DRY ROT LIFE CYCLE
Dry rot is a living growing fungus which feeds off of and destroys timber in order to survive. Dry rot needs moisture to grow and can spread very quickly given enough humidity.
Dry rot treatment four main stages in the dry rot life cycle described below, though it is recommended to begin treatment as early as possible:
1. SPORE:
Dry rot begins as a tiny spore. On their own these spores are practically invisible to the naked eye but in large quantities dry rot spores appear as a fine orange/brown dust. Dry rot spores can be found in most properties and will remain harmless unless combined with timber and excess moisture.
2. HYPHAE:
Where timber and moisture are present the spore will begin to grow. The spore produces very fine white strands, not unlike cobwebs, known as hyphae. These strands allow the dry rot fungus to grow by infiltrating the timber and feeding on it. It is through this process that dry rot breaks the structure of the timber down thus removing its strength. If dry rot signs can be spotted at the hyphae stage there is a good chance of containing it before it spreads any further.
3. MYCELIUM:
When hyphae runs out of timber to feed on it begins to grow into a large cotton wool like mass known as mycelium. Mycelium can spread a considerable distance in search of new timber and it is this ability to exponentially grow, over a variety of materials, which allows an outbreak to progressively destroy the structural timbers of an entire building if left undetected.
4. FRUITING BODY:
In suitable conditions, dry rot mycelium will continue to exist and grow at a considerable rate within a building. Fungi prefers dark and damp areas with little or no breeze. When conditions change the dry rots survival is threatened and its natural response is to create a sporophore or “fruiting body”. The function of this mushroom-like form is to pump spores into the atmosphere that land on other susceptible areas in the building where dry rot growth can continue. This process allows the dry rot life cycle to start all over again.
SUSPECT DRY ROT IN YOU PROPERTY?
Dry Rot is an incredibly serious timber condition that can have a major impact on your properties structural integrity. If you have noticed any of the signs above it is important that you get a professional in to survey your property and provide a dry rot treatment plan.
A professional surveyor from Wise Property Care will be able to identify the full scope of any dry rot problem. Using specialist tools our surveyors can monitor the progress of any dry rot infestation, even when the rot is in concealed areas of a property. If a survey reveals the presence of dry rot then the dry rot treatment recommended will depend on the severity of the outbreak.
DRY ROT TREATMENT
Want to know how to treat the problem? Check out our basic guide on dry rot treatments and solutions to eradicate a dry rot issue.
HOW TO SOLVE A DRY ROT PROBLEM
When it comes to resolving a woodworm issue, the first step is to establish the severity of the problem. A professional dry rot survey from Wise Property Care will identify the full extent of any woodworm infestation in your property even within timbers that are not easily reached.
NEED A LITTLE MORE HELP REGARDING DRY ROT
If you suspect you might have dry rot, contact Wise Property Care today and speak to our team for help and advice. Alternatively contact us online using our contact form for help, advice or to arrange a property survey.
Organise a no obligation dry rot property survey today, and our expert surveyor will be able to recommend the right treatment for you.
