top of page
Tree Trunk Texture

WET AND DRY ROT
SURVEYS

Are you a property owner or potential buyer concerned about wet and dry issues within the building? It’s time to enlist the help of AMS SURVEYS. We offer comprehensive independent damp and timber surveys across Cheshire, Lancashire, Liverpool, Manchester and the surrounding area to gather the facts and give you the knowledge you need to resolve your wet and dry problems.

EXCELLENT WORDS FROM OUR HAPPY CLIENTS

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

HOW TO IDENTIFY WET ROT?

Wet rot can be difficult to identify as it is often present in dark, poorly ventilated, non-visible areas such as cellars, lofts, roofs, under floorboards, window and door frames, and under stairs. Wet rot can be identified through the following features:

​

  • Dark brown staining on the timber.

  • Splitting or longitudinal cracking along the grain of the timber.

  • A damp, musty smell.

  • Timber that is damp to the touch.

  • Localised fungus growing on the timber.

  • The affected area is darker in colour than the surrounding timber.

  • The timber has a soft, spongy feel.

  • The timber caves in easily when prodded with a screwdriver.

  • The timber crumbles and cracks when dry.

Wet Rot
Walkway Corridor Modern Architecture Abstract

HOW TO IDENTIFY DRY ROT?

The longer dry rot is left untreated, the greater damage it will cause to your property, so it is important to identify the signs as soon as possible, and early detection is key to eliminating the fungi. Look out for these key signs:

​

  • Because the fungus likes dark and damp conditions, dry rot is often found in non-visible areas such as under stairs, in lofts and attics, in flooring, and behind plaster.

  • Shrinking and warping timber is caused by the removal of moisture from the wood.

  • Cuboidal cracking across the grain of the wood.

  • A damp fungal smell.

  • Dry, brittle, and fractured wood that will crumble and break by hand.

Dry Rot

WET AND DRY ROT TREATMENT

Wet rot and Dry rot should be professionally treated as soon as any of the above symptoms are identified as the longer the wet rot is left untreated, the worse it will get and the greater threat it could pose to the structural timbers that are keeping your home standing.

 

The following steps should be taken by a wet rot specialist to treat dry rot and prevent future infestations:

​

  1. Determine the cause of the wet rot by identifying the source of the moisture and then remove it. Removing the source of the moisture is key, as the wet rot will cease once the moisture is removed as the dampness enables the fungus to feed and develop. 

  2. Expose and assess the full extent of the damage by determining the extent of the infestation, the type of fungus, and the nature of the decay.

  3. Remove all timbers that have been destroyed and damaged by the wet rot fungus.

Wood

he following steps to treat dry rot and rectify your home:

 

  1. To eliminate fungal growth you need to first stop the source of the moisture. This can be any number of things including a leaking drainage pipe, condensation, faulty roof tiles, damp walls, a leaking shower tray or washing machine, penetration damp, or rising damp. Once you cut off the moisture, this prevents the fungus from feeding and growing.

  2. Next, remove all infected timbers and damaged wood in the affected area including any skirting boards, panelling, and flooring.

  3. Then, treat the existing structural timbers with a fungicide treatment to form a protective barrier against further fungi growth. 

  4. Finally, replace the damaged wood with pre-treated timbers to prevent further infestation and eliminate future spores from germinating.

Cracked Mud

REGULATED AND PARTNERED WITH

Mold on the walls and baseboard trim in the basement of a home from water leaking. This co

THE SPECIALIST TEAM FOR COMPLEX SURVEYING

Promote the future health of your home or commercial property. Arrange a damp and timber survey with AMS SURVEYS.

Thanks for submitting!

  • What is a Level 3 Survey?
    A level 3 survey is more thorough and detailed than than a Level 2 and will address matters such as the materials used for each part of the building, defects and remedial options as well as issues related to the future maintenance of the property.
  • How much does a Level 3 survey cost UK?
    A Level 3 Home Survey, sometimes called a Building Survey, costs £800 on average, though it can be as cheap as £600 and as expensive as £1,200. A Building Survey is the most comprehensive of all the survey types.
  • Is a RICS Level 3 worth it?
    Level 3 (Building or Structural Survey) This type of survey is more in-depth than a Level 2. It's also the best option for unusual or older properties, those that have undergone significant alterations. This type of RICS survey will cover: The property's overall condition in detail, including both major and minor defects.
  • Does a level 3 survey check for damp?
    The surveyor uses equipment such as a damp meter, binoculars and torch, and uses a ladder for flat roofs and for hatches no more than 3m above level ground (outside) or floor surfaces (inside) if it is safe to do so. So yes, the property is checked for signs or evidence of damp, however this may recommend a Damp and Timber Survey whereby chemical testing and analysis may be required.
  • How long does a Level 3 survey take to complete?
    The RICS Home Survey Level 3, also known as a full structural survey and previously as a RICS Building Survey, is the most thorough survey RICS offers. It can take around 2-4 at the property, maybe more depending on the size, type and condition for the surveyor to complete a Building Survey. It then takes several hours more to produce and write the report.
  • Is a Level 3 survey structural?
    The RICS Home Survey Level 3 has often been previously referred to as a “full structural survey” or “building survey”. The report can be on an RICS Home Survey Level 3 template or can be to the surveyor's bespoke design. Level 3 reports are conducted by Building Surveyors. Whilst the structure is reported upon, it does not necessarily provide a detailed investigation of structural issues such as subsidence or cracking which usually requires intrusive investigation. In which case you may need a Structural Inspection.
  • What areas does AMS SURVEYS cover?
    We cover: Cheshire, Lancashire, Liverpool and Manchester and everywhere in between.
  • What are the red flags on a house survey?
    Property surveyors can identify issues that may impact a buyer's decision to continue with the purchase. These red flags could include structural damage, unapproved extensions, damp or subsidence. Ultimately it depends on the cost of those repairs and whether you are able to negotiate the purchase price or willing to accept risk and the cost of those repairs.
bottom of page