Liverpool Builders 4K Construction have put this short but informative article together to hopefully assist you in understanding a little about dry rot and how it may affect your property.

What is dry rot?

Dry rot

Dry rot is potentially a cause of seriously damaging decay for timber in both historic and modern buildings, but contrary to belief, it does not have to be devastating or outrageously expensive to repair if caught in time.  It is the most serious type of timber decay and is caused by Serpulalacrymans which is generally considered to be more dangerous than wet rot fungi, since it is less easily controlled by drying regimes.

Decay

After time the decay caused by the rot can cause instability and collapse in houses, and other wooden structures.  The process of wood decay itself produces water but in this respect dry rot is no different from any other wood-rotting fungus and, likewise, its ability to produce moisture in this manner can be negated by ventilation. You may be familiar with seeing airbricks to the underside of timber suspended floors? These airbricks help provide ventilation to timbers.

Eradicating Rot

The treatment for dry rot differs considerably from that for wet rot.  Identifying timber treatment Laboratory testing is important to determine clearly the type and level of timber treatment, because doing this on site can be difficult.  The information will allow conclusions on the: extent of timber damage and therefore extent of replacement timber to be estimated time restrictions to be established for remediation measures to be put in place extent and type of treatment required for replacement timber to be decided.

It is imperative when you find dry rot that you replace or repair it quickly so the fungus will not spread. Dry rot and wet rot can affect buildings of all ages and if decay is discovered it should be identified and remedial action taken without delay.

Information

For further information or help on Dry Rot, or if you suspect your property may require Dry Rot Treatment, call 4K Construction  today on 0151 736 0072.

4K