Wet Rot Treatments

Expert wet rot inspections and repairs across Sunderland, Durham & Wearside – protecting your property from hidden timber decay.

Wet Rot Treatments in Wearside, Sunderland & Durham

Local, Professional Wet Rot Repairs to Protect Your Property's Structural Integrity

Wet rot is a common but serious problem in homes across Sunderland, Durham, and the wider Wearside region. Caused by prolonged exposure to moisture, wet rot gradually breaks down timber, weakening joists, floorboards, skirting boards and more.

At Wearside Damp and Timber, we specialise in identifying and treating wet rot before it causes long-term damage. Whether it’s the result of rising damp, a leak, or poor ventilation, our expert team can fix the root problem and restore your property with confidence.

What Is Wet Rot?

Wet rot is a form of fungal decay that affects wood exposed to excess moisture, typically where timber is in contact with damp masonry or poorly ventilated spaces.

It’s commonly found in:

Joist ends embedded in damp walls
Floorboards above crawlspaces or basements
Skirting boards and door frames
Wall plates or roof timbers near leaks

Wet rot sets in when wood’s moisture content exceeds around 30%. Unlike dry rot, which spreads aggressively, wet rot is more localised, but still requires prompt professional treatment.

What Causes Wet Rot?

Wet rot often develops silently over time, caused by:

Rising damp from untreated walls
Leaking pipes, roofs, or appliances
Blocked or broken guttering
Condensation build-up in poorly ventilated rooms
Subfloor moisture with inadequate air circulation

The key to stopping wet rot is fixing the moisture source and treating or replacing the affected timber.

How to Identify Wet Rot

Early detection of wet rot is crucial. Look for:

Soft, springy, or bouncy floorboards
Damp, musty smells (especially near skirting or floors)
Cracked, flaking or distorted timber
Discolouration or dark patches in wooden areas
Paint bubbling or peeling from timber
Fungal growths near the surface (though less dramatic than dry rot)

If you notice one or more of these signs in your property — book an inspection right away.

Wet Rot vs. Dry Rot – What’s the Difference?

While both affect timber, wet rot and dry rot behave differently:

Wet Rot	Dry Rot
Caused by high moisture levels (30–50%)	Can develop with 20%+ moisture
Remains localised to damp areas	Spreads aggressively through timber and masonry
Slower to progress	Rapid growth and damage
Less costly to treat	More complex, invasive repairs

If you’re unsure which issue you’re dealing with, our surveyors can identify the exact cause and recommend the right solution.

Our Professional Wet Rot Treatment Process

At Wearside Damp and Timber, we follow a thorough, step-by-step treatment process to eradicate wet rot and protect your home:

Identify & Eliminate the Moisture Source: We trace the root cause of excess moisture – whether a leak, rising damp, or poor airflow – and ensure it’s fully resolved.
Remove Decayed Timbers: All affected timber is removed, especially floor joists, skirtings, and structural wood showing signs of deterioration.
Apply Specialist Fungicidal Treatment: We treat surrounding wood and masonry with proven fungicides to stop the spread and prevent reinfection.
Replace with Treated Timber: New, pre-treated timbers are installed to restore strength and stability, with all cut ends sealed on-site.
Improve Ventilation: Where needed, we enhance ventilation in subfloors or wall voids with airbricks or passive vents to stop future moisture build-up.

Our wet rot treatments are safe, effective, and backed by long-term guarantees.

How Much Does Wet Rot Treatment Cost in Wearside?

The cost of treating wet rot depends on several factors:

The extent of timber damage
Size of the area affected
Type of repairs needed (joists, flooring, skirting, etc.)
Materials and access requirements
Whether ventilation or damp proofing is required

Every wet rot job is different which is why it is important to get your property surveyed by a damp and timber specialist who will produce a detailed report for you and provide a no-obligation estimate.

Fair, honest pricing

We believe in fair, honest pricing—no hidden fees, no inflated quotes. Our pricing reflects the quality of materials, the expertise of our team, and the long-term results we deliver. It’s not just affordable—it’s worth it.

Book Your Wet Rot Survey Today

Don’t let wet rot silently weaken your home. Whether you’ve spotted signs of decay or just want peace of mind, we’re here to help.

Whether you’ve spotted signs of decay or just want peace of mind, we’re here to help.

Contact Wearside Damp and Timber today to arrange a professional wet rot survey across Sunderland, Durham, and the surrounding Wearside area.

Our Services

Wet Rot Treatments