Dry Rot Treatment In Historic Buildings

Dry rot is a problem which is faced by people worldwide. This problem is basically associated with the decaying of wooden structures. The microorganism working behind this problem is Serpula lacrymans. It is a fungus that creates the entire problem and is a real nightmare for the owner of the building. Like other wood-rotting fungi, Serpula lacrymans also feeds on wood and water. Thus it becomes very difficult to stop it. Some of the most affected places are the historical buildings, which are easily attacked and affected by the problem of dry rot.

Measures to control dry rot

Most of the historical buildings are made of wooden structures. In the olden days wooden structures were generally built as they could be easily carved. Moreover these wooden structures increased the beauty of these buildings. But these wooden structures are the only ones affected heavily by the problem of dry rot. In order to control the problem of dry rot in historical buildings following measures could be taken: -

1. Detailed Survey – A detailed survey of the problem is very necessary in order to locate the affected areas. However there are certain areas which need to be given extra attention. These are the roofs, rainwater systems, parapet roofs and roof coverings. These areas have to be carefully examined.

2. Assessment – After the survey has been done, assessment of the problem is extremely necessary. In this assessment it is necessary to evaluate the extent of damage that has been caused by this problem of dry rot.

3. Remedy – After the assessment of the affected wooden structures and the extent of decay, it is necessary to remove the affected parts. Removal of the affected wooden parts is necessary so that the problem of dry rot doesn't spread to other parts of the wooden structures. However, removal of the wooden part should be done with utmost care without damaging the original fabric of the historical building.

These were some of the measures that can be taken in order to control the problem of dry rot in the historical buildings.

You might be interested in these posts as well:

1. Dry Rot Plastic - Dry rot is a problem which has affected people worldwide. Starting from museums, corporate offices and old buildings to wooden...
2. Historic Building Dry Rot - What is the dry rot and how it engulfs historic buildings ? The dry rot is caused due to the...
3. What Is Dry Rot - Dry rot is a fungus that is better known as building cancer. They rampage through buildings and quickly destroy any...
4. Dry Rot - Dry rot is a serious timber decay that is caused by a fungus in damp, poorly ventilated buildings and eventually...
5. Dry Rot Fungus - Dry rot is a fungal disease that attacks all kinds of wood that is soft wood and hard wood. It...