🪵 Noticed Timber Damage in Your Home? Here's How to Tell What's Causing It.
Timber decay can appear in many forms—soft patches, small holes, cracks, or even full structural failure. But is it caused by wood rot or woodworm? Knowing the difference is key to choosing the right treatment and protecting your home long-term.
At Weather Wise Solutions, we specialise in diagnosing and treating all types of timber decay, using trusted methods and products from PAM Ties, and are proud members of the Damp Proofing Association.
🦠 What is Wood Rot? (Wet & Dry)
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Wet Rot: Caused by high moisture levels, often from leaks or damp. Timber becomes soft, dark, and crumbly.
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Dry Rot: Caused by the fungus Serpula lacrymans. It spreads through timber, plaster, and brick, causing cuboidal cracking, musty smells, and a brittle texture.
Signs of Wood Rot:
✅ Soft, spongy wood
✅ Musty odour
✅ Discolouration
✅ Cracking or shrinking timber
✅ Surface fungal growth (especially dry rot)
🪲 What is Woodworm?
Woodworm refers to the larvae of various wood-boring beetles that feed inside the timber, often unseen until the damage is already done.
Signs of Woodworm:
✅ Small, round exit holes
✅ Powdery dust (frass) near holes
✅ Creaking or weakened timber
✅ Visible beetles (often in spring/summer)
Common beetles include:
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Anobium punctatum (Common Furniture Beetle)
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Xestobium rufovillosum (Deathwatch Beetle)
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Hylotrupes bajulus (House Longhorn Beetle – mainly in roof timbers)
🔎 Why Correct Identification Matters
Treating the wrong problem can waste time and money. For example:
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Woodworm needs targeted insecticide treatments
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Wood rot requires moisture control, fungicidal application, and possibly timber replacement
That’s why we always carry out a thorough timber survey to identify the true cause of decay before recommending treatment.
📞 Book a Free Timber Survey Today
If you're unsure whether it’s rot or woodworm—don’t guess. Let our experts assess your property and provide a professional solution.
Book a Free Survey for your Home here with Weather Wise Solutions – timber treatment specialists you can trust.