What is Dry Rot & Could It Stop My House from Selling?
Thinking about selling your house? Here’s one hidden problem you really don’t want to sneak up on you…dry rot. This destructive fungus can rapidly weaken the structure of your home, seriously affecting your property’s value and scaring off potential buyers.
We break down what dry rot actually is, what causes it, how to spot it, and, most importantly, what you can do to fix and prevent it before it jeopardises your house sale.
What is dry rot?
Dry rot (AKA Serpula lacrymans) is a type of wood-destroying fungus thatcan spread rapidly through brickwork and plaster in search of new timber to feed on. If it is not properly treated, it can cause serious structural damage to floors, joists, skirting boards, and even roof timbers.
What causes dry rot?
Despite its name, dry rot needs moisture to grow, thriving in damp and poorly ventilated environments. It needs only a little moisture to start and can spread through brick and plaster, attacking dry wood as it goes.
The most common causes of dry rot include:
- Leaking roofs or gutters which allow water to seep into the structure
- Plumbing leaks inside walls or under floors
- Poor ventilation in basements, lofts, or behind walls
- Condensation and damp due to inadequate insulation or airflow
- Bridged damp proof courses, where ground moisture rises into timber
How fast does dry rot spread?
Faster than most homeowners expect. In perfect conditions, dry rot can spread up to 80mm per day, making it one of the fastest-spreading types of rot. Even when conditions aren’t perfect, it still moves quickly and spreads rapidly enough to cause serious issues before you notice anything’s wrong.
How to spot dry rot in your home
Dry rot often gets mixed up with wet rot as they are both types offungal decay in timber but the two behave very differently.
Wet rot stays localised to damp areas. It makes timber soft, dark, and spongy, but it doesn’t spread beyond the wet area. Dry rot, on the other hand, causes wood to become brittle and cracked, often accompanied by fungal growth and a damp, mushroomy smell.
What does dry rot look like?
- A musty, damp smell (similar to mushrooms)
- Cracked or crumbling timber that looks dry and brittle
- Fungal growth with an orange or rust-coloured surface
- White, fluffy spores spreading across wood or plaster
- Paint that appears blistered or cracked, often hiding decay underneath
Is dry rot dangerous?
Yes, dry rot is one of the most dangerous fungal decays. It can weaken serious structural parts of your home, including floors, joists, and roof timbers, affecting your home’s safety and value. Spreading invisibly, often behind walls or under floors, dry rot requires professional treatment and can lead to costly repairs if not removed.
From a selling perspective, it’s a big red flag for buyers and may cause your house sale to fall through. A surveyor will likely spot signs of dry rot during the home inspection.
How to deal with and prevent dry rot
If you suspect dry rot, don’t ignore it, professional help is essential. The good news is that dry rot is preventable with a simple routine check which can help you catch early signs before they develop into a major problem.
We recommend taking a few proactive steps:
- Keep your home well-ventilated with air bricks and extractor fans in damp areas like kitchens and bathrooms to remove the source of moisture.
- Check your roof, gutters, and plumbing regularly and fix leaks promptly, r
- Use a dehumidifier or improve insulation to reduce condensation and control humidity
- Inspect timber regularly, paying attention to floors, skirting boards, and loft beams, removing any affected wood, damaged timber and surrounding plaster.
- Maintain or replace old damp proof courses to ensure proper damp proofing and treat remaining surfaces with fungicidal solutions to prevent regrowth.
DIY fixes often fail because the fungus can lie dormant and return once moisture reappears. A qualified timber and damp specialist can assess the damage and carry out lasting repairs
Keep your house sale on track
Could dry rot affect your house sale? In short, yes. So, if you’re preparing to put your property on the market, early detection and treatment can save you both money and stress later on.
If your property has been affected by dry rot and needs a lot of big repairs, selling it through the traditional methods can be especially challenging. At Sell House Fast, we make the house selling process simple and stress free. We buy properties in any condition, so you can skip the slow sell and enjoy the benefits of working with a cash house buyer. Get your free cash offer online today.
