We’ve all heard the proverb “Prevention is better than cure,” and this motto holds infinitely true when it comes to dry rot—one of wood’s most dangerous adversaries.

To avoid the costly and time-consuming damage of dry rot, wise homeowners are proactive in their approach to prevention. Fortunately, you can stop it from appearing altogether with a little effort! Remember that even small amounts of moisture will encourage the wood to become afflicted by dry rot – so make sure to act fast when there is any dampness present in your home environment.

Dry Rot: What is it?

Dry rot is a devastating fungal decay that destroys the structural integrity of timber used in buildings by consuming its strength-bearing components.

Dry rot is a particularly nasty type of fungi that can spread without any moisture from the outside, as it is able to create its own by digesting wood. If this insidious fungus takes hold, it could wreak havoc on your building’s structural integrity.

Don’t delay, if you suspect dry rot – arrange for a qualified specialist to inspect and treat it right away. Otherwise, the entire affected timber may need to be removed and replaced on top of any other treatments required. Act fast so your home remains healthy and secure!

Dry Rot: Why do they occur?

While spores of dry rot are found naturally in the air, they only become a nuisance when their environment is ideal for germination. These conditions include damp timber with at least 20% moisture content and ample access to oxygen.

Dry Rot: Causes

The emergence of dry rot in homes can typically be traced back to some type of building fault that’s allowing moisture into the timber. Common causes include:

• leaking gutters & downpipes
• penetrating damp 
• poor ventilation
• rising damp 

Dry Rot: Stages

There are four main stages in the dry rot lifecycle.

1. Spores

Dry rot fungus can be found virtually everywhere in the form of dormant spores, which become activated when they come across a source of food (timber), an adequate amount of moisture (around 20%), and air.

2. Hyphae

When spores settle on damp wood, they initiate the growth of hyphae; these delicate white strands spread through the timber like small tentacles and disintegrate it. Acting as water-transporting tubes akin to roots, these cobweb filaments draw out moisture from the lumber.

3. Mycelium

As these hyphae expand, they come together and transform into mycelium- a cotton ball-like material (see below). Mycelium begins to search for new wood as it starts to disperse.

4. Fruiting Body

As the fungus culminates, it bears a mushroom-like body that spawns new spores (colored red) that disperse in the air and permit for further propagation of dry rot.

Dry Rot: Health Risks

Although dry rot spores are not dangerous to your health, the moist conditions necessary for them to reproduce can be risky for seniors, babies, and people with breathing difficulties.

Dry Rot: Treatment

The initial step in battling dry rot is to identify the source of moisture and repair it. Taking this first, crucial action will help prevent further damage from occurring.

To assess the full scope of the dry rot, begin by eliminating all plaster and render in every direction. Additionally, remove the flooring and lift up any adjacent boards to reveal infected wood beneath. Now you should be able to determine exactly where the outbreak has spread.

Dry Rot: Treatment for wood & timber

After you’ve located the severely damaged timbers, we recommend that you cut back in-situ to 500mm beyond any visible signs of decay or fungal hyphae.

After that, you must get rid of all fruiting bodies and observable spores. You should scrub the walls thoroughly in order to eliminate surface growth such as hyphae, mycelium, and any additional fruiting bodies. If needed, a hard-bristled brush can be utilized on the walls for deeper cleaning.

To ensure the dry rot does not return, replace the existing timber with pre-treated wood and liberally apply a dual-purpose fungicide to all remaining sound new and old timber. The specially formulated fluid will kill off any current instances of dry rot while also preventing future outbreaks of this fungus from occurring.

Don’t wait until it’s too late! If you notice any signs of dry rot in your home, make sure to contact Advisor Construction as soon as possible. Taking early action can help prevent further damage and ensure that your renovation project is completed safely and properly.