Home Timber Services Dry Rot

Dry Rot

Dry rot is a type of fungal timber decay caused by the fungus Serpula lacrymans, which thrives in damp, poorly ventilated conditions. It can quickly spread through walls, floors, and timbers; if left untreated, it will weaken the building’s integrity.

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Dry Rot Surveys to Identify, Treat & Prevent Decay

Dry rot is one of the most severe forms of fungal timber decay. If left untreated, it can compromise structural timbers. It often spreads through joists, floors and cavity walls, often before any visible signs appear. The longer it is left to develop, the more extensive and costly the damage can become.

At Prokil, our specialist surveys are designed to stop dry rot at the source. Our experts conduct thorough inspections and support their findings with detailed diagnostic reports. We draw on decades of experience and proven methods. This allows us to provide practical, effective, and long-lasting treatment plans.

Why Thousands Trust Prokil

Over 50 years of proven expertise
CSRT and CSTDB-qualified surveyors
No commission-based sales or pressure
PCA-accredited and TrustMark-approved
20-Year Prokil Guarantee on treatment

How We Diagnose, Treat & Prevent Dry Rot Recurrence

Our process begins with a specialist inspection carried out by a fully qualified Prokil surveyor. All our team members are certified by the Property Care Association (PCA) and have qualifications such as CSRT or CSTDB. These ensure that our findings adhere to recognised industry standards. Surveys are non-invasive where possible. We focus on accurate diagnosis without unnecessary disruption to your property.

Dry rot thrives in timber with a moisture content above 28%, with optimal growth occurring between 35% and 45% moisture content. Even pre-treated timbers are not immune. In high-moisture areas, dry rot can grow on preserved surfaces. It often spreads through hidden spaces, like cavity walls or behind plasterboard. Our survey process includes targeted moisture readings to assess the timber’s vulnerability. These help us confirm fungal activity before recommending any form of treatment.

What Our Dry Rot Surveys Include

Once the inspection is done, you will receive a written report. It will outline the affected areas, identify the cause of the dry rot, and recommend a treatment plan. These reports aim to assist homeowners and those fulfilling mortgage lender requirements.

They contain:

Areas of timber affected and associated moisture levels
Identification of the likely cause and contributing factors
Photographic documentation of decay or environmental conditions
Bespoke treatment recommendations based on your property
Advice on preventing further moisture ingress

Book a Survey or call us on 0800 048 9488

Tailored Treatment & Long-Term Protection

Treatment recommendations are always bespoke to your property. When remedial work is required, our technicians employ proven methods to ensure effective results. They isolate affected timbers, remove decay, and treat the surrounding areas to prevent it from happening again. If access is limited, our team may suggest post-treatment checks or better sub-floor ventilation. This helps guarantee the repair lasts long-term.

Common causes of dry rot we look for include:

Blocked sub-floor vents that reduce airflow
Leaking internal or external pipework
Prolonged timber contact with damp masonry
Poor ventilation in basements or crawl spaces
Structural voids that trap moisture behind walls or floors

Our surveyors evaluate the damage and offer practical advice to prevent it from happening again. They recommend measures such as enhancing ventilation or addressing moisture sources. If needed, we also address timber problems, such as wet rot and woodworm, and provide timber preservation services. Our team is on hand to help you protect your property for the long term.

What Does Dry Rot Look Like?

Dry rot is, fortunately, relatively easy to identify but can commonly be misdiagnosed as rot or dampness. If you have any of these symptoms, please get in touch with Prokil:

Sheet-like mycelium growth or orange-coloured fruiting bodies
Extensive cuboid cracking of timbers
Musty odour; mushroom/ mouldy smell
The appearance of shrinking sections of skirting boards
Soft, springy floors or crumbling skirting boards

If you experience any of these symptoms, arrange for a professional dry rot survey to be conducted. It’s crucial to identify the issue correctly and get the proper treatment the first time.

Book a Survey or call us on 0800 048 9488

What You Can Expect from Prokil’s Dry Rot Service

Prokil offers a dry rot service for homeowners, landlords, and commercial property managers. It is ideal for anyone seeking a certified, survey-led solution to timber decay. We assess your property when there is a homebuyer’s report, visible damage, or unusual smells and floor movement. Our team provides a professional diagnosis and a customised remedial plan tailored to your specific needs.

Our service delivers:

Long-term protection against further timber deterioration and structural compromise
Fast, expert diagnosis from CSRT/CSSW qualified surveyors with decades of experience
Guaranteed results, backed by a Prokil 20-year assurance for peace of mind

Prokil is not like regular building firms or unqualified contractors. Our team specialises in timber preservation. Every survey includes clear documentation, no sales pressure, and clear next steps. This way, you can act with confidence and stay compliant.

Book a Survey or call us on 0800 048 9488

Book Your Dry Rot Survey Today

Dry rot is a highly destructive timber decay. It often spreads unnoticed, resulting in costly and hazardous damage. Timely diagnosis is crucial, but misdiagnosis can result in unnecessary or ineffective treatment. That’s why qualified, accredited surveyors conduct every Prokil survey. Our team focus on transparency and has no sales agenda throughout the process.

We have been trusted to protect over 37,000 properties across the South of England. With over 50 years of experience, our team combines technical expertise with exceptional customer service. We provide dry rot treatment that is customised, dependable, and guaranteed for up to 20 years.

Whether your concern stems from a homebuyer’s report or a visible issue, we are here to provide certainty, not pressure.

Call 0800 048 9488 or request an inspection online and book your qualified dry rot survey.

Book a Survey or call us on 0800 048 9488

Similar Issues

Wet Rot

Wet rot is a common form of timber decay caused by prolonged exposure to moisture. Prokil offers effective damp proofing solutions to treat wet rot and protect your property from further damage.

Woodworm

Woodworm is a serious timber pest problem caused by larvae from various wood-boring beetles. If left untreated, these insects can severely weaken timber and cause significant damage. Woodworm infestations grow well in damp, poorly ventilated areas. They often go unnoticed until the damage is severe.

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What to expect from your survey

Book a survey

Book a survey from any of our locations, at a time that suits you.

Our experts give a quote

One of our damp & timber experts will arrive to survey the work.

We complete the work

Based on a quote, we carry out the work guaranteed for 20 years.