Lifecote Ltd cannot stress the importance that Dry Rot and Wet Rot are wood destroying fungi which attack timber in order to extract food to maintain growth and the generation of spores.

Affected timber will have significant loss of weight and structure. In buildings the result is the deterioration and ultimately destruction of the timber with serious consequences in the case of structural sections.The problem affects all types of property, historic or modern. Dampness combined with lack of ventilation provides the ideal conditions for fungal attack. The most common area for Dry rot to occur is a poorly ventilated sub-floor.

Important Note: Dry rot can cause widespread structural damage. We recommend that a survey is carried out immediately if dry rot is suspected

The true Dry Rot fungus is the more serious requiring fast specialist action to avoid extensive damage. It is malignant and will spread even through thick walls in search of timber to attack.Timber affected by dry rot is brown, dry and brittle with cuboidal fractures and can be crumbled by hand.

It requires over 20% moisture level for spore germination. When dry rot occurs, fine greyish hyphae strands develop from the spore spreading to form mycelial growth which varies from grey to pure white in wet conditions.

     Dry Rot

Treatment

Lifecote Ltd  use special low odour micro-emulsion preservative fluids are applied by spray, brush, or in paste and gel form. Our skilled joiners can replace defective timbers including flooring, structural and ornate sections.Dry Rot and Wet Rot are wood destroying fungi which attack timber in order to extract food to maintain growth and the generation of spores. Affected timber exhibits significant loss of weight. In buildings the result is the deterioration and ultimately destruction of the timber with serious consequences in the case of structural sections.

The problem affects all types of property, historic or modern. Dampness combined with lack of ventilation provides the ideal conditions for fungal attack.

Wet Rot

Sometimes called the cellar fungus, Wet Rot is a common cause of structural defects. It requires a moisture content of 50 to 60% but it does not spread through masonry and growth ceases when the moisture is removed.

To initiate growth from a spore the wood must be physically wet; in other words it must be subject to a source of water ingress, e.g., leaking gutters, wood in contact with damp masonry, etc. In practical terms the wood must have a moisture content in excess of 28-30%. Spores will not germinate on dry surfaces or surfaces which are not suitably wet. In other words, unless the wood is wet dry rot cannot become initiated.

          Wet Rot

If untreated wood is put in contact with damp infected masonry there is always the potential for the new wood to become infected.

Control Of Dry Rot

The principles for the control and eradication of dry rot are outlined as follows:

Primary Measures

The most vulnerable feature of the fungus is it requirement for water, and it is the control and elimination of this essential requirement that forms the fundamental measure for the control and elimination of dry rot.

Locate and rectify the source of water causing and maintaining the rot.

Promote and maintain rapid drying conditions.

The removal of the source of water is the first point of attack. It is therefore absolutely essential to stop further water ingress. This action alone will eventually control and eliminate the activity. Indeed, it is the fundamental measure in eradicating the organism. Included in this action is the promotion and maintaining of rapid and good drying conditions.

Secondary Measures

A specialist contractor such as Damp Proofing London South will fully understand the factors involved Please note: where dealing with historic properties and where it is deemed necessary to keep as much of the historic timbers as practically possible then it is essential that dry techniques are used. This WILL require careful monitoring of both conditions and the state of the rot; such practices should only be conducted by specialist professionals in the conservation of historic timbers.

For a survey please call the office on:

Free Phone 0800 043 2096  7 Days A Week   9.00am – 9.00 pm 

Part Of The Lifecote Group www.lifecote.biz