Wet Rot

Timber decay caused by fungi that attack wood with a high moisture content (above approximately 20%). Wet rot is localised to the area of moisture, unlike dry rot. Affected timber becomes soft, spongy, and dark in colour, losing its structural strength. Treatment involves drying out the area by removing the source of moisture, cutting out and replacing severely affected wood, and treating adjacent timber with preservative. Wet rot is common in poorly ventilated subfloors and around leaking pipes or gutters.