Damp proofing, wet rot, woodworm and property refurbishment services in Dorset and Hampshire
Dry rot treatment is always best done by a professional. This is because it can cause severe issues and widespread damage to timber.
Dry Rot is essentially wood decay that has been caused by a species of fungus digesting the part of the wood which gives the wood its strength and stiffness. It is one of the most serious forms of fungal decay in a building and can spread very easily thus, can destroy large proportions of the timber.
Differentiating between wet rot and dry rot can get confusing.
Despite the name, dry rot does require some moisture to grow, although the moisture content doesn't tend to be over 20%, and the source of the water doesn't necessarily have to be in the immediate location of the rot.
Traditionally, most cases of dry rot tend to occur in places that cannot be seen. It can affect areas such as attics, around window casings, behind wall panelling and underneath flooring. Dry Rot can be present on brick, stone and masonry walls but can also occur on all types of wood.
Meanwhile, wet rot tends to have higher levels of moisture and in most cases, the source of the water is within or immediate proximity. Generally, once the moisture is removed and moisture levels drop, wet rot will decline.
However, dry rot has been known to develop on timber that has previously been affected by wet rot.
Dry rot is caused by a fungus that breaks down wood and consumes the elements of the materials that give it structural integrity. The cellulose component found in all wood is eroded by the fungus, leaving it in a dried-out, fractured state.
There are several ways you might be able to tell if you have dry rot. It is often identified by scrutinising any damage to timber. Look for cracks and indentations in the wood. Typically, this would be brown (noticeably different to the wood itself) but on occasion, you may see some grey stands on the timber too.
It will also feel dry and brittle to the touch and sometimes will crumble off in your hand when touched.
Another way to tell if the wood is suffering from dry rot is that you might see large patches of concentrated spore dust which presents itself as a browny-orange colour dust.
Dry rot can also be recognised by 'white mycelium', which is essentially cotton wool-like patches that feel silky to the touch and vary in colours between white and grey.
In more severe cases, you can also expect to see distinctive fruiting bodies attached to the timber, which look almost mushroom-like.
Dry rot will occur when there is a small amount of moisture therefore, every treatment should start with the removal of the moisture from the affected area.
Common causes of moisture include leaking washing machines, shower trays, baths and condensation, as well as leaking roofs, rising dampness, or dampness penetrating through walls. If you are able to remove the source of the dampness, you can let the timber dry out properly and eventually control the rot.
That being said, it is not always feasible to guarantee that the wood will stay dry over time. In order to prevent re-infection, it is crucial to take secondary precautions. This is where professional treatment is often needed.
It is necessary to remove any impacted wood and install pre-treated wood in its place. A fungicide should be applied to any remaining wood that could be affected by the dry rot.
If the dry rot has penetrated the masonry, it needs to be isolated via masonry sterilisation or physical containment.
For effective and efficient dry rot treatment, it is important to get a professional, such as Croft Preservation, to handle it.
Treating dry rot requires specific expertise and access to specialised tools, equipment, and treatments that professionals possess. Our professional expertise means our team understand the fungus's behaviour and the extent of damage it can cause, enabling them to use targeted and effective methods to eliminate the fungus and prevent its recurrence.
As experts, our team can accurately assess the extent of the dry rot damage, identifying affected areas and determining the underlying causes. This assessment is crucial for devising an appropriate treatment plan that will ensure the best results with as little work as possible.
Our team will not only treat existing dry rot but also implement preventative measures to stop its spread and prevent future infestations. This includes addressing moisture sources and making structural improvements to prevent reoccurrence for long-term solutions.
Additionally, dealing with dry rot may involve working with chemicals or accessing compromised structures. The Croft Preservation team have the necessary safety measures in place and complies with industry standards and regulations, ensuring safety for occupants and adherence to legal requirements.
Finally, engaging our team for dry rot treatment provides peace of mind, knowing that the problem is being handled by experts who will effectively resolve it, reducing the risk of future issues.
If you are suffering from dry rot in your home, please contact us today.
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