Dry Rot Treatment

The main sorts of fungal decay can be divided into two types, the so-called Wet Rots of which Cellar Fungus (Coniophora puteana) is the most widespread and True Dry Rot (Serpula lacrymans).

The name is something of a misnomer insofar that dampness in the timber is very often the cause of an attack by this highly destructive fungus. The word 'dry' refers more to the cracked and dry appearance of the affected timber, whereas the Latin word 'lacrymans' refers to the weeping appearance of the moisture-exuding fruiting bodies. These fruiting bodies (sporophores) ripen to give off literally millions of spores which may be recognised as a rust coloured dust. The spores are airborne and can be found almost everywhere in this country. lnsidiousi the spores which may have come to rest can lie dormant for years until a set of conditions arises which triggers off germination, and initially, growth by cell-division. The initial growth is white and fluffy, almost like cotton wool, and in this state it is referred to as mycelium. This develops into the sporophores, which may be coloured red-brown, violet and yellow, and, as mentioned already, produce the spores for future propagation.

There is, however, a further aspect which contributes to the spread of this fungus. It can develop moisture-seeking 'strands' which are capable of penetrating masonary. These strands are resistant to alkaline conditions and can grow through lime mortar in their search for a new 'food' source.

All this serves to emphasise the extreme importance of recognising an attack of dry rot fungus in its early stages. There is no point in ignoring it and hoping that it will go away, because the longer it is allowed to survive, the more exhaustive and costly eradication will become.

Finally, the strands are capable of lying dormant for years before, themselves, or even small sections of them, being triggered back into life, start a fresh outbreak of the fungal growth.

As stated, the eradication of this form of decay must be a job for experts and must be very thoroughly carried out, being increasingly more costly the longer it is delayed. Where 'strands' have developed, these must be completely traced and sterilised by selected irrigation of the area with a powerful fungicide. All affected timber and any discarded material in sub-floor voids should be removed from the premises and burned. Plaster affected by strands or otherwise contaminated should also be removed from the building and carefully disposed of. Timbers in the area of an attack must be treated with the appropriate fungicidal preparation.

Most importantly, any sources of dampness in the structure of the building must be located and appropriate action taken to remove this source of trouble.

One of the conditions which will encourage the growth of dry rot and fungus is damp air, so that the provision of efficient ventilation in the sub-floor and cellar areas is an essential requirement in the irradication process.

For your survey and report please contact our office on 01274 630111, to arrange a time to discuss your needs with one of our surveyors.