Dry Rot Treatment Newcastle
Dry Rot Treatment – Newcastle & Surrounding areas
As reputable North East damp and timber specialists we offer fully guaranteed dry rot treatment in Newcastle and surrounding areas. Dry rot can be both inconvenient, costly and not to mention disruptive. Therefore it is essential that all work is carried out by specialist contractors.
What Exactly is Dry Rot?
Dry rot, aka true dry rot, is one of the most harmful issues that can occur on your property. It affects unprotected timber and wood once it becomes damp. Identifying and removing the cause of the problem before it spreads helps preserve the structure and integrity of your property. In certain cases, this may involve cutting out and replacing the rotten section of the wood or timber and applying an antifungal solution. Whatever the remedies, DP Damp Proofing dry rot eradication carries a transferable 30-year guarantee, giving you the service you can trust.
Dry rot is a typical wood-destroying fungus that may wreak havoc on exposed wood in your home if it becomes moist. It is a type of brown rot decay brought on by the fungi Serpula lacrymans and Meruliporia incrassata, the former of which is abundant in the UK and northern Europe, and the latter is common in North America.
Both fungi destroy and weaken the wood in buildings and other wooden structures without an obvious moisture source. They leave the lumber with only a weak matrix of lignin after removing the cellulose and hemicellulose.
The phrase “dry rot” is a misrepresentation, though, as all wood-decaying fungus requires a certain quantity of moisture to flourish. Dry spores grow and damage your property as soon as the moisture content exceeds 20%.
What Causes Dry Rot?
Dry rot requires moisture. Homes with poor ventilation and high humidity are more prone to dry rotting issue. Early warning signs can be seen in attics and lofts, behind plaster, sub floor timbers, or under the stairs, because dry rot fungus, like all fungi, loves damp and dark places. If you reside in an especially damp or humid environment, you must take measures to control moisture buildup in your home.
As with wet rot, moisture can result from leakages. In either scenario, locating and eradicating the moisture source before addressing the fungus issue is important.
Dry rot is frequently found in regions hidden from direct view, and it can spread throughout the house and severely damage the wood if it’s not discovered right away.
Signs and Symptoms of Dry Rot.
There are four major stages in the dry rot life cycle. It starts as minute spores that look like fine orange dust. They’ll germinate and start to form thin, white strands, aka hyphae when exposed to enough moisture. The hyphae grow and eventually coalesce into a substantial mass referred to as mycelium. The last stage is the development of a fruiting structure that releases fresh spores into the surrounding atmosphere.
Dry rot can be challenging to spot, especially in its early stages. However, it’s easy to detect the mycelium and fruiting bodies later in the organism’s life cycle.
Common dry rot indicators include:
- Deteriorating or damaged timber.
- Musty or damp odour
- Deep fissures in the wood’s grain,
- Brittle wood, or wood that breaks apart when handled,
- Dense clumps of dust consisting of orange-brown spores
- Bouncy floors
- Creaking floors
- Floors drop away from the skirt boards.
- Fruiting structures that resemble big mushrooms.
Dry Rot vs. Wet Rot?
Dry rot and wet rot are two of the most common types of wood decay experienced in homes. Both types of rot are typically brought on by fungal spores that already exist in the wood and thrive and multiply given enough moisture. The scientific names for these types of fungi are Serpula lacrymans (dry rot) and Coniophora puteana (wet rot).
Every home contains dry and wet rot spores to varying degrees. Wet rot, however, requires more moisture in the wood to grow. The spores germinate when moisture levels in the wood reach 50%. It typically develops in areas with high moisture content as a result of an external leak or water infiltration through downpipes, plumbing stone pointing, or guttering. It’s distinguished by the presence of black-brown fungal sprouts.
On the other hand, dry rot fungi spores are more dangerous because they don’t require a high moisture content (approx. 20%) to flourish and appear as large cotton wool like structures.
When dry rot gets to this point, it can seriously damage a building because the timber starts to deteriorate, losing its structure and integrity. Additionally, dry rot can develop inside wall cavities and cracks, feeding on debris and wood behind the plaster. The progression of a dry rot infestation may be found in other hidden areas of a home.
A full detailed intrusive inspection from damp and timber specialist or extensive building survey by qualified RICS building surveyor will be able to determine the entire extent of the wood decay problem. The recommended course of action will depend on how advanced the dry rot has spread.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Before commencing any dry rot treatment and removal the source of moisture must be identified and eradicated as part of the combined remedial works.
Dry Rot Treatment Newcastle – Timbers
Once the infested wood/timber has been located, it is advised to cut back out the rotting section at least 50cm beyond the final traces of hyphae or fungal proliferation.
All visible spores and fruiting bodies must be eliminated. This means washing all wall surfaces to eliminate hyphae, mycelium, spores, and fruiting structures. If necessary, the walls can be cleaned with a firm brush.
Where accessible it is usually be advisable to remove affected timbers with pre-treated wood. After specialist chemicals should be generously applied to all healthy timber, whether new or old.
For carpeted properties it is usually more cost effective to replace floor timbers with moisture resistant caber flooring.
Dry Rot Treatment for Masonry
Any dry rot treatment must also include brickwork / stonework. An injection or spray application of a high-strength antifungal microemulsion can be used.
The chemical targets the mycelium and prevents it from spreading because it is made to seep deep into the stone substrate. It provides masonry with enduring protection against fungal bloom and dry rot. If necessary, it may also be applied as an underfloor steriliser in places where dry rot breakouts are common.
DP Damp Proofing has been providing dry rot treatment and removal and treatment in Newcastle for many years, providing dependable services supported by a 30-year guarantee that you can trust.
Book Free Inspection Without Obligation
Professional advice from local North East Damp & Timber specialists for the most appropriate remedial solutions for all damp and timber treatments.
