Ask a Tradesman: How to spot dry rot and treat it

Why is it that issues around the house, unless devastatingly urgent, seem to linger for days, weeks, even months on end? Perhaps the reason that we don't jump into solution mode is that, often, we haven't got a clue what the problem actually is - let alone how to fix it. When you're stuck with a home repair mystery, a good first step is to get a bit of unsolicited advice and identify the problem. But where on earth do you go for that?

Our friends at MyBuilder.com have come up with the perfect solution - they've tapped into their database of over 45,000 trade members to bring you a new tool called Ask A Tradesman, which does pretty much what it says on the tin.  If you've got a DIY or home improvement question, you can ask the experts on MyBuilder.com and they'll come back to you with specific advice. We tested it out with a question from the GWG community and here's what the experts had to say ...

Question: I think I have dry rot under my sink. How do I know if it's dry rot - and if it is, what should I do?

STEP 1: Identify the problem - how to tell if you have dry rot 

Dry rot is the decay of wood due to a certain type of fungus (most commonly serpula lacrymans, in the UK). When outbreaks occur it makes timber extremely brittle. According to AH Weeden of Pimco Property Improvement & Maintenance Co, under the sink is not an uncommon place for dry rot to establish itself due to poor ventilation. Alf is a London builder experienced in structural repairs, flood damage, damp proofing, plastering and much more. He explains that dry rot isn't difficult to recognise beacuse it rots wood to the point that it breaks and crumbles to the touch. It's powdery and flaky and sometimes starts spawning organic growths.

Steve Leinster of SL Solutions, a qualified damp proofing specialist, adds that dry rot is often accompanied by a pungent damp, musty odor and an "organgey brown" fungus. There will often be a brown sore dust in the air and mycelium strands, a fluffy cotton-wool like substance, in timber and brickwork.

STEP 2: Still think it's dry rot? Here's what needs to be done

First off, act fast - SL Solutions warns that dry rot is highly contagious and can spread through the walls and timbers causing major structural damage. He drives home the importance of catching the problem early with this dooming analogy, "dry rot has been likened to cancer of the building." If you think you might have dry rot, get a specialist over immediately to check it out.
 
To help understand the remedy process, Pimco explains how to eradicate dry rot for good:

1) The infected area must be removed completely along with a 1 meter perimeter from the point of origin.

2) Burn the damaged material. 

3) Treat the remaining area with dry rot killer (including brickwork, etc).

4) Replace with treated timbers and ensure that area is ventilated to avoid future outbreaks.

A final word of advice thanks to kitchen fitter and plumber, Jez Owens of Devon Trade Team, "check extensively for leaks, even drips. The fact that the problem is occurring under the sink could suggest you have an escape of water (thus entitling you to the cost of repairs on your contents insurance). Try filling the sink with the plug in then release it and check all the wastes while it's draining. Tell tale signs other than puddled water is if the unit has swelled. Most kitchen units (strangely) don't react well to water. the edges will swell and de-laminate."

STEP 3: Bring in the experts

Whenever you're looking to get a professional in to sort problems or make home improvements, it's always a good idea to get multiple quotes and evaluations before awarding the job to your preferred tradesman. Make sure you check references and verify insurance prior to hiring.

You can find and compare qualified local damp specialists on MyBuilder.com - an easy to use website for finding recommended builders and tradespeople.

MYBUILDER.COM TRADE CONTRIBUTORS:

Pimco Property Improvement & Maintenance Co
SL Solutions
Devon Trade Team

Photo courtesy of SL Solutions

29 March 2011