Dry rot occurs where the timber is damp and the affecting damp has a moisture content that is in excess of 20%. This moisture can be present as a result of the following forms of dampness:

• Penetrating Damp– Caused by external defects such as defective rainwater goods or a leaking roof.
• Rising Damp – Caused by a possible ineffective damp proof course – for example where the damp proof course has been bridged.
• Condensation – Lack of sufficient ventilation in a property can lead to damp, moist air been trapped in the property leading to condensation problems.

The other vital ingredient to cause a dry rot outbreak is dry rot spores which surround us every day but are unseen to the human eye.

Serpula Lacrymans

The name is something of a misnomer insofar that dampness in the timber is very often the cause of an attack by this highly destructive fungus. The word ‘dry’ refers more to the cracked and dry appearance of the affected timber, whereas the Latin word ‘Lacrymans’ refers to the weeping appearance of the moisture-exuding fruiting bodies. These fruiting bodies (sporophores) ripen to give off literally millions of spores which may be recognised as a rust coloured dust. The spores are airborne and can be found almost everywhere in this country. The spores which may have come to rest can lie dormant for years until a set of conditions arises which triggers off germination, and initially, growth by cell-division. The initial growth is white and fluffy, almost like cotton wool, and in this state it is referred to as mycelium. This develops into the sporophores, which may be coloured red-brown, violet and yellow, and, as mentioned already, produce the spores for future propagation.

The most common symptom of dry rot, even without physically seeing the outbreak, are the presence of a damp, musty and fungal smell. The smell may not necessarily mean there is a dry rot issue, but would certainly indicate an issue with dampness; however dampness can often lead to dry rot depending on the extent of the issue.
There is, however, a further aspect which contributes to the spread of this fungus. It can develop moisture-seeking ‘strands’ which are capable of penetrating masonry. These strands are resistant to alkaline conditions and can grow through lime mortar in their search for a new ‘food’ source.

All this serves to emphasise the extreme importance of recognising an attack of dry rot fungus in its early stages. There is no point in ignoring it and hoping that it will go away, because the longer it is allowed to survive, the more exhaustive and costly eradication will become.

Finally, the strands are capable of lying dormant for years before, themselves, or even small sections of them, being triggered back into life, start a fresh outbreak of the fungal growth.

The eradication of this form of decay must be a job for experts and must be very thoroughly carried out, being increasingly more costly the longer it is delayed. Where ‘strands’ have developed, these must be completely traced and sterilised by selected irrigation of the area with a powerful fungicide. All affected timber and any discarded material in sub-floor voids should be removed from the premises and burned. Plaster affected by strands or otherwise contaminated should also be removed from the building and carefully disposed of. Timbers in the area of an attack must be treated with the appropriate fungicidal preparation.

Most importantly, any sources of dampness in the structure of the building must be located and appropriate action taken to remove this source of trouble.

One of the conditions which will encourage the growth of dry rot and fungus is damp air, so that the provision of efficient ventilation in the sub-floor and cellar areas is an essential requirement in the eradication process.