Have you noticed your floors feeling soft, bouncy, or uneven? Or maybe there’s a persistent musty smell coming from beneath? These are common signs of wet rot in floor timbers — a problem we frequently find in older Bolton homes with poor subfloor ventilation.
At Weather Wise Solutions, we help homeowners diagnose wet rot early and stop it in its tracks by improving airflow beneath suspended timber floors. With the right ventilation and repair approach, you can preserve your floor joists and avoid costly replacements.
🧱 Why Ventilation Under the Floor Matters
Timber needs to breathe. When airflow beneath your ground floor is restricted — often due to blocked or missing air bricks — moisture builds up in the subfloor void. That trapped damp creates the perfect conditions for wet rot fungi to thrive, especially in poorly insulated or older properties.
Common causes include:
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Blocked vents (by soil, render, patios, or insulation)
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Non-existent subfloor ventilation in pre-war homes
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Bridging of damp proof course by internal plaster or finishes
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Lack of crossflow beneath joists
🔍 Signs You Might Have a Subfloor Ventilation Issue
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Uneven or soft floorboards
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Timber that appears dark, fibrous, or crumbling
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Persistent musty or earthy odours
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Cold, damp patches near skirting boards
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Black dust or surface mould near vents
These issues may start small, but if left unchecked, wet rot can spread — weakening floor joists and even supporting walls.
🛠️ How We Fix It
At Weather Wise Solutions, we carry out full subfloor surveys, using moisture meters and airflow checks to determine the cause. Once wet rot is diagnosed, we take steps to stop the source and allow the timber to recover (or repair, if needed).
Our solutions often include:
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Retrofitting or unblocking Air Bricks
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Installing passive vents or crossflow systems
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Replacing severely decayed joists or plates
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Removing plaster bridges that touch the floor
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Improving underfloor insulation without sealing moisture in
🛡️ Honest Advice, Backed by Experience
As a family-run team and proud Damp Proofing Association member, we don’t oversell. If your floor can be saved with ventilation and drying, we’ll tell you. If it needs repair, we’ll explain every step — clearly and without pressure.
📞 Book a Free Survey for your Home here with Weather Wise Solutions – Bolton’s timber and floor ventilation specialists.