What is dry rot, and why it’s important to have a survey?
Dry rot is a scary thing. Over just a year or two, it can significantly damage a property. Left untreated for too long, it can even cause structural problems or even collapse.
It goes without saying that finding and eliminating this fungus is imperative for the safety and value of your home.
Getting a home survey is one of the best ways of identifying the visual signs of dry rot, to help you decide if you need to call in a timber specialist to investigate further.
Here are some of the warning signs to look out for.
What is dry rot?
Dry rot is a fungus known as Serpula lacrymans. Its spores float around in the air, settling into place when coming into contact with humidity and a lack of ventilation.
Contrary to the name, ‘dry’ rot doesn’t always form in ‘dry’ conditions. Provided the humidity and water content in the wood are 20% or higher (as in, almost everywhere in the world), it can grow.
Dry rot is a much bigger problem than wet rot (although both are far from ideal). This is because it disperses through spaces and across wood, effectively infecting large areas of timber. Wet rot, in contrast, only spreads within the damp part of a surface, which usually means the problem is far more contained.
It’s particularly dangerous when it gets into structural components like roof beams and floor joists because of this reason. Once it’s in, it spreads, and suddenly there’s a significant (and hazardous) issue.
How does dry rot develop?
As mentioned in the previous section, dry rot (Serpula lacrymans) is a fungus. The spores originate from a developed sporophore, the fruiting body of dry rot. They then float through the air until they settle on damp, exposed timber, usually in a dark, hidden part of a building.
Here, the spores grow by literally eating the wood. They germinate and grow into hyphae, thin grey strands penetrating through and around the surface. This then further develops mycelium growth, evident from its cotton wool-like appearance. It’s this that really does the damage.
Serpula lacrymans also drains wood of moisture, leaving the timbers brittle and weak. Eventually, once the damage is in full swing, the fungus grows into a new sporophore (orangey-red in colour), releasing further spores, and the cycle of destruction continues.
The wood could be damp for any number of reasons, including:
- Holes in the roof
- Penetrating damp
- Poor ventilation (especially in bathrooms, kitchens or the loft) leading to condensation
- Leaking pipes or hoses (like your washing machine)
- Drainage issues, including around windows and door frames
- Rising damp (rare)
Why getting a home survey is essential
Because dry rot spreads so invasively, it presents a real problem. The first thing you’ll need to do is, of course, suspect that it might be a problem.
This is actually easier said than done, unfortunately. By nature, dry rot spreads in dark, damp places. These are usually those areas you never look at, like behind plasterboard or in a secluded spot underneath your cupboards. Watch out for tell-tale signs such as a cotton wool-like substance on a wooden surface, or evidence of an old leak surrounded by rot.
The earlier you find dry rot, the better your chances of a quick and relatively cheap repair. This will involve replacing the damaged wood, eliminating the water source (usually a leak or hole), and using a fungicide to protect the remaining timber in the area.
It’s also often a good idea to use a dehumidifier to completely dry out the area, giving you the best chance of preventing the dry rot from returning.
A home survey can help you spot the visible signs of dry rot in a property, so you can call a timber specialist to investigate them further. If your home survey does find evidence of dry rot, you can use the report to direct your next decisions, although we always strongly recommend swift action when it comes to dry rot.
How to get a home survey
GB Home Surveys is a team of chartered surveyors. Our employees work in several locations, including Bath, Bristol, the Cotswolds, Devon, Taunton, South Wales, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Birmingham.
Each of our chartered surveyors has spent years training to earn their title. They know what dry rot looks like, the signs to watch out for and the best ways to find specialist help if your survey does spot the signs.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us through the form below. We’re always happy to have a commitment-free, friendly chat about your situation and discuss which survey is right for you.
We look forward to hearing from you.
