What exactly is dry rot?

Dry rot is a wood-destroying fungus called Serpula lacrymans. It needs timber moisture above 20% to grow. It is the most serious form of fungal decay because it can spread through masonry to attack timber throughout a building.

What's the difference between dry rot and wet rot?

Wet rot stays localised to wet areas, while dry rot is far more aggressive and can spread through masonry. Dry rot produces distinctive cuboidal cracking, whereas wet rot tends to crack along the grain.

Can dry rot spread through walls?

Yes. The fungus produces root-like strands called rhizomorphs that can travel through masonry, brick, and plaster to reach new timber sources in other rooms.

How much does dry rot treatment cost?

Costs vary depending on the extent of the outbreak and the amount of timber needing replacement. We provide detailed written quotations following a professional specialist survey.

Do I need to move out during treatment?

In most cases, no. We work room by room, and the treatments are safe once dry. Temporary relocation is only suggested for very extensive structural work.

Is dry rot covered by insurance?

It depends on your policy. It may be covered if caused by a sudden event like a burst pipe, but is typically excluded if caused by gradual deterioration or poor maintenance.

Dry Rot Treatment Glasgow | Expert Surveys and Repair | Advanced Preservation Specialists

Glasgow's Trusted Dry Rot Specialists

Professional Dry Rot Treatment in Glasgow

If you've discovered dry rot in your property, Advanced Preservation Specialists are the local experts you can rely on. As Glasgow's longest-running PCA registered preservation company, we've been treating dry rot outbreaks across Central Scotland for over 25 years.

We cover Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire and Dunbartonshire, providing expert diagnosis and treatment backed by our comprehensive long term guarantee.

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Dry rot damage showing cuboidal cracking in timber structural beam

Long-Term Guarantee

Understanding Timber Decay

What is Dry Rot and Why It's Dangerous

Dry rot (Serpula lacrymans) is the most destructive form of fungal decay that can affect timber in buildings. Unlike wet rot, which stays localised to the moisture source, dry rot can spread aggressively through masonry, brickwork and plaster to find new timber to consume.

Most Scottish properties were built with a masonry backbone and internal joinery that was expected to stay bone-dry. Yet even a minor roofing leak, plumbing drip or penetrating damp patch can lift the moisture content above 20%. Add a little warmth and poor ventilation, and the fungus will spread quickly - attacking the cellulose within the wood and sapping its structural strength.

Timber fungus can flourish unseen for years, concealed behind skirting boards or beneath flooring. By the time you notice a musty odour, discoloured timber or fine orange spores, serious damage may already have occurred. That's why early professional diagnosis is essential.

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How Dry Rot Develops

Stages of Dry Rot

Dry rot develops through distinct stages. Understanding these can help you identify an outbreak early - before it causes extensive structural damage.

Spores and Germination

Dry rot begins as microscopic spores, invisible to the naked eye. In large quantities, they appear as fine orange/brown dust. When spores land on timber with moisture content above 20%, they germinate and begin to grow.

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Dry rot mycelium growth spreading across timber and masonry

Mycelium and Spread

The fungus produces fine white strands (hyphae) that grow into a cotton wool-like mass called mycelium. This is how dry rot spreads - it can travel across and through masonry, seeking out new timber to consume.

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Advanced dry rot fruiting body on decayed timber

Fruiting Bodies

Mature dry rot produces distinctive "pancake" or mushroom-like fruiting bodies, typically rusty-red or deep brown in colour. These release millions of new spores. If you spot fruiting bodies, the outbreak is well-established.

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Warning Signs

How to Spot Dry Rot

Dry rot and wet rot share similarities, which can leave property owners confused. Correct identification is essential for effective treatment. Look out for these tell-tale signs:

Timber that cracks into cube-shaped pieces (cuboidal cracking)
Wood that feels dry, brittle and crumbles easily
Fine orange or rust-red spore dust on surfaces
White or grey cotton wool-like growth (mycelium)
Grey/silver skin or strands spreading across timber or masonry
Mushroom-like fruiting bodies (rusty-red colour)
Persistent damp, musty smell - even in dry weather
Timber shrinkage causing doors or windows to stick

Don't delay. Dry rot is relentless. If you've spotted cuboidal cracking, crumbly timber or unexplained spore deposits, decisive action now will stop further decay and protect your investment.

Visible signs of dry rot damage including cracked and decayed timber

Understanding the Causes

What Causes Dry Rot?

Dry rot needs moisture to thrive. The fungus requires timber with a moisture content above 20% to germinate and grow. Common causes include:

Leaking or damaged roofs allowing water ingress
Blocked or overflowing gutters and downpipes
Plumbing leaks from pipes, radiators or tanks
Rising damp or penetrating damp issues
Poor ventilation in sub-floor voids or roof spaces
High humidity from condensation
Bridged damp proof courses

The key to preventing dry rot is controlling moisture. Our surveys identify not just the outbreak, but the underlying moisture source - so we can fix the problem permanently.

Common causes of dry rot including roof leaks and poor ventilation

How We Work

Our Dry Rot Treatment Process

From survey to guarantee, we make the process straightforward

Survey and Diagnosis

A PCA-qualified surveyor conducts a thorough inspection, using moisture meters and experience to identify the full extent of the outbreak - including hidden decay behind walls and under floors. Find out more about our survey process.

Identify the Moisture Source

We trace the root cause of the moisture problem. Whether it's a roof leak, plumbing issue or rising damp, we'll identify it and recommend repairs to prevent reoccurrence.

Treatment and Timber Replacement

Affected timber is removed and replaced with pre-treated wood. Surrounding masonry is treated with fungicidal solutions to kill remaining spores and prevent regrowth. Wall surfaces are sterilised.

Guarantee and Prevention

All work is backed by our comprehensive long term GPI-backed guarantee. We provide advice on ventilation and maintenance to help keep your property dry rot-free for the long term.

The APS Difference

Why Choose Us for Dry Rot Treatment?

With over 25 years protecting Glasgow properties from timber decay, we deliver expert treatment with genuine personal service.

PCA Registered Since 2002

Industry-recognised qualifications and the highest professional standards.

Long-Term Guarantee

GPI-backed protection for complete peace of mind on all work.

Family-Run Business

Personal service from people who care - not just another job number.

25+ Years Experience

Glasgow's longest-running PCA registered preservation company.

Trusted by Major Clients

NHS Scotland, ScotRail and Network Rail trust us with their properties.

Local Expertise

We understand Scottish properties and the common issues they face.

Common Questions

Dry Rot FAQs

Dry rot is a wood-destroying fungus called Serpula lacrymans. Despite its name, it needs moisture to grow - timber must have a moisture content above 20%. It's called "dry" rot because the affected wood becomes dry, brittle and crumbly. It's the most serious form of fungal decay because it can spread through masonry to attack timber throughout a building.

The key difference is how they spread. Wet rot stays localised to the area where timber is wet - fix the moisture source and the rot stops. Dry rot is far more aggressive - it can spread through masonry, brickwork and plaster to find new timber, even in relatively dry areas. Dry rot also produces distinctive cuboidal cracking (timber breaks into cube-shaped pieces), while wet rot tends to crack along the grain. Read our guide: differences between dry rot and wet rot for more information.

Yes - this is what makes dry rot so dangerous. The fungus produces root-like strands called rhizomorphs that can travel across and through masonry, brick and plaster to reach new timber sources. A dry rot outbreak in one room can spread to timber throughout a building if left untreated.

Costs vary significantly depending on the extent of the outbreak and how much timber needs replacing. A minor, localised outbreak will cost far less than an extensive one affecting multiple rooms. We provide detailed written quotations following our survey so you know exactly what work is needed and what it will cost.

Treatment time depends on the size of the outbreak. A small, contained outbreak might be treated in 1-2 days. Larger outbreaks requiring extensive timber replacement and masonry treatment may take a week or more. We'll give you a clear timeframe in our quotation.

In most cases, no. We can work room by room, and the fungicidal treatments we use are safe once dry. However, for very extensive outbreaks requiring major structural work, temporary relocation may be more practical. We'll discuss this with you during the survey if relevant.

It depends on your policy and how the dry rot occurred. Some policies cover dry rot if it resulted from a sudden, insured event like a burst pipe. However, dry rot caused by gradual deterioration or poor maintenance is typically excluded. We can provide detailed reports to support insurance claims where applicable.