A national trade body is urging householders in Ayrshire to pay attention to timber decay, after a winter washout has left wood vulnerable to rot.

With persistent rainfall and storms throughout winter, wood surfaces have been exposed to high levels of water penetration, allowing damage to take hold.

According to the Property Care Association (PCA), while the issue can be resolved if managed quickly, where damaged wood is left untreated it can lose its strength, and in some circumstance even lead to structural damage.

James Berry, Deputy CEO of the PCA, said: “We’ve seen homes tackle some of the most challenging weather this winter, with wind and driving rain damaging the entire building envelope.

“Timber has been particularly affected. Water can penetrate into a building through broken roof tiles, blocked gutters and leaking water pipes, and cause damage over time to wood.

“Usually the affected areas just need to dry out, with the area where water has entered the building repaired to prevent further damage.”

According to the PCA, if wet or dry rot are suspected, then expert help should be sought to resolve the issue.

Wet and dry rot can start to emerge from hidden places such as under floorboards, leaving householders unaware for some time of the issue.

Homes which have been empty and uninhabited are also vulnerable.

More information from the PCA on timber decay and damp can be found at www.property-care.org/homeowners.