Damp proofing, wet rot, woodworm and property refurbishment services in Dorset and Hampshire
Reports of dry rot by members of the Property Care Association have risen sharply this year in comparison to 2017, with climate change labelled as a potential factor.
Dry rot requires a moisture content of at least 20% in order to develop and is considered particularly destructive due to its ability to spread over relatively long distances and affect unconnected sections of timber. This means that, unlike wet rot, dry rot isn’t limited in how far it can spread, given the moisture content is high enough to support it.
A particularly wet 2017 combined with mild temperatures resulted in a significant increase in the reported incidences of dry rot and wet rot last year, and despite the long, dry summer of 2018, the number of reports has only continued to rise.
The PCA has attributed the rise in dry rot cases reported by its members to a number of potential factors, including a changing climate, the sudden melting of heavy snow during the first quarter of the year, less homeowners taking on basic property maintenance than before, and the use of impervious building materials which can lead to problems with fungal decay.
Chief Executive of the PCA, Steve Hodgson, said: “We are looking into the reasons for [the increase], because despite the long hot summer, the issue has continued to develop from the high figure we saw in 2017…we are keeping a watching brief on the situation and will look to involve our academic partners in researching the issue with our members.”
He went on to stress: “If a problem is found it is really important to address the issue promptly. First and foremost, professional advice should be sought to identify whether the issue is wet or dry rot, since they each require different treatments.”
As an accredited member of the Property Care Association, we are more than capable of helping you tackle all your damp problems, including suspected cases of dry rot. Contact us today to arrange a damp survey or your property in Dorset or Hampshire and we will offer an effective solution.
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