Dry Rot

Dry rot is a serious timber decay that is caused by a fungus in damp, poorly ventilated buildings and eventually reduces the wood to dry weak mass. Fungal diseases are also present in some of the plants, stored potatoes and fruits. Dry rot is the decomposed wood caused by the fungus Serpula Lachrymals that affects the buildings. The reason of dry rot is the moisture content in the atmosphere. This primary factor has to be controlled and it's necessary to maintain dry conditions. It is essential that a detail study has to be done to prevent the sources of moisture entry. Attention should be given to the roofs and rainwater systems mainly on gutters and down pipes, parapet roofs and roof coverings. Prevention of the rainwater entering through renderings and flashings, around windows and doors is also essential. Leakages have to be checked and any kind of leakages has to be repaired. Drying is necessary and this can be done by heating and ventilation that requires building work in order to avoid the entry of moisture and increase the aeration. The use of dehumidifiers is beneficial as they remove the moisture content in the air.

How to remove the rot of affected timber?

The timber that has been affected by dry rot is removed by certain treatment on them. There are liquid preservatives that are applied to the surface of the timber. There is the chemical treatment to prevent the fungus from getting a supply of fresh food supply in the form of timber. Chemical treatments of the masonry create a barrier between fungus in the wall and the wood. The treatments are the surface application of fungicidal fluid, use of fungicidal renderings, Insertion of preservative plugs and pastes, localized irrigation treatments.

Treatments for the areas affected by dry rot

Sterilization with hot air is increasing being used. This process of sterilization has to be done carefully so as to ensure the necessary temperature which is essential to prevent the damage to the building. Regular monitoring is necessary to prevent the building from being effected by dry rot. Since dry rot develops gradually and very slowly the early detection and curing of moisture will prevent the decay. There are monitoring systems that are increasingly used with permanent fixation in the timbers or other parts of the building fabric. Sensors can also be installed that indicate the overflows.

You might be interested in these posts as well:

1. What Is Dry Rot - Dry rot is a fungus that is better known as building cancer. They rampage through buildings and quickly destroy any...
2. Dry Rot Fungus - Dry rot is a fungal disease that attacks all kinds of wood that is soft wood and hard wood. It...
3. Repair Damaged Dry Rot Wood - Introduction: Dry rot is widely known as fungus Serpula lacrymans. It is a kind of fungus that affects the wood....
4. Causes Of Dry Rot - Dry rot is a kind of fungus that affects both hard wood as well as soft wood timber. It destructs...
5. Dry Rot Treatment - Dry rot is very hard to fight. The presence of excess moisture in the air causes dry rot. This dry...