Causes Of Dry Rot

Dry rot is a kind of fungus that affects both hard wood as well as soft wood timber. It destructs the cellulose and at the same time causes discoloration because of which the wood crumbles. This phenomenon slowly results in to the collapse of wooden structures like house flooring, ship hulls and mine shafts. The fungi requires moisture for its growth, hence, dry rot occurs only in places where there is very poor ventilation or in a place where the humidity is very high. Dry rot also occurs if the wood is not properly seasoned. The dry rot can be prevented by using creosote and many other preservatives. Sometimes dry rot may also attack standing conifers.

Causes of dry rot:

Dry rot is also known as Serpula lacrymans in medical terms. Dry rot is the most common fungus affecting the timber or rather what is better known as wood. Dry rot only affects the wood that is having a moisture content of more than 20 to 30%. The fungus also needs stagnant air for growing better and more easily. If stagnant air is not available then high humidity also works out well for the dry rot. Dry rot also causes cracking of timbers and fruit bodies. It mainly causes the wood to become spongy and thus red dust is given out. Also, it makes the wood smell of acrid mushroom.

Treatment:

Normally, the timber may become damp due to various reasons. The most common reasons for the timber to become damp is due to washing machines leakages, baths shower trays etc. many times, the dampness may also be contributed from the outer side of the building. The dry rot can be controlled if the timber is allowed to dry properly. Due to the drying of the timber, the dry may be controlled. It is not very practical to always protect the timber from dampness. It is thus very important to take secondary measures. It is wise to take defensive steps against dry rot. Any affected timber should be treated with a good quality fungicide. The masonry from where the dry rot has passed should be isolated with the help of physical containment.

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