True Dry Rot (Serpula lacrymans)
The True Dry Rot is the fungus probably found causing the most extensive damage in buildings. A brown rot which particularly occurs on wood embedded in or in contact with wet brick work and sensitive to high temperatures and well ventilated areas and is therefore rarely found on exposed timbers or situations where fluctuating conditions are likely. This fungal is able to grow through brick work and mortar, though can not feed on these. Strands from the Dry Rot then transport moisture from damp areas, this allowing a spread of the fungus to dry wood in unventilated conditions.
The appearance of fruit body may be the first indication of an outbreak, and again it is important for an experienced surveyor to carry out a detailed inspection, to determine the cause of the outbreak, the extent and remedial treatments necessary.
The remedial treatment involved with Dry Rot eradication together with associated works, unlike Wet Rot will involve the removal of plaster together with the sterilisation to the brick work and surrounding areas and this is often reflected in the cost.
On submitting our report of our findings, recommendations, our surveyor will be only too happy to discuss the report and answer any questions you may have.
At all times during the treatments both supervision from the on site supervisor and surveyor will be carried out at regular intervals, making sure all works are carried out to a high standard of workmanship.
The term "Dry Rot" is a misnomer because the attack normally occurs only in damp situations, usually because of accidental conditions of moisture. Permanent wetness rarely causes Dry Rot, but if the wetness is sporadic, as would be the case from faults in the rainwater system, leaks from the internal plumbing, bridging of, lack of, or a defective damp proof course, it is then that Dry Rot is likely to occur.
Dry Rot requires both the wood and the surrounding atmosphere to be suitable. Serpula lacrymans can penetrate concrete several feet thick to reach timber on the far side. It invariably penetrates plaster in contact with rotted timber and frequently passes from a skirting board to ceiling laths and joists of the floor by creeping between the wall plaster and brick work without any visual indications. It is essential to ascertain the source of dampness; this will be indicated within our written report, together with recommendations to eliminate the moisture.
