Wood rotting fungi obtain their food by breaking down the walls of wood cells , causing loss of strength of the wood . They cannot utilise wood at or below 20% moisture content and therefore do not occur in internal building timbers unless poor design or building faults have led water entry of condensation.
Importance of Identification
Not all fungi in buildings cause wood rot . However , the presence of any fungal growths indicates the damp conditions exist which are also suitable for the development of wood rotting species. Remedial measures may be necessary to locate and remove sources of dampness, otherwise there is a risk that wood rotting fungi could become established.
Wood rotting fungi found in buildings can be divided into two major groups according to their effect on wood.
Brown rots cause the wood to become lighter in colour and fibrous in texture without cross-cracking.
Except for one brown rot , SERPULA LACRYMANS , which is commonly known as dry rot, all brown rots and white rots are collectively referred to as wet rots.
It is necessary to get the correct identification , to therefore undertake the correct remedial treatment.
SERPULA LACRYMANS , the dry rot fungus , is significant for its ability to spread extensively behind plaster and through wall and floor materials within a building. Successful remedial treatment may require more elaborate destructives measures.
Black mould on surfaces of which are usually signs of condensation within a property require the correct treatment of heating / ventilation balance, thermal upgrades on external walls may be required which rids of cold spots ( where dew point occurs ) , if not approached correctly this then leads to condensation issues within a property.
Typical black mould – Penicillium spp , Aspergillus spp , and Cladosporium spp.
All of the above fungi mentioned will be identified by our trained surveyor during a survey if there are any signs of said fungi within the property, the appropriate measures will then be recommended in a qualified survey report from Seamless Preservation.
