Stop wet rot destroying your timber
Wet rot attacks timber that stays damp: window frames, door linings, floor joists, skirting boards. Left unchecked, it weakens structural timber until it crumbles. We cut out the rot, repair the timber, and eliminate the moisture source.
We treat the rot and the cause, so it doesn’t come back.
We cut out only the decayed section and splice in new pre-treated timber. Joists, sills, door linings, and structural members are repaired to match the original profile and load-bearing capacity.
Wet rot needs persistent dampness. We trace the moisture to its origin, whether leaking pipes, failed flashing, blocked cavity trays, or missing ventilation, and fix it so the timber stays dry permanently.
Once the timber is repaired, we replaster surrounding areas, fit new skirting or architrave if needed, and leave everything ready for decorating. No loose ends.
All replacement timber is factory pre-treated or brush-applied with fungicidal preservative. Existing timber at risk is also treated to create a protective barrier against future fungal attack.
Methodical repair that addresses both the damage and the cause.
We probe all suspect timber with a bradawl and take moisture readings to map the full extent of the decay.
Rotten timber is cut back to sound wood. We go 300mm beyond the visible rot to ensure all compromised material is removed.
New pre-treated timber is scarfed or bolted into position. Remaining timber is coated with fungicidal preservative.
The moisture source is repaired, ventilation improved where needed, and all plaster and joinery is reinstated.
Wet rot is what happens to timber that stays soaking wet: window cills and frames, door frames, floor joists under a leaking bathroom, skirtings against a damp wall, roof timbers under a failed gutter. The wood darkens, softens and crumbles, and paint over it blisters and flakes. Unlike dry rot it does not spread through brickwork, which makes it easier to deal with, but it will keep going for as long as the timber stays wet.
The treatment is to stop the water, then repair the timber. That means fixing the gutter, the cill, the flashing, the render or the damp course that is letting water in, and then either cutting out and splicing in new treated timber where the rot is local, or replacing the piece where it has gone too far. Sound timber around it is treated with a preservative. Then the surrounding plaster and decoration are made good.
On the North East coast, wet rot in window cills and frames is almost routine on east-facing elevations, and in older terraces it shows up in floor timbers next to walls with rising damp. We handle the whole job: the leak, the timber, the plaster and the finish, with our own team.
If any of the timber repairs we did is not right, we come back and sort it. We stop the water first, because wet rot cannot survive in dry timber.
Timber that is dark, soft and spongy when pressed, often with flaking paint over it and a damp smell, in a place that gets wet. If it is cracked into dry cubes with white growth, that is dry rot instead.
Often, yes. Rotten sections of cills and frames can be cut out and new timber spliced in, then treated and painted, at a fraction of the cost of a new window.
Not if the water is stopped. Wet rot needs timber to stay wet, so once the leak or damp is fixed and the timber is treated, it stays sound.
9.75/10 average rating across 65 verified reviews
“On pricing this job, the customer used an 'experienced tradesman' who used a steamer to remove wallpaper from plasterboard walls and they were removing the jointing tape and the skin from the plasterboard, thus leaving an unlevel surface. I suggested reboarding but they said they didn't have a lot of money to play with. While the 'tradesman' was removing the wallpaper the customer demanded via text that I go that very minute to see what a mess this tradesman was making. While we were working, her husband commented on how we were the best tradesmen they'd had, as we just got on with the job. I'd mistakingly missed out a price for a ceiling, so I skimmed that for no extra charge as the price had already been agreed. (No mention of this was in her review however). We always ask customers to check the work before we leave and both said they were 'over the moon' with the work and they paid via bank transfer a few hours after I'd left. It's clear the 'tradesman' hasn't prepped the newly plastered walls properly, as the paint has now blebbed. That's not a fault with the plastering, but with the lack of preparation on the decorator's behalf. It took 7 days for the customer to let me know she wasn't happy (and that was after the walls had been painted!).”
Checked & Vetted“I contacted Dean about the job and he was on hand to review damage, give a reasonable estimate within my budget and was on stand by once property dried out. Work started promptly and done with the estimated 3 days to a very high standard as always by Dean and his soon. Clean and tidy work too. .”
Checked & Vetted“Dean and his team started the job Tuesday and was done in 3 days. Very professional, workmanship to very high standards was told the ins and outs of process of work to be carried out and very clean. Amazing job for the price. Always on time, would highly recommend. Will definitely be using dean in the near future. .”
Checked & Vetted“Dean came out to give me a quote, he knew what needed doing and I was happy with what he quoted. He took down 2 ceilings, replaced them, skimmed and then put up some coving. I can’t fault his work at all, the ceilings look amazing, he left my home clean and tidy. I’d highly recommend. .”
Checked & Vetted“Dean at Absolutely Plastered is the only tradesmen I know that I can rely on! He always responds to requests! In this instance, we wanted some pretty poor brickwork covered at back of house & Dean advised other options that I was not aware...”
Google“I had Absolutely Plastered out to inspect a damp problem in my home, he was knowledgeable and we agreed a price. Dean was prompt, came out when he said he would, installed a new damp course and plastered. Very reasonable and I’d highly recommend.”
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