The Cause:
High moisture content in wood allows the fungus to establish. Common causes of moisture in the woodwork of properties are due to gutter leaks, plumbing leaks and roofing defects. Poorly ventilated environments are also a typical cause.
Wet rot is a group of many species of wood rots. These can be subdivided into brown and white rots, which have different effects on the wood dependent on what type of rot is present.
Brown Rot:
- Brown rot presents itself as cuboidal cracking and timber shrinkage.
- The most common type of brown rot found is ‘Cellar Fungus’ (Coniophora Puteana).
- The vegetative part (mycelium) of Cellar Fungus presents itself as a dark brown, sheet-like growth with delicate brown threads sprouting from the rotting wood.
- White sheets of mycelium can sometimes be seen in early stages of development.
- The fruiting body is brown with a slightly lumpy texture and cream coloured margins. However, this is rarely seen.
- Another common brown rot fungus found is ‘Mine Fungus’ (Fibroporia Vaillini).
White Rot:
- White rot presents itself in a stringy, fibrous texture.
- The most common type of white rot found is Phellinus Contiguus – which has no common name!
- The vegetative part of the fungus presents itself as a light brown, sheet-like growth
- Bunches of light brown threads may sprout from rotting wood.
- The fruiting body is brown, has lots of small pores and a woody nature. It can have a corrugated appearance and ‘hugs’ the affected timber.
- The other most frequently found white wet rot is Oyster Fungus (Pleurotus Ostreatus, Donkioporia Expansa).
- The other most frequently found white wet rots are Pleurotus Ostreatus (Oyster Fungus) and Donkioporia Expansa which has no common name.
