Why checking for dry rot is essential before buying a property
Dry rot is bad news. It’s found in damp timbers and can result in a dangerous situation within a few years if structural beams are affected.
It also spreads invasively, making dry rot an expensive problem to fix.
So, if you’re in the market for a new home or a renovation project, dry rot is a vital thing to know about.
A RICS Home Survey Level 2 or 3 will pick up on signs of dry rot, so you know when to call in a timber specialist to investigate the issue further. Here’s why it’s essential to check for dry rot before buying a home.
Dry Rot is a wood-eating fungus
Everyone knows that rot isn’t an ideal situation. It’s a form of decay, and when you want your wood to be structurally sound and long-lasting, that’s never good. Dry rot, though, is a particularly dangerous kind.
Dry rot’s proper scientific name is Serpula lacrymans. It’s a species of fungus first properly documented a few centuries ago in boatyards (when most ships were wooden).
Its name – ‘dry’ rot – comes from the fact that it doesn’t require much humidity to germinate and attack wood. In fact, if the air has a moisture content of about 28% and the timber has a moisture content of over 20%, the spores will germinate, and the fungus will spread.
This makes it much more dangerous to structures (and boats) than the wet rot family. While wet rot is primarily confined to damp areas, dry rot spreads, creeping along timbers and through the air once it develops.
Is dry rot a risk when buying a property?
Dry rot is a severe risk when buying a property. If you notice it when looking over a house, it could present a problem.
Dry rot is generally seen in historic properties, buildings near water and neglected homes.
Having said that, it could technically germinate and grow anywhere the conditions permit.
Dry rot isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker – 99% of the time, there’s no need for the building to be condemned. Whoever owns it – the current seller, you, or someone else – must follow a plan to remove the rotten wood and treat the surrounding area. In other words, it’s fixable (for a cost).
It’s best to use trusted local contractors for these jobs. Do your research, and ensure you bring in someone with experience, qualifications, and good reviews and testimonials.
How does a home survey help?
Dry rot needs to be physically cut out and removed, particularly where the wood has become brittle and weak. The rest of the area will be chemically treated to prevent further spreading, with new timbers introduced to reinforce the structures.
A home survey is a vital part of purchasing a property. It’s not always necessary, but it can extremely useful for spotting the signs of dry rot, so you know when to call on a specialist for closer inspection.
You might notice particular signs of dry rot that cause concern. These could include cotton wool or cobweb-like growth on timbers, especially where it’s obviously actively damp.
If your home survey does identify signs of dry rot, you’ll need to call in a specialist to carefully inspect the problem. They’ll help narrow down the source and explain how it should be treated. You’ll also get estimates of the age, which can sometimes be useful for warranties and guarantees.
Get a home survey from GB Home Surveys
GB Home Surveys offers RICS level two and level three home surveys, and damp surveys.
While all of these can help spot some signs of dry rot, these inspections are purely visual, following the RICS home survey standards guidance. You’ll need a dry rot specialist to inspect hidden areas, such as under floorboards or in sub-floor voids. However, a home survey can often give you an idea of whether you need to bring in specialist help.
GB Home Surveys has offices across the West Midlands, South-West and South Wales. We employ chartered surveyors in local teams, including the Cotswolds, Bristol, Bath, Devon, Taunton, Cardiff, Birmingham and more.
To learn more about home surveys or for any additional questions, feel free to contact us using the form below. We’re always glad to have a commitment-free, friendly chat about your needs.
We look forward to hearing from you.
