Poulton Remedial Services - Fungal Decay

Fungal decay in timber is always related to high moisture content. Providing the timber is kept dry (i.e. below 20% moisture content) it will not decay due to fungal attack. When untreated timber becomes damp and is allowed to remain in that condition, it will almost certainly be attacked by one (or more) species of wood rotting fungi.

Dry rot affected window frame

The commonly used terms "DRY ROT" and "WET ROT" are not in any way specific, but serve the purpose of differentiating between SERPULA LACRYMANS (the True Dry Rot fungus) and the many other forms of fungal attacks (most commonly Coniophora puteana) which can be referred to collectively as "Wet Rots".

Hyphae and mycelium are True Dry Rot fungus and have the most unfortunate ability to grow through (not merely over) damp porous masonry in search of further cellulose based material such as timber to attack. Extensive removal of wall plaster etc. is usually necessary when eradicating the attack, as the masonry has to be sterilised in addition to the replacement, treatment and isolation of timbers.

1. "WET ROTS"

Other forms of wood rotting fungi likely to be encountered in the buildings (the "Wet Rots") are NOT capable of penetrating masonry to any significant degree; therefore the remedial works necessary to eradicate such fungal attacks do not usually require the removal of wall plaster and are less costly and disruptive. For the eradication of "Wet Rots", other than in exceptional circumstances, it is only necessary for the decayed timbers to be replaced with pre-treated timber, isolated from the masonry and provisions made to dry out the affected area. The correct identification of wood rotting fungi is therefore vitally important when preparing recommendations for remedial works.

Our specialist surveyors are well trained in the identification of wood rotting fungi, in addition to which laboratory facilities are available for identification when it is difficult on site.

1. Sources of moisture
   ALL actual and potential sources of moisture ingress must be rectified. Common sources of moisture ingress include rising dampness, defective rainwater goods or plumbing (both external and internal), incorrectly hung gutters, blocked hopper heads and gutters, uncapped projections, defective external renderings and pointing, faulty roof coverings or flashings, incorrect falls to balconies and flat roofs, etc. Where sub floor ventilation is inadequate, additional metal or plastic air vents must be installed to provide good cross ventilation beneath suspended timber floors. Sleeper and partition walls must be adequately honeycombed. If there is to be a mixture of suspended timber and solid floors, ducting must be incorporated within the solid floors to provide and maintain cross ventilation beneath the suspended timber floors.

2. DRY ROT TREATMENT

In most instances, depending upon the prevailing condition we will either:-

1. Sterilise all exposed masonry with Boracol based Fungicidal Wall Solution (initial application). Brush down exposed masonry to remove surface fungal growth, sterilise all exposed masonry with Fungicidal Wall Solution (main application), drill masonry where joinery timbers are to be re-instated and insert a Concentrated Fungicidal Compound to re-enforce the chemical barrier and provide additional protection to timbers. Drill masonry around the periphery of the specified treatment zone(s) and insert Concentrated Fungicidal Compound to create a fungicidal barrier, then spray oversight or hardcore with Fungicidal Wall Solution.

OR:-

2. Brush down exposed masonry to remove surface fungal growth. Deep-drill the masonry at pre-determined centres and irrigate with Fungicidal Wall Solution introduced under pressure. Sterilise all exposed masonry surfaces with Fungicidal Wall Solution.

OR:-

3. Any combination of the above methods at our discretion.
4. Supply and leave on site for the Contractor's use, specialist materials as defined in our quotation.

Dry rot fungus

We reserve the right to alter the above specifications for Dry Rot treatment in the interests of progress and efficiency and without prior notice, but without lessening the design performance. Before treatment commences notices will be posted to warn that treatments are being applied and prohibiting smoking and the use of naked lights (including gas pilot lights). Persons not engaged in carrying out treatment should be excluded from the immediate vicinity during and for the specified time period after treatment.

3. REPAIRS AND RE-INSTATEMENT

Instate/re-instate all timbers using pre-treated timber. PLEASE NOTE that if pre-treated timber is not being used for this work we can AT EXTRA COST, treat the timbers to be reinstated if available on site at the time of our treatment; unprimed and cut to length wherever practical. Where ends are cut or the timbers are otherwise worked after treatment, the cut ends and worked surfaces must be treated with the preservative provided. It is imperative that NO timbers remain bearing into or in direct contact with the sterilised masonry. Waste timber, shavings or other cellulosic material must not be left in subfloor voids or spaces between joists or upper levels. All such spaces must be left clean. Replaster as necessary using a cement and sand render mix. Where there is a history of rising dampness, replastering must be carried out in strict accordance with our Special Replastering Specification. We then re-instate and generally make good all work disturbed to the satisfaction of the Client. If removal and re-instatement works are carried out by other contractors, please note that it is not our companys' responsibility to ensure that our recommendations are implemented.