Five of the biggest property care issues facing landlords and how to tackle them
A leading property care expert has warned homeowners and landlords that fungal timber decay is one of the most overlooked causes of serious structural failure in older buildings.
George Edwards, Managing Director at Timberwise, says early signs of dry rot and wet rot are all too often missed.
He said: “They thrive in moisture-rich environments commonly found in traditional brick and timber-built properties, and can quietly undermine structural integrity long before visible damage appears.
“In many cases, what starts as a small patch of discolouration or a minor crack escalates into compromised joists, sagging floors or even partial structural collapse,” said Mr Edwards. “The difference between manageable repairs and irreversible damage is often whether the warning signs are recognised early.”
He added: “Dry and wet rot are active, living systems that weaken timber from the inside out. Spotting them early is the single most cost-effective decision a property owner can make. The key is to stop thinking of rot as ‘a bit of mould’ and start treating it as a structural alert.”
Below, Mr Edwards shares his expert guidance on identifying and responding to dry rot and wet rot before serious damage occurs.
The five key property care issues landlords should prioritise
1. Ensure extractor fans are working effectively
“Trapped moisture can cause a wide range of issues. Extractor fans must be fit for purpose and run for at least 20 minutes after cooking and 30 minutes after showering,” Mr Edwards said.
“In a London flat I surveyed recently, the kitchen reached 79 per cent humidity because the extractor fan was inadequate and used inconsistently. Moisture pooled, creating ideal conditions for black mould to grow.”
2. Repair defects that make surfaces colder and wetter
“At one property, we found slipped roof tiles, defective chimney mortar and render bridging the damp-proof course. Another had a blocked drainage gully causing water to splash back onto the brickwork, along with cracked render on the front elevation,” he said.
“These defects allow moisture to penetrate the building fabric, while poor ventilation traps it inside. Roofs, gutters, external walls and window frames should be checked regularly, otherwise landlords end up fighting moisture on two fronts.”
3. Maintain modest, consistent heating
“Properties where living rooms are kept warm but bedrooms are deliberately left cold experience the worst condensation,” Mr Edwards said.
“Cold rooms with poor air movement are where wet windows and mould typically appear. You don’t need to heat every room to 22 degrees, but a steady, modest background temperature throughout winter can prevent many problems.”
4. Check vents are clear and correctly installed
“Blocked or poorly installed vents are often overlooked, but inadequate ventilation can accelerate condensation-related damp and black mould,” he explained.
“Basements are particularly vulnerable. As temperatures drop, high humidity quickly turns into condensation if ventilation is insufficient.”
5. Address defective guttering promptly
“Overflowing, leaking or poorly draining gutters can all lead to penetrating damp,” Mr Edwards said.
“If left unchecked, water ingress can damage brickwork and internal features such as wallpaper and plasterboard.”
For more information, visit timberwise.co.uk