Wet rot is one of the most common causes of timber decay in older homes across Bolton — especially in properties with suspended timber floors in areas like Horwich, Farnworth and Great Lever. If your floorboards feel soft, your skirting boards are discoloured, or you smell damp in the hallway, wet rot may be hiding under your feet.
In this article, we’ll explain how to spot the warning signs, what causes wet rot, and when replacement becomes necessary.
What Is Wet Rot?
Wet rot is a type of fungal decay that affects timber exposed to sustained high moisture levels. It feeds on the cellulose in the wood, causing structural weakening, splitting, and eventual crumbling of joists, boards, and plates.
In Bolton homes, it’s often caused by:
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Blocked or missing air bricks reducing subfloor ventilation
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Rising damp from ground moisture
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Leaking pipes or defective plumbing under floors
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Exterior rainwater ingress near floor level
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Unvented voids or improperly capped chimneys
Key Signs of Wet Rot in Floor Joists
Not all timber damage is immediately visible. That’s why it’s essential to look out for these signs:
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Bouncy or spongy floors when walked on
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Musty, damp odours near skirting boards
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Wood that appears darker, cracked or crumbly
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Joist ends showing splitting or softness
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Fungal growth or white fuzz on or near timbers
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Cold or damp patches in specific floor areas
If any of these sound familiar, it’s time for a professional subfloor inspection.
Treatment Options for Wet Rot
At Weather Wise Solutions, we specialise in identifying, treating and repairing wet rot in floor joists across Bolton and Greater Manchester.
Step 1: Survey & Diagnose
We carry out a full timber survey using moisture meters and borescopes to inspect below floors and into structural timbers.
Step 2: Remove the Source of Moisture
We identify the root cause — whether it’s poor ventilation, rising damp or leaks — and fix the issue to stop further decay.
Step 3: Timber Treatment or Replacement
Where possible, we treat affected joists with professional-grade fungicidal preservatives supplied by PAM Ties. If structural integrity is lost, we replace timber with treated alternatives, tying into existing sound structures.
📌 Learn more about PAM Ties timber decay treatment systems: https://pamties.co.uk/product-category/damp/damp-proofing-damp/
Step 4: Improve Ventilation
We restore airflow to the subfloor space by unblocking or upgrading air bricks, or by fitting passive ventilation systems if required.
Why Choose Weather Wise?
We’re a family-run damp and timber specialist company based in Staffordshire and serving Greater Manchester, including Bolton, Westhoughton, Kearsley, Little Lever and Blackrod.
As members of the Damp Proofing Association and Federation of Damp, we are CPD-certified in timber decay and damp treatment.
📌 View our credentials: https://www.dampproofingassociation.co.uk/
Book a Timber Floor Inspection in Bolton
If your floors feel soft, uneven or damp, don’t delay — wet rot only worsens over time. We offer free, no-pressure timber surveys with clear reporting and expert advice.
📌 Book a Free Survey for your Home here: https://weatherwiseuk.co.uk/pages/contact
Let’s protect your home’s timber structure — and your peace of mind.