Protecting Against True Dry Rot Fungi
Don’t delay in asking for a survey to inspect for dry rot damage, as the fungi which cause it (Serpula Lacrymans) has the ability to travel through building materials other than timber, meaning it can spread quickly once established.
Dry rot is therefore by far the most serious wood destroying fungi found in buildings.
If your property does have dry rot then additional measures might need have to be taken, when treating the outbreak; such as masonry sterilisation.
Spores can germinate and grow in timber with a moisture content of between 20-35%. Fine fungal thread (hypha) digests the cellulose and hemi cellulose fractions of the wood.
Dry rot hyphae group together to form conducting strands. Their main function is the conduction of nutrients. Strands can penetrate masonry walls, seeking out timber to decay, unlike wet rot.
Indications of dry rot include shrinkage, darkening and cracking. White, fluffy mycelium may develop in humid conditions, looking like strands of cotton wool, and ‘teardrops’ may develop on the growth.
The active decay can produce a musty, damp odour. You might also see a silky grey skin on infected woodwork, frequently tinged with yellow. The skin can be peeled like a mushroom.
This treatment is referred to as Full Dry Rot Treatment.
How it’s treated:
- We’ll need to remove affected wall linings, to trace the extent of any decay outbreak.
- We remove all decayed timbers, approximately 1m beyond visible evidence of fungus.
- The exposed surfaces are cleaned down using a wire brush, masonry is treated with a biocide/fungicidal fluid, as specified in our report.
- All replacement timbers will be pre-treated, to insure all surfaces are coated with a fungicidal fluid and capped or laid on PVC DPC membrane.
- Moisture sources will be identified and rectified, as per our report.
To arrange a “No Obligation” inspection for potential dry rot, please contact our office today and we will be pleased to help you.
Fluids used by Tay Property Services Ltd are approved by the British Wood Preserving and Damp Proofing association. Where appropriate they carry manufacturers’ guarantees, which will be highlighted for you.
Our Services
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Joinery & General Building Work
As well as our range of specialised timber treatments for your home or business premises, Tay Property Services will undertake any necessary joinery work you require – from fitting new uPVC windows and doors; installing kitchens or bathrooms; building extensions or decking; and much more.
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True Dry Rot Fungi
Don’t delay in asking for a survey to inspect for dry rot damage, as the fungi which cause it (Serpula Lacrymans) has the ability to travel through building materials other than timber, meaning it can spread quickly once established.
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Waterproofing
Tanking is a particular approach used to ensure that walls and floors are permanently watertight, in any structure below ground.
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Wet Rot Fungi
Where timber is exposed to naturally occurring high moisture levels it will, in time, begin to rot.
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Woodworm
Woodworm is the generic name given to damage caused to timbers in roofs, and other wooden material such as skirtings,
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