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Wood decaying fungi
Timber decay (dry rot or otherwise) as a result of fungal attack is a natural process whereby organic materials (such as woods) are broken down and returned to the earth. While this is all well and good when a tree branch falls to the forest floor, it is not so beneficial where timber is employed within our homes and structures.
Simplistically, a number of conditions have to be met in order for fungal growth to occur. Firstly, a spore (a fungal ‘seed’) must be present, as must a food source (organic material like wood), air or oxygen, reasonable temperatures (i.e. 0 – 43 degrees Celcius), and water.
Spores are generally present all around us, as is air and timber, so why is your dining table not falling apart? The answer is water.
Risk of decay arises when the moisture content in timber reaches a high enough level for germination to occur, and it is this reason why dampness and timber decay in buildings go hand in hand.
We specialise in the identification and treatment of wood decaying fungi (such as dry rot), and the sources of dampness which trigger the decay.
Serpula Lacrymans
The latin name for 'dry rot', it means 'serpents tears'. Dry rot is sometimes seen with beads of water upon it, and is believed to be able to extract water from timbers to 'dry' it to ther extent that the fungi can then feed upon it.
Wet Rot
All other forms of fungal decay are referred to as wet rots.
Brown Rot
We deal with all forms of brown rots.
The Process.
This generally includes the following:
1. Stripping out substrates to expose extent of rot.
2. Remove any sources of timber where possible i.e. fixing plugs in walls.
3. Rectifying source of moisture.
4. Isolating any timber from external walls where possible
5. Treating retained timber with preservatives.
6. Sterilising the structure where dry rot outbreaks occurred.
7. Timber repairs, where structural timber decayed.
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We’re experts in structural waterproofing with over 45+ years of experience.
