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Building Conservation: Fungal Timber Decay |
Dry rot (Serpula lacrymans) and wet rot (Coniophora puteana etc.) are the most common form of decay in buildings in the United Kingdom. Most rot require high moisture levels in order to thrive and propagate. Rots break down timber elements in buildings, particularly in areas where there is poor ventilation and high humidity. The chemical constituents forming the timber are broken down by the metabolism of the fungi reducing the strength of the timber until it is structurally compromised; for instance, floor joists may be decayed to the point of collapse. Reliance is often placed on the use of toxic chemicals to eradicate the fungi. This is in most circumstances, unnecessary.  The solution Moisture is essential for fungi to thrive in buildings. This can be controlled and is the basis on which fungi can be managed within the built environment. Heating, ventilation, and good building maintenance will prevent fungal decay forming and will form the basis on which it can be controlled. EBS provides independent advice on decay in buildings and has no vested interest in selling chemical treatments which are usually unnecessary, costly and often require extensive exposure work and hence cost, to allow for their application. |
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