ROT
What is Rot?
Rot can be described when then timber or masonry undergoes decomposition, decay, deterioration, disintegrates or become weak. The two types of rot are wet rot and dry rot.
ROT
What is Rot?
Rot can be described when then timber or masonry undergoes decomposition, decay, deterioration, disintegrates or become weak. The two types of rot are wet rot and dry rot.
Wet Rot
Types of Wet Rot
Wet Rot is a general term for several fungal species, the most common being Coniophora Puteana – dark grey or black… and Fibroporia Vaillantii – similar but white, with fan shaped patterns, also known as cellar fungus. There are two common broad types of wet rot:
White rot
When wet rot fungus attacks certain species of woods, the resulting decay can take on a whiter looking appearance. This is known as white rot. White rot occurs when the fungus digests the lignin – a polymer that bonds the cells of wood together and gives it natural rigidity. White rot occurs when the fungus digests the lignin and cellulose therefore stripping out the darker colours with it. This gives the timber a soft spongy feel when touched.
Brown rot
Brown rot takes on a darker appearance than white rot. It can look closely matched to the affected timber colour. Sometimes the wet rot fungus can’t digest the lignin in certain species of timber so it feeds on sugars and cellulose instead. This gives the affected wood a brown appearance.
Why does Wet Rot occur?
Wet Rot occurs when excess moisture is present in timber over long periods of time. This type of decay affects wet timber by causing it to soften. Wet rot is caused by moisture being absorbed into this timber. This moisture can originate from different sources.
Wet rot causes
Wet rot in timber is caused by the exposure of timber to an external or internal moisture source. Exposure of timber building elements is usually concealed and therefore undetectable. Examples of wet rot causes can include:
- Roof defects
- Plumbing leaks
- Leaky or blocked gutters
- Shower trays and around baths
- Penetrating damp through walls
- Condensation
Dry Rot
Dry rot (Serpula Lacrymans) is fungal wood decay which can be caused by a variety of species of fungi that ingest part of the wood which give the wood its strength.
What are the first signs of dry rot?
Signs of dry rot include:
- most serious has a skin of off white
- yellow / lilac (called hyphae that join to form mycelium) and can spread without any source of moisture
- damaged or decaying timber
- damp or musty smell
- deep cracks in the timber grain
- brittle timber or timber that crumbles in your hand
- concentrated patches of orange-brown spore dust
- grey strands on timber
- fruiting bodies that look like large mushrooms
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What are the types of rot?
Rot is a general term for several fungal species, the most common being Coniophora Puteana, also known as cellar fungus. There are two common broad types of wet rot:
White rot
When wet rot fungus attacks certain species of woods, the resulting decay can take on a whiter looking appearance. This is known as white rot. White rot occurs when the fungus digests the lignin – a polymer that bonds the cells of wood together and gives it natural rigidity. White rot occurs when the fungus digests the lignin and cellulose therefore stripping out the darker colours with it. This gives the timber a soft spongy feel when touched.
Brown rot
Brown rot takes on a darker appearance than white rot. It can look closely matched to the affected timber colour. Sometimes the wet rot fungus can’t digest the lignin in certain species of timber so it feeds on sugars and cellulose instead. This gives the affected wood a brown appearance.
Why does wet rot occur?
Wet rot occurs when excess moisture is present in timber over long periods of time. This type of decay affects wet timber by causing it to soften. Wet rot is caused by moisture being absorbed into this timber. This moisture can originate from different sources.
What are the signs of Wet Rot?
- The common signs of wet rot include:
Darkened timber – darker than surrounding timber. - Soft and spongy timber.
- Cracked appearance that may crumble to touch when dry.
- Localised fungus growth.
- Shrinkage.
- A damp, musty smell.
What are the causes of Wet Rot?
Wet rot in timber is caused by the exposure of timber to an external or internal moisture source. Exposure of timber building elements is usually concealed and therefore undetectable. Examples of wet rot causes can include:
- Roof defects
- Plumbing leaks
- Leaky or blocked gutters
- Shower trays and around baths
- Penetrating damp through walls
- Condensation
Can we rot be treated?
Wet rot treatment generally involves the replacement and treatment of timber within the infected area. Even if you are questioning the idea that there might be wet rot in your property, we would advise that you have it checked with one of our experienced property surveyors.
What is dry rot?
Dry rot is fungal wood decay which can be caused by a variety of species of fungi that ingest part of the wood which give the wood its strength.
What are the first signs of dry rot?
Signs of dry rot include:
- damaged or decaying timber.
- damp or musty smell.
- deep cracks in the timber grain.
- brittle timber or timber that crumbles in your hand.
- concentrated patches of orange-brown spore dust.
- grey strands on timber
- fruiting bodies that look like large mushrooms.
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