One of the most common problems experienced by property owners across the UK is wet and dry rot in a property. If you want to know if you have damp patches or signs of rot, it is vital that you find out the signs of rot on your property.
Signs of wet and dry rot can be caused by a number of different things. The most common cause of this is subsurface moisture, this can come in the form of rainwater seeping into the roof or gutters, it can also be caused by condensation on the windows and doors. Although condensation is often a problem it is not always and it is especially important not to overlook the possibility of rainwater leaking into the building. This then creates the opportunity for dampness to start growing underneath the floorboards, ceiling, and walls. Over time, with no immediate action being taken, this will result in what is known as hot spots – these are places in the wall or floorboards where the wood has started to deteriorate due to the amount of moisture. For information on a Building Survey Reading, go to Sam Conveyancing
The signs of wet and dry rot in a property can sometimes be difficult to detect because many of the issues are hidden. For example, if your property has damp then it might not show signs of damp until it has begun to rot. Similarly, if you have damp but it is on the ceiling then it probably will not show unless the area develops mold. Another problem is that dampness can sometimes be seen when there is very little else. For example in a small shed or garage which is full of clutter then you might not see signs of damp unless the area is exposed.
The first sign is general moisture. Moisture is caused by condensation, which is often obvious as areas of the property become damp during winter. For example, walls can become very damp during periods of prolonged rain, for example. The main cause for this is condensation from the loft but it can also be caused by the air conditioning unit, heating, pipes, and ductwork.
The second of the signs is a general feeling of dampness throughout the property. For example, walls become clammy to the touch – especially around windows and doors – as well as mattresses and carpets being soaked through. These damp areas will start to smell – as the moisture is escaping to the outside. Also, walls can crack – this is especially common in older properties. Similarly, walls can become very weak.
The third and final sign is visible signs of actual rot in a property. The problem with this sign is that it’s not always easy to tell what the condition of the property is. This is because the signs don’t always appear until the rot has set in and begun to eat away at the wall or floor. Wet rot tends to give walls a yellowish tinge while dry rot will give walls peeling or softening smell.
