Timber decay, dry rot, wet rot and woodwormUK building guidance
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Timber decay guide

Dry Rot Under Floorboards

Suspended timber floors can hide dry rot for a long time because joists, boards and wall pockets remain out of sight until movement or fungal growth appears.

Timber and building detail relevant to dry rot under floorboards
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Start by checking the joist ends

When rot is found beneath a suspended floor, the ends of the joists are often a good place to start. They can stay damp where they touch brickwork, even if most of the joist is dry.

Poor ventilation slows drying

Blocked air bricks, raised paving, insulation or later alterations can reduce air movement beneath the floor. Moisture from the ground or walls then remains around the timber for longer.

A soft floor may have more than one cause

Loose boards, undersized joists and damaged supports can all make a floor feel springy. Opening-up is often needed before the cause can be separated from true timber decay.

Repair the damp source before closing the floor

A new joist inserted into the same wet wall pocket can begin decaying again. The wall, ventilation and any plumbing or rainwater defect need to be dealt with as part of the repair.

Useful technical sources

These links provide background guidance. A particular building still needs its own inspection.