Dry Rot Treatment Scotland
Dry rot is a destructive form of fungal decay that can cause extensive structural damage to properties. At Wise Property Care, we specialise in the accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of dry rot, ensuring your property remains safe and structurally sound. Our dry rot treatment services can help you avoid or restrict potentially costly repairs and rebuilds.
We are experts in dry rot identification, treatment and property preservation. Wise Property Care’s experienced team utilises advanced techniques and proven solutions to eradicate dry rot and prevent its recurrence.
What is Dry Rot?
Dry rot, caused by the fungus Serpula lacrymans, is a serious form of timber decay. Unlike wet rot, dry rot can spread through masonry and other building materials in search of more timber to decay This makes it a significant threat to the structural integrity of buildings. It thrives in damp, poorly ventilated conditions.
Causes of Dry Rot
Dry rot requires specific conditions to flourish:
- A source of constant low-level moisture (from leaks, rising damp, condensation, etc.).
- Poor ventilation
- Timber with a moisture content above 20%
- A food source (the timber itself)
Identifying Dry Rot
Recognising dry rot early is crucial. Look for these signs:
- A damp, musty odour.
- Cracked timber that crumbles easily.
- Greyish strands (hyphae) spreading across timber and surrounding surfaces.
- Fungal fruiting bodies (sporophores) – often a reddish-brown, pancake-like growth, with white ‘lips’.
- In humid, still conditions there is a fluffy cotton wool-like growth with lilac and yellow tinges.
- Affected wood will often be lighter and more brittle than usual.
How Does Dry Rot Spread and Affect My Property?
Dry rot is a living, growing fungus which feeds off and destroys wood to survive. Moisture is needed for it to grow and it can spread quickly given enough humidity. There are four main stages in its life cycle, and it is recommended to begin treatment as early as possible.
Spores
Dry rot begins as a tiny, invisible to the naked eye spore. However, in large quantities these dry rot spores appear as a fine orange/brown dust. Dry rot spores remain harmless unless they land on timber at the correct moisture content and temperature, at which point they germinate.
Hyphae
Where moist timber is present, the spore will begin to grow. The spore produces very fine white strands that allow the dry rot fungus to grow by infiltrating the wood and feeding on it. This is how the dry rot breaks down the structure of the timber, weakening it. If dry rot signs can be spotted at the fine white strands (hyphae) stage, there is a good chance of containing it before it spreads.
Mycelium
The hyphae form a large flat mat known as mycelium, which is pale grey with lilac flashes. If the mycelium forms in still air conditions, it will look like cotton wool, with lilac and sulphur yellow flashes.
Fruiting body
In suitable conditions, dry rot mycelium can spread rapidly, particularly in dark and damp areas with little or no ventilation. When the mycelium is struck by natural or artificial light, this causes sporophores or ‘fruiting bodies’ to be produced. If conditions for growth become adverse, the mycelium will produce sporophores to ensure survival. The spores are pumped into the atmosphere and land on other susceptible areas in the building where dry rot growth can continue. This process allows the dry rot life cycle to begin again.
What Dry Rot Treatment Do You Offer?
Wise Property Care provides a comprehensive survey process and dry rot treatment. If you think your property needs dry rot treatment, you should contact us so a professional can conduct a thorough survey.
Survey and Diagnosis
A trained and qualified surveyor will attend your property and conduct an internal and external inspection. The first step is to locate the source of moisture allowing for the dry rot outbreak.
- The surveyor will then confirm whether it is wet rot or dry rot, determine the extent of the outbreak and the potential damage to structural and decorative timber.
2. All findings will be detailed in a thorough report, outlining the surveyor’s findings along with recommendations for treatment, where necessary.
3. There will be a cost breakdown and the timeframes involved will be outlined.
Dry rot treatment involves:
- Addressing the source of moisture to prevent recurrence.
2. Removing all affected timber, often extending beyond the visible signs of damage.
3. Removing any damaged unsound plaster or plaster concealing decayed or at-risk timbers.
4. Applying a fungicidal treatment to kill the dry rot spores.
5. Improving ventilation in areas such as sub floor voids through the installation of airbricks.
6. Treating surrounding masonry with fungicide.
Reinstatement
Replacing removed timber with treated timber or non-timber alternatives is crucial. Ensuring adequate ventilation is also vital.
Post-treatment inspection and monitoring
We ensure the treatment has been successful and offer ongoing support.
Long-term guarantee:
Unless stated in the report, our dry rot treatments are backed by a 20-year guarantee, giving you peace of mind that your property is protected long term.
Contact Our Dry Rot Experts for an Inspection Today
Dry rot is a serious problem affecting many properties across Scotland every year.
Contact Wise Property Care today for a professional dry rot treatment survey.
CONTACT OUR PROPERTY REPAIR EXPERTS
As the experts in commercial property preservation services, our professionally qualified surveyors have decades of experience in diagnosing property issues and conducting timely and effective repair solutions.
For industry approved and accredited preservation services, speak to one of our commercial specialists today to discuss the most effective way to take your project forward. Alternative fill out our brief contact form and our commercial team will get back to you.
