Wet and Dry Rot
Whenever you see rot, you know it’s bad news. When this happens, it can spell disaster for parts of your home. But even if it’s just a small part of the doors or windows that are affected, rot can be a real pain. There are various types of rot, which present in different ways. So, let’s look at the differences, the practical consequences and how to avoid rot.
What is wet rot?
Specific kinds of microscopic fungus multiply when humidity levels become high enough. During the spread, they need to feed and what they eat is the wood in your home. There are many species of fungi that do this, but the most common is wet rot. The result is a change in colour of the wood and deterioration to the point it will fall to bits. Should you need to replace the rotten timber window frames, consider a Glass suppliers Bath.
What is dry rot?
Certain kinds of fungi exhibit very different effects on the wood they consume. Timber showing evidence of dry rot will be brittle and discoloured, often to the point where it crumbles to dust in your fingers. Despite what you’d think from the name, dry rot requires a certain amount of water to survive – usually around 20%.
Dry rot is not as common as wet rot, although it is much more serious. It will spread far from the source of moisture rather than staying close to it, meaning it could literally bring the house down. For help from a Glass suppliers Bath, visit a site like Roman Glass.
How to fix window rot
After identifying the type of rot you’re dealing with, you can move to fix it.
How to Fix a Wet Rot
The affected area needs to be stripped and repaired, mixing the existing wood substitute with new. Of course, this will only be effective in the long run if the water is handled.
How to fix dry rot
Wood that is affected by this problem should be coated with an appropriate fungicide and preservative designed for wood. Significantly damaged or warped wood should be replaced with wood that’s been pre-treated. This will reduce the chances of the wood being re- infected. Allowing a dry rot issue to get out of hand has bad consequences so, you’ll want to seek the help of a specialist.
How to stop window rot
Prevention, as they say, is better than cure, which means it is always better to prevent the rot from appearing before it begins. It is important to keep in check the humidity levels around the wood in your environment, and to stop moisture before it expands. However, in terms of wood on the outside of your home, such as in the window, this may be an option. In this case, look for a long warranty against rot and mildew when you buy a window. Our wooden windows ships with forty years guarantee against rot and mildew, giving you peace of mind from the moment you install.
