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| Dry Rot / Woodworm
Timber may be attacked by many species of wood-rotting fungi, the most widespread being the True Dry Rot Fungus, "Serpula Lacrymans" and wet rots such as the Cellar Fungus, "Coniophora Puteana" and Mine Fungus, "Fibroporia vaillantii". When spores from these fungi settle on damp wood they germinate and develop fine, thread-like filaments called hyphae. Each hypha releases enzymes, which break down wood cells, causing loss of timber strength. Fungi cannot attack wood below about 20% moisture content so decay does not occur unless dampness in buildings arises through poor design or building faults
Dampness in buildings
Dampness in buildings can cause a number of problems:
- Any increase in the moisture content of timber above about 20% renders it liable to attack by wood-rotting fungi.
- Insulation may be rendered ineffective when it becomes wet.
- Plaster and decoration becomes spoilt and mortar and brickwork deteriorate if they are damp for long periods.
- The increase in humidity in the building contributes to condensation problems and increases the risk of unhygienic mould growths and favours the breeding of House Dust Mites.
Causes of dampness in buildings
There are many possible causes of dampness in buildings, including:
- The absence of, or faults in, a damp-proof course at ground level can lead to rising damp.
- Defects in the roof, walls or plumbing can allow penetrating damp.
- The lifestyle of the building's occupants and the amount of heating and ventilation can influence the development of condensation.
Correct identification is the key to solving dampness problems. This will often involve taking small samples of plaster, mortar and brickwork for analysis on site or at a specialist Laboratory.
Woodworm
Many insect species are able to use wood as a food source or as a home. In doing so they can cause serious damage to timber by tunnelling into standing trees, freshly felled logs or wet, decaying timber. A small number, mostly beetles, are able to attack timber in the more or less dry conditions found in buildings. These beetles are often called "woodworm" because it is the larval or "worm" stage that bores into and eats the wood.
Application of a unique and innovative product by fogging or spray, use of specialist paste where deeper penetration is necessary, and a full 30 year guarantee for all treated areas.
Wood Rotting Fungi - identification / resolution of water source, removal and replacement of decayed timbers, the protection of timbers at risk, and a full 30 year guarantee to treated areas. | |
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