Fresh growth can indicate an active damp environment

White or grey mycelium, strands, cuboidal cracking and fruiting bodies are familiar signs. Fresh fungal growth can hold visible moisture droplets in enclosed damp areas.

Ventilation can be part of the defect

A leak that would otherwise dry may become much more damaging in a sealed sub-floor void or enclosed wall space. Restricted airflow can keep timber wet enough for fungal growth to continue.

Wet rot affecting a structural floor timber in a damp sub-floor
Different forms of timber decay can occur in persistently damp sub-floor conditions, so identifying the fungus and moisture source matters.

Extent matters

Visible fungus on one skirting does not show how far strands or timber decay extend behind finishes. Investigation should follow the construction and the moisture route, not just the visible growth.

Moisture control is essential

Fungicidal treatment or timber replacement without correcting the source and drying conditions is incomplete. The repaired structure needs to remain below the moisture conditions that supported decay.

Time to arrange an inspection?

If the cause cannot be established from the visible signs alone, you can ask damp-proofing contractors in your area to inspect and quote through MyJobQuote.

Arrange local quotes

Quote requests are provided by MyJobQuote, an independent third-party service. Local contractors may respond to your request.