Dry rot is one of several types of fungal growth that, with the right conditions, fester in a basement or other suitable space. It is important to note the distinction between woodworm, wet and dry rot, while all can be damaging, dry rot is the most damaging and serious of the three. Wet rot is more common in a household and requires a higher moisture level (50% rather than 20%), so it is easier to avoid and less harmful to the building.
If left unchecked, the rot can cause catastrophic damage to a building by attacking and eating the supporting timbers in a property from a basement all the way up to a loft, which can lead to the structural integrity of the building becoming compromised.
Dry rot can be identified with the following: spore dust or mycelium growth, a musty, mushroom odour, timbers found to be rotted or crumbling on contact and white mycelium growth appearing like plant roots or cobwebs on affected surfaces. The mycelium, a thread-like fungal growth, can appear to resemble cotton wool and is generally found in voids, such as under floors and in walls. The fruiting body itself will resemble a fungal growth with a deep orange/red centre and lighter outer coating. Spore dust may also be apparent throughout the property where dry rot is present, this would be a rust-coloured orange-brown deposits of dust.
It can be caused by several factors such as defective rain and sewage pipes or other means of water ingress into the building or any other sever moisture levels in the building. Its growth is triggered by excessive moisture levels, allowing it to proliferate as dry rot requires moisture, a dark place to grow and a food source to thrive, the food source being wood such as the timber joists of a basement, though the moisture levels of timber must be over 20% for it to grow. Dry rot spores are airborne and invisible to the naked eye, so it is best to avoid the conditions needed for rot to grow whether you appear to have any or not.
Call the LABS Team. Get a suitably qualified professional to deal with dry rot as it is not easy to deal with without the correct tools and equipment but leaving it can be very hazardous to the building integrity. Our advice is to only allow professionals to attend to the issue as it is a living body and can grow back if not dealt with properly. We have years of experience behind us and can provide insurance guarantees on all our works, making LABS a reliable and dependable choice for any timber related issues.
