will work tirelessly to get your home back to normal as soon as possible.

Whether it’s a small patch or a more severe case, we’ll thoroughly assess the damage, treat it using advanced methods, and (if needed) repair or replace your timber. We’ll also take steps to keep the problem from returning, such as applying protective timber treatments or installing damp proofing.

Don’t let dry rot eat away at your home. Book a survey online or call us on 0800 0489488 and take the first step toward safeguarding your property today!