Decayed wood is rotten wood. Decay starts when sufficient moisture is present. The most serious effect of decay in timber is the reduction in strength which can be quite serious even at an early stage. Decay also renders wood more permeable and it therefore absorbs water more readily, making the situation worse. Decay in its advanced stages is obvious, but in the early stages it can be difficult to detect. Any flecks or streaks of discolouration be they paler or darker than the normal colour of the wood, need to be inspected.

Window frames, the mitred ends of fascias, the end of stair treads, the exposed ends of balcony beams, pergolas, handrails and weatherboards are the most likely positions for decay to appear in exterior joinery. Internally, floorboards with poor sub-floor ventilation and places where flooding has occurred, such as laundries and bathrooms, are potential trouble-some areas.

The soil normally contributes a major source of both moisture and fungal spores so that placing unprotected timber in or on the ground is to expose it to very severe conditions of service. House stumps, fence posts, pergola supports and veranda posts are just a few of the components that may be subject to such a hazard.

At the planning stage, awareness of the above factors can eliminate many of the potential risks. Careful design to separate timber and moisture, or by using either pressure preservative treated timber or durable species in positions of high risk, is recommended.

Such a regime, while desirable, is not always achievable. Decay may be already present, it may not be possible to completely eliminate water absorption, or access to the trouble spots may be difficult.

This is when you need to call the Rot Doctor.

We specialise in the rectification of timber that suffers from decay and restore your property to as new condition.