Dry Rot – Causes, Identification & Solution – Dumfries & Galloway
What is Dry Rot? Dry rot is a type of fungal timber decay known as Serpula Lacrymans. It occurs when wood becomes too wet with a moisture content of over 20% and the wood-destroying fungus attacks the timber. Dry rot is the most serious form of fungal decay. Dry rot fungus is very destructive as it spreads across masonry and destroys all timber in its path including structural timbers, skirting boards, door frames, and flooring. It affects all types of properties, new and old, and can be detrimental to a property if left untreated as the fungus can weaken the structural integrity of a building and cause it to collapse. CAUSES Dry rot occurs when airborne spores come into contact with damp timber that has a moisture content of over 20%. These spores then germinate and sprout grey root hyphae strands. The hyphae grow into mycelium which covers the timber in a thick cotton-wool like substance. The fungus eats the wood and sucks the moisture from it, leaving it weakened. The fungus then
