Threats to outdoor wood: wet rot
It’s been a busy few weeks for Safeguardians across the country - From a newly stained potting bench to weather protection for a handsome sandstone wall, this edition’s Safeguard Spotlight is packed with some of the best projects we’ve seen this month. With the holiday season on the horizon, get to know the Bed Bug over in the Rogue’s Gallery. But before we get to those, check out this edition’s main feature: how to spot, cure and prevent wet rot in outdoor wood.
The fungus among us
Over the past few weeks, we’ve talked a lot about how to fully protect your outdoor furniture. Today, we’re going to start digging into what happens when you don’t! Although wood is probably the most resilient, versatile and indeed the oldest building material available to us, it is vulnerable to moisture damage. In a rainy region like the UK, untreated wooden furniture can quickly become algae-stained, water-logged and warped. One of the main complications of soggy timber is wood-eating fungi. There are tens of thousands of wood-eating fungus species around the world. Wet rot is a general term that encompasses the growth of countless different types of wood-eating fungus. Common fungi that cause wet rot in the UK include Poria Vaillantii, Phellinus Contigus and Coniophora Puteana.
Once the fungus has established a new home on your outdoor fence, chair or deck, it can do a lot of damage relatively quickly. While wet rot is still dangerous, it is the weaker sibling of the widely feared Dry Rot (more on dry rot in a later edition!) Although their specific impact varies, all types of rot-causing fungi degrade wood at the cellular level - when we say they eat it, we mean literally.
Signs of wet rot
During the rainy season, wet rot thrives and can easily take hold of any wooden structure or furniture that is exposed to rainfall. Similarly, untreated ponds and water features in gardens present a risk for wet rot all year round. Timber in contact with soil or on lawns, as well as damaged timber, are particularly susceptible. Overgrown shrubbery should be monitored as it can transfer moisture to timber. Standing water caused by blocked drain systems abutting timber is also a common breeding ground:
- Softer, moister sections of wood
- Cracked and flaking timber
- Discoloured areas
- A damp, musty smell
- The presence of fungal growths
- Flaking and damp painted timber surfaces
3 steps to stop wet rot
Identifying the moisture source
Wet rot occurs when fungi and moisture combine. Without consistent moisture, wet rot cannot thrive. Has the timber in question been exposed to rain during the wet season? Is it positioned near a leaky pipe or in an area that regularly experiences spills or condensation? Thoroughly drying any timber affected by wet rot is essential before you begin repairs or replacement.
Removing and replacing rotten timber
After the affected timber has been fully dried out, any soft, loose, or visibly rotten timber must be removed. Use a screwdriver to test the structural integrity of any wood that may be affected. Soft or weak areas can be easily removed and discarded. Any visibly rotten sections should be cut out entirely using a suitable sharp knife or saw. Depending on the damage, either replace or repair with Roxil 2-part Wood Filler.
Applying biocidal treatment
Once the timber has been fully dried out and all visibly rotten or soft portions have been removed, a biocidal treatment must be applied to the entire wooden structure. Remember that the spores that cause wood rot are not visible to the naked eye, so even if the timber appears unaffected by mould, it may still require treatment. To ensure the most effective wood rot treatment, make sure it complies with BS EN 113-1:2020, which certifies the efficacy of wood preservatives against wood-decaying fungi.
Roxil Wood Preserver and Coloured Wood Preserver provide strong protection against fungal attack.
For cases where wood-boring beetles and woodworm are present, Soluguard Woodworm & Rot Treatment is equipped to tackle dual infestations.
Check out "How to treat wet rot" at safeguardeurope.com for a more in-depth look at the problem
The Rogues Gallery: bed bugs
Welcome back to The Rogues Gallery. In this feature, we highlight the worst of the UK’s household pests and tell you how to spot tell-tale signs of infestation.
This week, we’re putting out a warning for this tiny little vampire.
Have seen bed bugs around your home?
Cimex Lectularius, the most common form of UK bedbug, is a tiny insect about 5mm long and 2mm in width. Bed bugs have rounded bodies and smaller rounded heads with two antennae protruding from the top. They are reddish-brown in colour with vestigial (non-functional) wings. If they have recently eaten, bed bugs take on a more intense red shade and may temporarily look swollen. Bed bugs lay their eggs in cracks and crevices where they are likely to be undisturbed. Check mattress zippers and corners as well as every part of the bed frame.
For more information on beating bed bugs, check out our comprehensive how-to guide: "How to get rid of Bed Bugs".
Safeguard Spotlight
The Safeguard Community has been busy over the past few weeks. With things finally warming up, thoughts have turned to the garden and the upcycling is well underway!
Vici and Andy (The Accidental Gardeners) revived a weary-looking potting table with a lick of Roxil Wood Stain Preserver in Charcoal.
Becky (making_our_bungalow_a_home) used one of the rare dry days of April to protect her sandstone home against wind-driven rain with a coat of Stormdry Masonry Protection Cream.
Roberta (renovatewithroberta) also protected the exterior walls of her home with Stormdry Masonry Protection Cream to keep walls dry and algae growth away.
James (a_life_in_the_garden) has picked Burnt Umber Roxil Coloured Preserver for his garden. He’s going to protect the stain from moisture damage with a coat of Roxil Wood Protection Cream.
Want to be in the next Safeguard Spotlight?
Remember to tag us in a post showing what Safeguard product you're applying around your home or for clients.
That's it for this week! Make sure you're subscribed to get the next edition directly to your inbox. We'll see you again on Wednesday May 10th for another edition of Built to Protect.