Wet rot is one of the most common timber issues we encounter in Tamworth homes, especially in older properties where dampness has gone untreated. If your skirting boards are crumbling, flaking, or discoloured, it’s a strong sign that wet rot is present — and it’s not something that should be ignored.
At Weather Wise Solutions Limited, we specialise in identifying, treating, and preventing wet rot in domestic properties across the Midlands, including Tamworth. This post walks you through the right way to treat wet rot in skirting boards, and how to prevent it from coming back.
What Causes Wet Rot in Skirting Boards?
Wet rot is caused by prolonged exposure to high moisture levels. In skirting boards, this typically results from:
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Rising damp or condensation affecting the base of walls
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Bridging plaster or low damp-proof courses
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Lack of ventilation or cold spots
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Leaking pipework or faulty external drainage
Moisture content in timber must remain above 20% for wet rot to thrive. The longer it’s left untreated, the more likely it is to affect adjacent timbers and cause structural or cosmetic issues.
How to Identify Wet Rot in Your Home
Signs of wet rot in skirting boards include:
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Soft, spongy or crumbling wood
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Warping or distortion
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Paint that peels away easily
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Dark patches or visible fungal growth
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A musty, damp smell in affected rooms
It’s important not to confuse wet rot with dry rot. While dry rot can spread rapidly through masonry and timber, wet rot remains localised to the damp area, making early detection and treatment more straightforward.
The Right Way to Treat Wet Rot in Skirting Boards
At Weather Wise Solutions, our approach is based on industry best practice and includes materials and systems from trusted manufacturers like PAM Ties. We’re also proud members of the Damp Proofing Association, ensuring our work meets current trade standards.
Here’s how we handle wet rot:
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Identify the Source of Moisture
Before treating the timber, we locate and eliminate the cause — whether it's rising damp, condensation, or a bridging issue. -
Remove All Decayed Timber
Skirting boards showing visible signs of rot are removed. In some cases, adjacent timbers are inspected for hidden decay. -
Apply Timber Treatment
A high-performance fungicidal treatment is applied to surrounding timbers to prevent further growth. -
Reinstate Skirting Boards
New skirting is installed using treated timber. We ensure appropriate damp-proofing measures are in place to avoid recurrence. -
Improve Ventilation
If required, we’ll recommend DMEV or PIV ventilation units to manage humidity and protect your home from future damp-related issues.
Why It Matters for Landlords and Homeowners Alike
If you’re a landlord in Tamworth, wet rot could soon become more than just a maintenance issue. With Awaab’s Law being introduced in October 2025, rental properties must be kept free from hazards like damp and mould — or legal consequences will follow.
Treating issues like wet rot now ensures your property remains compliant and safe for tenants, while also protecting its long-term value.
Book a Free Damp Assessment in Tamworth
If you suspect wet rot in your home, don’t leave it to chance. At Weather Wise Solutions Limited, our team of damp specialists are fully qualified and trained in timber preservation and damp control.
✅ Family-run and trusted across the Midlands
✅ Members of the Damp Proofing Association and Federation of Damp
✅ Honest, data-led assessments and advice