Wet Rot

Habitat

General: Softwoods

Together this group are a common cause of rot in damp woodwork in buildings frequently in areas of higher temperatures, and can cause extensive damage (particularly Fibroporia Vaillantii)

Damage Characteristics

Resembles Serpula Lacrymans (Dry Rot) - Wood breaks up into cubical pieces however, decayed wood is lighter in colour and cracks are not as deep as those caused by Serpula Lacrymans.

Fungal Characteristics:

Mycelium

White or cream sheets or fern-like growths, may discolour brown on contact with iron.

Strands

Seldom thicker than twine, white to cream in colour and remain flexible when dry (only well developed in Fibroporia Vaillantii) 

Fruit -Body

Irregular lumpy sheets or plates, white or cream to pale yellow, spore bearing surface white to pale yellow in colour, occasionally with pink patches (Poria Placenta only), with numerous minuet pores.

It is not necessary to distinguish between the many species of wet rot, since the same remedial measures are required for all species. However, the successful remedial treatment of dry rot may require more elaborate measures.

Identification of Wood Boring Insects

A number of small insects, mainly beetles, are able to use wood as a food source and some of them can cause serious damage to building timbers. These insects all have fairly similar life cycles, although there are variations. Use the above menu for more information on Wood-Boring insects.

In a beam end where the end is damp, removal of moisture and targeted treatments into the heart of the infestation are the only way of eradication. Investigation into the extent of the damage is necessary and is achieved by micro-drilling.

The face of this moulded timber plate (right) appeared to have a moderate infestation by Death Watch Beetle (Xestobium rufovillosum). When the back of the timber was investigated it was completely destroyed. Lead work behind the plate had become porous, probably as a result of litchen on the roof above.