Rot is a major cause of timber decay in both modern and historic buildings. The two most common types of wood rot are dry rot or damp rot, also known as wet rot. These forms of wood rot are caused by a fungal degradation within the building timbers. Both poor ventilation and dampness lead to rotting wood.
The Difference between Dry Rot and Wet Rot
Dry rot is solely caused by Serpula lacrymans, making it the most extreme and serious form of fungal decay in buildings. This form of fungal destruction often spreads and ruins most of the timber. Damp or wet rot, on the other hand, occurs more often but is not as serious. The decay is usually restricted to the spot where the timber is wet.
How Dry Root Forms and Grows
Whilst many factors lead to damp and dry rot control in Buxton, the main reason for destruction in both instances is moisture. For example, in the case of dry rot, the moisture leads to the growth and germination of spores. When this happens, the spores form a cotton wool-like growth that is referred to as mycelium. At this point, damage to timber can occur, which leads to structural loss.
How Wet Rot Develops
In the case of wet rot, the unwanted growth appears on the porous surface of timber where moisture content is at least 50%. Moisture content this high frequently originates from defective stone pointing, downpipes, gutters, or plumbing. Fortunately, wet rot will not spread through masonry work and the growth will stop when the moisture is extracted or removed.
Dry Rot Can Be Hard to Detect
Dry rot, on the other hand, requires a moisture level of about 20% to grow. However, its appearance is more clear and transparent. Dry rot frequently grows where it cannot be easily seen or detected. As a result, your building may suffer substantial structural damage before the issue is identified.