If you’ve noticed soft, crumbling timber or a musty odour in your home, you could be dealing with a wood-rotting fungus. But is it dry rot or wet rot?
Understanding the difference is crucial — the treatment methods are completely different.
At Weather Wise Solutions, our Manchester timber specialists diagnose and treat both types of fungal decay safely and effectively, protecting your property’s structure for the long term.
🧫 Dry Rot vs Wet Rot – What’s the Difference?
Dry Rot (Serpula lacrymans)
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Grows in relatively dry timber (around 20–30% moisture).
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Spreads aggressively through masonry and timber.
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Causes large cuboidal cracking and a brittle, dry texture.
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Often shows white or grey “cotton wool” mycelium and rust-red fruiting bodies.
Wet Rot (various species such as Coniophora puteana)
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Needs a higher moisture level (above 28%).
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Stays localised to the damp area and doesn’t spread through masonry.
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Timber feels spongy, darker, and smells musty.
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The surface may appear shiny or show black fungal strands.
If you can easily push a screwdriver into the timber or it crumbles under pressure, the decay has already advanced and needs immediate attention.
🧰 How We Treat Timber Decay
At Weather Wise Solutions Limited, we take a scientific approach to diagnosing timber decay across Manchester:
✅ Moisture testing and mapping – to confirm the moisture source.
✅ Identifying the exact fungus – distinguishing between dry and wet rot.
✅ Removing affected timber – only where structurally necessary.
✅ Treating masonry and surrounding timbers – with targeted biocides to stop further spread.
✅ Improving ventilation – fitting DMEV or PIV units to prevent future fungal growth.
We use only trusted systems from PAM Ties and Wycamol, ensuring lasting protection against re-infestation.
🏡 Why Manchester Homeowners Choose Weather Wise
As a family-run damp and timber company, we’re proud members of the Federation of Damp, the Damp Proofing Association and Checkatrade
Our CPD-qualified specialists provide evidence-based timber decay diagnosis and insurance-backed guarantees on approved treatments.
👉 Book your free timber and damp inspection today:
https://weatherwiseuk.co.uk/pages/contact