Aggghhh! Dry Rot! Help!

Travelqueen

I've been merrily ripping up the carpets, cork tiles (absolute nightmare, never again) and chipboard that the previous occupants of my house put down. Most of the planks are fine, a bit of woodworm which I've treated, but then, last night, the last piece of chipboard was removed to reveal... dry rot. An isolated bit but there none-the-less.

My plan is to cut out the infected bit, replace with new treated timber and treat the unaffected wood around the site. Does anyone know if this is good enough or not? Any other suggestions?

Please let me know I'm getting a wee bit worried!

TQ

divadee

After a quick google search, hit seems you may need a full survey to see how far the dry rot has spread.

"It is vital to carry out an extensive survey to find the extent to which this rot has travelled. Eliminating one area will not stop the fungus travelling to other parts of the home and it all has to be destroyed. The survey must include an assessment of the damage, as timbers subject to dry rot must be replaced. The source of the moisture must be located and remedied.

All of the property must be dried rapidly, introduce space heaters if necessary. Remove every bit of rotten wood including all wood at least 400mm away from the last evidence of rot.

Where the drying out may be delayed, in brickwork or not easily accessible areas, the surface must be treated using an appropriate preservative after removal of plaster and other affected surfaces.

Replace rotten timbers with treated timber, and treat all remaining timbers with at least two coats of preservative.

Make sure ventilation is introduced to all areas which could possibly be affected. Roof voids, under floor voids. If ventilation is not possible, membranes or barriers must be introduced between brickwork and timbers.

Remove all affected materials from site."

That was i found from one site. Do a google search for more info. Good luck.

divadee

Also found this information.

ClickHere

suzy-wong_5

would insurance cover this problem

Travelqueen

I read that too... but then I talked to the font of DIY wisdom, my dad, and he was a bit more blase... so I treated it, filled the hole I'd made by hacking at it with a knife to investigate :-[ and I'm hoping that'll be sufficient!

If the house slowly collapses I'll let you know!

TQ

Haggis_n_Neeps

Remember do not just replace the rotten timbers (and also those seemingly good timbers around them), it is vital that you also find the cause of the water/moisture penertation and cure that. (as mentioned in divadee's post). Rot can also be on the plaster and brickwork, etc and these areas are likely to require to be renewed or treated to kill the rot.

Failure to do this WILL result in rot reappearing. (it's a bit like if you were to just repair your ceiling plasterboard/plaster if it has been water stained due to a leaky roof - you will need to repair the ceiling again shortly because you have not fixed the cause of the problem - the leaky roof!!)

If the dry rot is extensive, you may be able to get financial/grant assistance from your Council. Phone and ask.

For Travelqueens original problem of rot in a floor some causes may be the ground level is too high externally and bridges the damp proof course in the wall, resulting in water seepng through. Blocking off of, or no provision of underfloor airbricks can also contributre to dry rot occuring.

Best advise is to get a survey carried out by a rot company (check that they are free even if you don't give them the work). Look at the survey report and see what remedial work they have included for, especially looking for things like dpcs, reducing ground levels, increasuing underfloor ventilation, etc. It is the case that the rot spores spread throughout the surrounding materials seeking out more moisture. Once found, a fresh rot outbreak will occur and the cycle starts all over again. Do not leave it untreated for too long, as it will only get worse (& more expensive to remedy).

I hope this help you.
Haggis_n_Neeps