Dry Rot and Wet Rot

You are here: » Our Services » Timber Preservation » Dry Rot and Wet Rot

Dry Rot and Wet Rot
- << Timber Preservation

Dry Rot & Wet Rot treatments from the Dry Rot & Wet Rot experts: Timberwise

Timberwise are experts in dry rot, wet rot and all forms of fungal decay. From identifying the dry rot through to the correct treatment of the dry rot you can trust Timberwise with your dry rot problems

Dry Rot – The Problem

Both Dry Rot (Serpula Lacrymans) and Wet Rot can cause structural defects in buildings. Not only is it unsightly but it is also unhealthy. It can grow at an alarming rate in certain conditions. Dry Rot and Wet Rot are usually caused by dampness, running water, poor ventilation and bad maintenance or a combination of these conditions.

Dry Rot is the most serious of all wood rotting fungi. For fungal decay to begin it requires water to penetrate wood which then allows bacteria and micro fungi to colonise resulting in the partial breakdown of the cell structure. The timber then become more porous and potentially wetter. If the moisture content is sustained above 30% then Dry Rot can colonize and germinate which inevitably leads to decay.

As Dry Rot spores are airborne this means that all properties are susceptible to attack given the right conditions. Once germination is established the fungus can spread rapidly, even though thick masonry walls, in search of timber causing potentially widespread and extensive damage if not treated at the earliest instant.

The History of Dry Rot

Originally known as Merulius Lacrymans (meaning Tears of the Blackbird as it was thought originally that the fungus was spread by blackbirds) the fungi now known as Dry Rot can be traced back to 1720. By 1827 the name had changed to Serpula Lacrymans as a result of the snake like growth of the hyphae which evntually come together to form mycelium growth. At the ends of the hyphae tear like droplets of water appear (this is the Dry Rots way of controlling moisture) hence the term Lacrymans meaning tears.

dry_rot_tears_1a

dry_rot_tears_2a

The Lifecycle of Dry Rot

sporophore4 sporophore2

sporedust1 structural_fungal2

Wet Rot – The Problem

Wet Rot fungi, whilst generally not as destructive as Dry Rot, it can nevertheless cause severe damage if allowed to go unchecked and is a common cause of structural defects. Wet rot is commonly found in timbers that come in to contact with damp masonry. The images below show some of example of wet rot.

wetrot1(1) wetrot2(1)
wet-rot

On a domestic survey the varnished floor above looked to be on good condition. Only once the floorboards were removed and the joists probed it was clear that wet rot decay had badly effected them.

wetrot_hyphee(1) structural_fungal1

Wet and Dry Rot – The Solution

Timberwise have over 4 decades of experience in dry rot treatment and wet rot treatment. Our fully trained and experienced Surveyors will identify the type, and the extent, of any decay and will produce a suitable specification for the treatment and eradication of the problem. You will also have the peace of mind from a 20 year guarantee for the work carried out.

Timberwise will:

Identify the nature, type and extent of the decay
Determine the cause, finding the source of moisture
Propose the cure for the rot with full specification and method statement for the rot treatments
Advise what additional steps (if any) are required to safeguard the property Summary

Dry Rot, Wet Rot and Fungal Decay

The sight of fungal decay can strike horror into property owners. Be it dry rot with its fruiting bodies and orange spore dust or wet rot with its cotton wool like mycelium Timberwise can effectively treat and remove dry rot, wet rot and other forms of fungal decay. Timberwise have over 40 years experience in the correct identification of fungal decay and ultimatley the treatment of dry and wet rots. When it comes to dry rot treatment there is only one name you need to know – Timberwise! Our range of dry rot treatments will solve your dry rot problem with the minimum of fuss. With the benefit of a long term guarantee you can be sure that your fungal decay problem will be taken care of for good!