Dry Rot is a serious problem across the UK. Dry Rot occurs when a timber has a moisture content higher than 20%. There are many reasons for timbers to become damp: leaking pipes, external leaks and penetrating damp are some examples. For dry rot to occur, it’s spores need to be present in the area. These spores are often present without notice, as they are not visible to the naked eye and can surround us at any time. They require oxygen, moisture and the correct temperature to proliferate, as well as a sustainable food source, such as the timbers in your basement! This does mean however that unless these ideal conditions are met, dry rot will not occur. Dry rot flourishes in damp and inadequately ventilated conditions, such as under floorboards, basements and behind panelling.
Identifying dry rot
There are many signs that can identify dry rot, such as the following:
- Reddish/Orange spore dust
- Damage or shrinkage to timbers (skirting boards are a good place to spot these signs)
- Musty or fungal odour
- Mycelium growth (White strands or a ‘cotton wool’ appearance on the walls and floors)
- A fruiting fungal body with red or orange centres