Wet Rot / Dry Rot Treatment In London South West
Wet rot / dry rot treatment in London : Damp Proofing London South
Dry Rot and Wet Rot are wood destroying fungi which attack timber in order to extract food to maintain growth and the generation of spores. Affected timber exhibits significant loss of weight. In buildings the result is the deterioration and ultimately destruction of the timber with serious consequences in the case of structural sections.The problem affects all types of property, historic or modern. Dampness combined with lack of ventilation provides the ideal conditions for fungal attack.
Important Note: Dry rot can cause widespread structural damage. Damp Proofing London South recommend that a survey is carried out immediately if dry rot is suspected and our specialists can undertake dry rot treatment in London.
The true Dry Rot fungus is the more serious requiring fast specialist action to avoid extensive damage. It is malignant and will spread even through thick walls in search of timber to attack.Timber affected by dry rot is brown, dry and brittle with cuboidal fractures and can be crumbled by hand.
It requires over 20% moisture level for spore germination. When dry rot occurs, fine greyish hyphae strands develop from the spore spreading to form mycelial growth which varies from grey to pure white in wet conditions.
Wet rot / dry rot treatment in London. Systems used by Damp Proofing London South
Special low odour micro-emulsion preservative fluids are applied by spray, brush, or in paste and gel form. Our skilled joiners can replace defective timbers including flooring, structural and ornate sections. Dry Rot and Wet Rot are wood destroying fungi which attack timber in order to extract food to maintain growth and the generation of spores. Affected timber exhibits significant loss of weight. In buildings the result is the deterioration and ultimately destruction of the timber with serious consequences in the case of structural sections.
The problem affects all types of property, historic or modern. Dampness combined with lack of ventilation provides the ideal conditions for fungal attack.
Sometimes called the cellar fungus, Wet Rot is a common cause of structural defects. It requires a moisture content of 50 to 60% but it does not spread through masonry and growth ceases when the moisture is removed.
To initiate growth from a spore the wood must be physically wet; in other words it must be subject to a source of water ingress, e.g., leaking gutters, wood in contact with damp masonry, etc. In practical terms the wood must have a moisture content in excess of 28-30%. Spores will not germinate on dry surfaces or surfaces which are not suitably wet. In other words, unless the wood is wet dry rot cannot become initiated.
If untreated wood is put in contact with damp infected masonry there is always the potential for the new wood to become infected.
Dry Rot Treatment in London
The principles for the control and eradication of dry rot are outlined as follows:
Primary Measures Used By Damp Proofing London South ( wet rot / dry rot treatment in London South West, East, etc )
The most vulnerable feature of the fungus is it requirement for water, and it is the control and elimination of this essential requirement that forms the fundamental measure for the control and elimination of dry rot.
Locate and rectify the source of water causing and maintaining the rot.
Promote and maintain rapid drying conditions.
The removal of the source of water is the first point of attack. It is therefore absolutely essential to stop further water ingress. This action alone will eventually control and eliminate the activity. Indeed, it is the fundamental measure in eradicating the organism. Included in this action is the promotion and maintaining of rapid and good drying conditions.
Secondary Measures Used By Damp Proofing London South( wet rot / dry rot treatment in London South West and other areas )
A specialist contractor such as Damp Proofing London South will fully understand the factors involved in dry rot treatment in London. Please note: where dealing with historic properties and where it is deemed necessary to keep as much of the historic timbers as practically possible then it is essential that dry techniques are used. This WILL require careful monitoring of both conditions and the state of the rot; such practices should only be conducted by specialist professionals in the conservation of historic timbers.
For a wet rot / dry rot treatment in London South West, timber treatment in London South West and other London areas call Damp Proofing London South on 020 7498 2837 or 07912 306337.