Dry Rot Investigation

Fruiting body of the true Dry Rot fungus, which produces characteristic red-brown spores.

Despite its name, Dry rot, serpula lacrymans, requires water as much as any other wood rotting fungus. Since its introduction into Britain in the seventeenth century, it has developed a reputation for spreading rapidly in damp older properties with concealed spaces, such as wall linings and floor voids where humidity and temperature can mimic its original Himalayan forest habitat. The warmer, wetter seasons which climate change is bringing are increasing the risk of dry rot and other wood rotting fungi and moulds in historic buildings, with health risks for occupants and the possibility of structural damage.

We have advised on many rot outbreaks and always aim to eliminate them at source, ie by cutting off the water supply and increasing ventilation so that the fungi die naturally, instead of destroying valuable historic timbers and introducing harmful chemicals. Our minimum intervention approach, which is consistent with 'state of the art' conservation advice, is less disruptive and generally more economic than alternatives.

Collapse of floor board may be the first sign of a dry rot outbreak Sealed space under a step is a typical location for an outbreak.
Under floor space may have spectacular growths The water source in this case is clearly condensation from a cold water pipe touching the wood.

 
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