What is dry rot?
Dry rot is the general word used for wood-decay fungus. Wood is broken down by Sporocarp (fungi), as the Mycelium consumes the wood, dry rot occurs resulting in fine dust particles, decomposition of the wood and dry rot bloom. Dry rot spores need a place to land and start a colony before expanding from the underneath wood. Many of the spores are already present in woods that are already affected by dry rot and in the soil.
This means that even treated wood can be re-infected by dry rot if it is damp enough (i.e., below 15 percent relative humidity). Dry Rot is much more serious than Wet Rot, and often attacks wood that appears sound, with the fungus hidden inside. It sometimes happens where you’re not looking. It could be under the plaster, beneath your floorboards, or even in your loft. This is why it’s essential to know the signs and symptoms of dry rot and to get it treated quickly.
Our Guarantee
- upto 30 year guarantee
- customer focused team
- 20 years combined experience
- portfolio of satified customers
- attention to detail
- Construction line accreditation
- public liability insurance
- CHAS accreditation
What is the difference between dry rot and wet rot?
These specific types of dry rot use different species of spores, meaning that they look different from wet rot. The biggest difference, however, is that wet rot needs significant moisture to spread. Wet rot spreads more quickly than dry rot, and is a much more destructive force. This is so because Dry Rot fungus thrives even in eco-friendly woods like bamboo and uses the capillaries within the timber to grow. Dry rot is a form of decay caused by certain types of fungus, it is the most severe type of decay and spreads too much of the structural timber. On the other hand, wet fungus occurs when timber becomes wet for long periods of time.
Call Our Sussex Damp Experts team now for quote, consultation and advice:
Call on 01273 257 765.
What are the causes of dry rot?
Dry rot is caused by different species of fungi. The most commonly found in the Hastings is Serpula Lacrymans. it can spread from your home’s walls to the floors, and even the plaster is not fixed soon enough. It can have a major negative impact on the structural integrity of timber, and also the integrity of your home. Dry rot can develop if you don’t keep the amount of moisture in your timber balanced. This makes it possible for nutrients to be extracted from the moisture by the fungus. “Dry rot” is used to distinguish “wet wood” from “dry wood rot.”
Wet timber feeds on dry rot. Those spores are dry, and those hyphae only need 20% dampness to grow into fungi while fungal spores require above 30% wet to generate hyphae. This hyphae can develop into a fungal body known as mycelium, which can disperse and find more wood in brick and stone. The wood fibers (cellulose) are rotten or broken down by the fungus, and the water is removed. You will need a specialist survey to distinguish whether your decaying timber is being caused by dry rot or by a different fungus. It’s important to note that not all treatments will work for every case of nicotine damage.
The dangers of dry rot in Hastings
Dry Rot Effect on your Property
Dry rot can cause irreparable damage to wood and other materials in your home. It will spread along the structural timbers inside your property and begin to break them down. In serious circumstances, it can cause various parts of your house to fall apart. It won’t attack the mortar between your bricks or stones, but it can travel through it. This is why regular checks are important.
Dry rot is a ravaging condition that affects your home and must be addressed immediately. When you know a dry rot problem is imminent, call in the experts at Dry Rot Experts and Rescue. If you think you may have a damp problem use our home survey form on our website.
Dry Rot Effect on Your personal health
The fungus that causes dry rot does not cause harm. If dry rot goes undetected, it can compromise the structural integrity of your home and cause sickness. This is particularly hazardous for the adults, children and people with respiratory conditions.
What are the Warning Signs of Dry Rot?
Treatment and remedial works are substantially more expensive than early detection and prevention. If you see any of the signs and symptoms listed below, a full assessment is recommended.
-
The beginning of the dry rot cycle
The spores of the dry rot fungus are carried by the wind across large distances. The insect cuts small holes into the wood and eats the sap that comes out. When they feed on it, they will then germinate and create hyphae, if the timber is giving them enough nutrients to do so. As these hyphae expand and eat, they may enter a spider web-like array called mycelium. Mycelium ranges in different colors such as light gray or solid white. Mycelium is mostly found between property’s bricks, mortar and plaster and can also try and spread into timber greatly.
-
Your timber is damaged.
It affects every part of the wood, from the bark to the core, causing it to wither and die. This could lead to the collapse of your timber. You will probably note the dry rot blacken the color of your wood. In fact, dry rot can result in what is called cuboid cracking. Cuboidal cracking is when timber breaks up into cubes that are around 50 mm in width. At its worst, the fungus rots the timber, causing the white fungal hyphae to grow. Hyphae is a slime-mold and is an early symptom of dry rot.
-
Your timber will smell.
If you smell a strong, fungal, dank and musty odour in your timber, it is likely to be affected by dry rot. This can happen even though you can’t see an epidemic of dry rot. The smell doesn’t necessarily mean dry rot is present.
-
Your timber will have fungus bodies on it.
It is the last and most visible level of dry rot. Mushroom-like fruiting bodies can start attaching themselves to your timber. They occur when dry rot can no longer feed on the wood, so the fungus has to churn out spores instead.
-
Your timber will have spore dust.
Spores related to dry rot do not just occur in timber affected by dry rot. However, if splotches of dust rusty color accompany dry rot spores, it can be a sign of dry rot. Fertile bodies supply this spore dust in the final cycle of dry rot.
Dry Rot Treatment in Hastings
Only when the moisture is over 20% will a dry rot invasion take place. The first defense to eliminate the presence of fungus lies on controlling the levels of moisture in your living space or property. Then the moisture levels will be under your control. We suggest that you consult a professional for your dry rot treatment.
Sussex Damp Experts will help remove ant timber removal and other remedial works. Any affected timber should be handled by a professional. The required treatment lies on the knowledge of a dam proofing expert. While some treatments are instilled into the timber, others on the timber’s surface. Preventive treatment options are many, These chemicals demand precise amounts and can have negative side effects if they are inhaled or ingested wrongly.
A specialist can also insert Boron rods into your timber. Boron is a radioactive compound, which is why our damp proofing experts all wear the protective clothing. Our damp proofing team will find and fix your leaks and resolve any dry rot damage. Dry rots can be a severe issue and need to be treated right away. If dry rot is not treated right away, it will spread throughout your property and cause real damage. We will provide a damp proofing solution that is right for your needs. Please don’t be late Call today 01273 257 765, for a free survey, and effective treatment of dry rot.
How can you prevent dry rot damage in Hastings?
The first step in treatment is to avoid dry rot. A dry rot infestation will occur in any wooden areas of the house that traps ample water and is subject to moisture/moisture ingress. Here are several techniques that will save them from forming: Confirm that your house doesn’t have any leaks. Facilitate sufficient ventilation.
Ventilate correctly and envelop the attic. Oxygenate crawlspaces very well. Keep everything dry down there with watertight crawl space floors. Examine all areas of the roof and wall surrounding the chimney from top to bottom, ensuring that water is being directed away from the chimney properly. Keep the sinks and downs clear. If a “wet” system is used, search for the filling/heating leaks. Owing to the humid conditions needed for dry rot fungus to be fed and germinated, the easiest way to reduce the possibility of dry rot is to decrease moisture levels. You can help prevent water damage by plugging the leak.
Speak to a Dry Rot specialist in Hastings
We are a team of highly trained experts who will fix your dampness and help you to avoid future damage. We’ll do a full steam survey of the property and give you a free estimation before we start any work. Over the years, we supported the damp concerns of thousands of home Hastings owners and could even benefit you. Call us now to book a free survey and quote 01273 257 765. I am an expert in dry rot and timber treatment. I can visit your property to identify the extent of the infestation and recommend a solution specific to your requirements. We are not tied to any special interest groups or companies, and can therefore give you advice on the treatments that will be best for you.
Our inspectors are completely trained and can recognise anything from dry red to moisture, including the solution, and provide you with a reasonable cost for any remediation. Dry rot gets worse over time by its nature, it is important to contact us immediately if you think you have a problem. The South Damp Proofing services will assist you in solving your dry rot dilemma by e-mail or calling the phone 01273 257 765.
FAQ
Should dry rot be restored or replaced?
A certain level of dry rot can be repaired, but whether the damaged areas provide the house with structural stability, such as beams and joints, or even flooring, it is not recommended. Replace the wood in such a situation instead of repairing it. Whether you restore or rebuild the wood, it is better if you avoided the conditions that caused the rot to flourish in the first place or risked it coming back. Your roof leaks, broken gutters, or downspouts, plumbing leaks or insufficient ventilation should be inspected when considering a roof moisture accumulation You may consult a specialist to find and repair the problem.
Will you be able to treat my Dry Rot problem effectively?
With our expertly trained surveyors and specialists, a dry rot problem can be treated, rectified, and your timber can be protected for the future.
How do I discover how far Dry Rot has spread?
If you have traced the dry rot fungus quickly or not, a professional will identify the source of the problem. They will be able to trace the fungus in the different masonry and plaster from which it has spread.
How much can dry rot widen?
Dry rot spores can spread in anyplace with the right environmental settings. The reason is that they are carried in the atmosphere. If your timber has a moisture content of around 20%, and if it is in the open air, these conditions are attractive to dry rot fungus. This suggests that fungus groups can disperse to multiple materials. If dry rot is spreading across masonry and plaster, and if it reaches more timber to feed off where the timber is moist. It can widen further. Dry rot fungus needs five things to survive: the right temperature, drive rot spores, moisture, oxygen, and the food source. In any home in Brighton most of this is present.
Will dry rot stretch?
What should I do to control dry rot?
First identify the reason for your timber moist before solving it. A different treatment shall be given if the reason for your timber moisture is outside.
What are the effects of living dry rot unchecked?
Dry rot is the most insidious form of moisture that can infest property and cause permanent damage to the building if left untreated. Sometimes, once the harm is already done due to the places in which the problem is likely to be the presence of dry rot does not come to light.
Is dry rot stringent?
Dry rot can be particularly common in wooden properties, so it is essential that early signs of dry rot are identified before the damage becomes too severe.
How am I meant to know if I have dry rot?
A timber survey will assess how your timber is affected by being exposed to moisture. Later on, fruiting bodies and mycelium will be noticeable in the drive rot life-cycle.
Where can dry rot grow?
Dry rot attacks and rots timber that’s been in contact with water for a long period of time. Although it can often be mistaken for other problems in its early stages, it is important to seek advice. In every structure, both old and new, dry rot can grow. The reason being that it is caused by moisture and wetness that happen anyplace. Dry rot can be caused by leaks or weather, meaning the type of property does not affect it.
