Dry Rot Survey in Gainsborough

Peter Cox were called out to a property in the market town of Gainborough, located in Lincolnshire, with the owner suspecting a fungal decay problem in the front elevation of the home.

A damp and timber survey was conducted and the surveyor found no evidence of air bricks on the exterior, which are used to ventilate the underfloor areas of suspended floors. This air flow will reduce the risk of fungal decay in sub floor voids.

Vegetation was also noted by the surveyor growing on the front elevation of the property, this indicates that when it rains, moisture is penetrating into the masonry and the sub floor void.

Dry rot needs a source of moisture to germinate, and when twinned with a lack of ventilation gives the perfect conditions for this type of fungal decay to thrive.

The surveyor then moved inside the property to investigate and identify whether it was in fact a dry rot outbreak. The surveyor found clear evidence of cotton-wool like mycelium and rust-coloured spore dust typical of a dry rot problem under the full sub floor area.

Wet rot is typically isolated to the location of moisture, whereas dry rot will spread by growing 'root like' mycelium that spreads across damp timber or masonry in search of new food sources.

The wood rotting fungi had affected the joists making up the suspended timber floor and floorboards, which would all need to be removed and replaced.

The surveyor compiled a detailed report with his findings, and recommended a bespoke treatment to return the property to its former glory.

As with any dry rot outbreak, the first step is to prevent the source of moisture, and this was done so by preventing rainwater  penetrating damp into the property by a masonry protection cream on the external walls. Any areas of damaged mortar is repointed to prevent moisture ingress.

Airbricks are installed to provide adequate airflow into the sub floor void to prevent growth conditions for dry rot.

Affected timbers were cut back to sound timber, or completely removed where there was significant damage.

As dry rot spores can travel through masonry in search of new timber to attack, brickwork was irrigated and a fungicidal fluid is applied to destroy any dry rot remaining in the area.

New timber floors and joists are then installed by trained and experienced technicians, before refitting skirting boards and replastering the affected area.

Technicians are equipped with dust extraction equipment and floor coverings to keep disruption to a minimum when carrying out work such as hacking off plaster.

Typically dry rot work is backed by a long term guarantee, meaning the property is protected long term, and this job was no exception.

Peter Cox surveyor Jason Clapton said “When you have a lack of ventilation and a source of moisture you give fungal decay the perfect conditions to thrive. Thankfully we were able to fully treat this property before the dry rot spread further. Our technicians carried out the work and we were able to protect the property long term with a 20 year guarantee, meaning the client has peace of mind the problem is solved.”

If you have similar problems in your property, get in touch with Peter Cox Gainsborough branch and a local surveyor covering Gainsborough.

Whether you are buying or selling a property, or are concerned you may have identified damp, wood rot, woodworm or any other preservation problem in your home, arranging a property survey with Peter Cox means that we will get to the bottom of the issue and create a bespoke treatment plan for you.

Should you choose to go ahead we have a team of technicians on standby ready to get started restoring your home. Give our Gainsborough branch a call today or click the button below to book a survey online.