ToxicBlackMould
Information about mould and mould disease
Dry Rot Fungi
Dry rot of wooden structures is caused by so called dry rot fungi which can transport water through their mycelia over long distances. As an example, the dry rot fungus Serpula lacrymans can destroy wood on the second floor of a building, transporting the moisture from the cellar. Dry rot attack in buildings is often found in the mostly moist ends of wooden beams, which are not separated from the brickwork. Such timber has contact tobrickwork, which favours oxalic acid neutralization and also an appropriate wood moisture for decay. Dry wood in central parts of a room is rarely attacked.
Other dry rot fungi are Serpula lacrymans, S. himantioides, Leucogyrophana mollusca, L. pinastri, L. pulverulenta and Meruliporia incrassata.In spite of its name dry rot needs wood with a moisture content of at least 20% to thrive. It loves damp, warm, unventilated conditions so it’s often found in areas that aren’t easily visible such as roof trusses, the underside of wooden floors, beneath stairs and behind skirting boards. Dry rot can be identified by
- Matted whitish growth tinged with yellow and/or lilac patches;
- A growth resembling a pancake with a russet colour at the centre. If you see this you’ll know the fungus has really taken hold. That russet colouration is in fact millions of spores of dry rot;
- A distinct and quite acrid mushroom-y smell;
- Splitting, shrinking or crumbly wood. Try poking timbers with a screwdriver; if it sinks into the wood you’ll know it’s decaying.
