What is dry rot?
Dry rot is a fungus, which attacks timber in buildings. It is the most serious form of timber decay, and can spread rapidly if not treated. The true dry rot fungus (‘Serpula lacrymans’) likes the dark and tends to grow under floors or behind panelling. The first evidence of an outbreak may be the mushroom like fruiting body which can appear overnight.
Other Dry rot symptoms include cracking or shrinking of the timber; it becomes dry and brittle, may darken in colour and will crumble at your touch. Characteristic dry rot smells like mushrooms can often be detected.
What causes dry rot?
The dry rot prospers in badly ventilated damp areas or where timber is in contact with damp masonry. Where moisture is 20% or over, spores can germinate which spread the fungus.
The fungus is likely to spread through an entire building and affect timber including floorings and furniture. Dry rot is not likely to be found on timber that is constantly wet and or permanently dry.
When should dry rot be treated?
True dry rot is malignant and will travel rapidly, even through walls, to attack timber.
Remedial action is urgent and you should contact Peter Cox immediately if you see the white or silver/grey growth or reddish brown fruiting body (mushroom) or the red dust of spreading spores. It is most important to get a survey straight away and tackle the problem.
What is a suitable dry rot treatment?
Although it is called ‘dry rot’, dampness is a key factor. Poor roofing, leaking gutters, rising damp, water leaks and poor ventilation can all contribute to the problem – so dealing with any sources of moisture is the first set of actions.
Timber can be treated with fungicides to prevent infection. Adjacent masonry can also be treated with a biocide.
Infected timbers need to be removed and the full extent of the attack exposed before the preventative treatment for dry rot is put in place.
Check out Peter Cox Commercial dry rot control (http://www.petercox.com/commercial-dryrotcontrol.php) page for relevant case studies.
When is treatment needed?
Dry rot is a serious concern that requires experienced and professional technical assistance to achieve an effective long-term solution.
The questions you need to ask about your contractor are:
· Do they specialise in dry rot and timber treatment?
· Are they an established business with case studies and references?
· Are they reasonably local and convenient for you?
· Do they use quality products?
A reputable contractor will give you a free consultancy visit, explain the issues and options, and make a clear proposal that is easy to understand.
You can see Peter Cox’s track record for dry rot and wet rot control here http://www.petercox.com/dryrotcontrol.php.
Peter Cox is the country’s leading dry rot specialists. We have experienced timber treatment technicians near you so click here to arrange your survey.
For enquiries call us free on 0800 030 4701.
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/kWXQGj
Twitter: @Petercox2010
Email: headoffice@petercox.com
