Dry Rot Treatments

Don’t let dry rot ruin the timbers in your Wearside property.

Our proven dry rot treatments stop the damage at the source — fast, clean, and guaranteed.

Dry Rot Treatments in Wearside, Sunderland & Durham

Protect Your Home from One of the Most Destructive Forms of Timber Decay

Dry rot is one of the most serious threats to the structure of your home. Often referred to as the “cancer of buildings”, it spreads silently behind floors, walls, and timbers — and if left untreated, can cause significant structural damage.

At Wearside Damp and Timber, we specialise in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of dry rot throughout Sunderland, Durham and across Wearside.With decades of experience and a reputation for precision, we deliver proven treatments that stop dry rot at the source.

What Is Dry Rot?

Dry rot (Serpula lacrymans) is a fungal decay that attacks timber, thriving in damp, poorly ventilated areas such as:

Subfloor voids
Behind skirting boards
Under staircases
Roof spaces and lofts

Despite the name, dry rot requires moisture to grow — usually from leaking roofs, plumbing issues, or poor drainage. Once active, it spreads quickly through wood, plaster, and even masonry, silently compromising your building’s structural integrity.

What Causes Dry Rot?

Common causes of dry rot include:

Leaking roofs or plumbing (especially from bathrooms or kitchens above)
Faulty guttering or downpipes causing water ingress
Rising damp or penetrating damp in subfloor or wall areas
Poor ventilation in basements, under floorboards, or behind skirting
Condensation build-up in areas with little airflow
Flood damage or past water ingress that was never properly dried out

Once the fungus has the right conditions — timber with a moisture content over 20% and a dark, humid environment — it begins to feed on the cellulose in wood, breaking it down and spreading rapidly through surrounding structures.

That’s why identifying and eliminating the source of moisture is the first and most critical step in stopping dry rot.

How to Spot the Signs of Dry Rot

Early detection of dry rot is crucial. Look for:

Cracked, brittle or shrunken wood
Springy or bouncy floorboards
Musty or mushroom-like smell
Orange, grey or white fungal growths
White cotton wool-like mycelium strands
Rust-coloured spore dust near affected areas
Discolouration of wood (dark or patchy)

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

Our Professional Dry Rot Treatment Process

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

Identify and Eliminate the Moisture Source: We begin by tracing the root cause — whether it’s a leaking pipe, roof, or drainage issue — and ensure it’s fixed to prevent recurrence.
Remove Affected Timbers and Plaster: All damaged wood, flooring, plaster, and surrounding material is safely removed and disposed of to stop the spread.
Apply Professional Fungicidal Treatments: Surrounding timbers, masonry, and hidden areas are treated with specialist products to kill remaining spores and prevent regrowth.
Install Treated Replacement Timbers: We install new, pressure-treated timbers with care, ensuring any exposed cuts are protected before being fitted.
Improve Ventilation and Future Prevention: We recommend (and can install) subfloor vents, airbricks, or other solutions to maintain airflow and reduce moisture buildup.

An inspection of neighboring properties may also be necessary...

In some cases, an inspection of neighboring properties may be necessary, as dry rot can spread beyond a single building, posing a risk to adjacent structures.

How Much Does Dry Rot Treatment Cost in Wearside?

The cost of treating dry rot depends on several factors:

The extent of timber and plaster decay
Size of the affected area (floors, walls, joists, etc.)
Type of property and access
Repair or replacement materials required
Whether ventilation improvements are needed

Every dry 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 Dry Rot Survey Today

Don’t leave dry rot damp to worsen — the longer it’s left untreated, the more expensive the repairs.

Don’t let dry rot compromise your home. If you’ve spotted the signs or suspect timber damage, act now before it spreads further.

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

Our Services

Dry Rot Treatments