What is dry rot

Dry rot (Serpula lacrymans) is a fungus that attacks timbers. In buildings such an attack can be devastating as structural damage often results. Once established, dry rot has the ability to grow through solid walls and behind plasterwork. It is good practice to remove all infected material rather than rely solely on chemical treatment.

Dry rot spores are present in the air. Should the spores come into contact with timbers with a moisture content of around 23% there is a strong risk of an attack. Dry rot has four distinct elements, a combination of which may be present in any outbreak. The elements are: Mycelium, Hyphae (Strands), Sporophores (Fruiting body) and Spores.

Dry rot treatment is highly specialised and expert advice should always be sought should an outbreak be suspected. Treatments are generally covered by long-term guarantees.

John
Posts: 1

photos
Tue August 31, 2010, 15:57:12

I think I have dry rot but it doesn't look like any of these photos. Where can I see some better examples?

detective
Posts: 1

Re: photos
Tue August 31, 2010, 16:19:36

We will be showing more pictures soon. One of the ways that we hope to do this is by collecting contributions through our Ask our Experts section.

If you upload a picture of your dry rot I will try to determine the exact problem and reply to you via email.