How to treat wet rot
Wet rot occurs only where wood is damp. Normally, the attack does not spread across or through brickwork. The signs of wet rot are a darkening and softening of the timber, with cracks, usually running along the grain. There might also be narrow, dark brown fungus strands on the surface of the wood. Wet rot can occur anywhere but is a particular problem in roof timbers, underfloor joists, windows and external doors.
To treat wet rot, all infected timber should be cut away with a saw and/or a chisel until you get back to sound wood. Check the surface of the timber by using a sharp-pointed tool, such as a bradawl. With floor joists and rafters, check by drilling into the middle of a joist or rafter that they are sound in the middle.
Small amounts of wood removed (as in window and door frames) can be treated with Cuprinol Ultimate Repair Wood Hardener and filled with High Performance Wood Filler. Where whole sections of joist, rafter or other structural timbers need to be replaced, treat the existing wood with Cuprinol 5 Star Complete Wood Treatment and treat the new timber with Cuprinol Wood Preserver Clear before screwing or bolting in place. Both can be applied with a large paintbrush or a coarse garden sprayer. Wear appropriate safety equipment - gloves, facemask and safety goggles.
