Dry rot defects

Dry rot prefers damp still air, an environment where the timber is in contact with damp brickwork and where ventilation is poor, is ideal for its growth. Therefore, sub floor voids or cellars with no ventilation are examples of ideal locations. The identification of dry rot can be distinguished by the wood becoming dry, crumbly and has a dull brown colour. It can also be distinguished by its cuboidal cracking. In extreme circumstances or where the dry rot is allowed to manifest to concealed areas such as sub floor voids the fruiting bodies to the rot can led to fungus growth to the woodwork.

The photo shows a defect subsequently discovered after further investigations were carried out by the client. Concealed within the ground floor of a late 1800’s semi detached house there was an old door opening to access the adjoining semi which was once a single dwelling. The timber lintel had been self in situ and nails inserted to provide a key for a final finishing layer of plaster. The cuboidal cracking can be seen in this instance.


Written by David Coplin-Chard