lifecote@hotmail.com

 Lifecote Dry Rot and Wet Rot

 

Dry Rot and Wet Rot are wood destroying fungi which attack timber in order to extract food to maintain growth and the generation of spores. Affected timber exhibits significant loss of weight.

In buildings the result is the deterioration and ultimately destruction of the timber with serious consequences in the case of structural sections.

The problem affects all types of property, historic or modern. Dampness combined with lack of ventilation provides the ideal conditions for fungal attack.

Important Note: Dry rot can cause widespread structural damage. We recommend that a survey is carried out immediately if dry rot is suspected.

Dry Rot

The true Dry Rot fungus is the more serious requiring fast specialist action to avoid extensive damage. It is malignant and will spread even through thick walls in search of timber to attack.

Timber affected by dry rot  is brown, dry and brittle with cuboidal fractures and can be crumbled by hand.

It requires over 20% moisture level for spore germination.  When dry rot occurs,  fine greyish hyphae strands develop from the spore spreading to form mycelial growth which varies from grey to pure white in wet conditions.

 Dry Rot
Dry Rot - Cuboidal Cracking
 

                       Dry Rot Decay

Wet Rot

Sometimes called the cellar fungus, Wet Rot is a common cause of structural defects. It requires a moisture content of 50 to 60% but it does not spread through masonry and growth ceases when the moisture is removed.

Treatment

Special low odour micro-emulsion preservative fluids are applied by spray, brush, or in paste and gel form. Our skilled joiners can replace defective timbers including flooring, structural and ornate sections.

Dry Rot and Wet Rot are wood destroying fungi which attack timber in order to extract food to maintain growth and the generation of spores. Affected timber exhibits significant loss of weight. In buildings the result is the deterioration and ultimately destruction of the timber with serious consequences in the case of structural sections.

The problem affects all types of property, historic or modern. Dampness combined with lack of ventilation provides the ideal conditions for fungal attack.

Lifecote Examples of Timber Defects 

lifecote is highly experienced in the Treatment Dry Rot and Wet Rot. When timber is exposed to prolonged wetting there is a risk of decay by wood rotting fungi. Some fungi require thorough remedial measures, while others require no treatment at all. Correct identification is essential if the right treatment is to be given.

 

Image Symptoms Cause Remedy
Dry Rot - Bloom on skirting board
Serpula lacrymans
  • Cracking Of Timbers
  • Fruiting bodies
  • Red Dust
  • Acrid mushroom smell
Moisture Content 20-30%, stagnant air, high humidity. Lifecote to remove, treat and renew. Improve ventilation. Find and cure cause of attack.
Wet Rot - Coniophora puteana
Coniophora puteana
  • Cracking of timber
  • Fruiting bodies
  • Mycelium often present
High Moisture Content in immediate vicinity Lifecote to remove, renew and improve ventilation. Find and cure cause of attack.
Wet Rot - Fibroporia vaillantii
Fibroporia vaillantii
  • Cracking of timber
  • Mycelium often present
Very high Moisture Content in immediate vicinity Lifecote to remove, renew and improve ventilation.
Wet Rot - Phellinus contiguus
Phellinus contiguus
  • Commonly found in external joinery, bleached wood.
  • Stringy fibrous appearance
  • Fruit body / Mycelium
High Moisture Content, condensation, defective paintwork. Renew timbers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 
 

       Lifecote Ltd Head Office: 2ND Floor 145-157 St.John Street London EC1V 4PY