WELCOME TO OUR DRY ROT DETECTION PROJECT
This project is presented by Property Repair Systems
Summary: Detecting dry rot using Dry Rot Sensors
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If you need help with Dry or Wet Rot Identification, or Rot Treatment products Property Repair Systems staff will be pleased to give you completely free, no obligation advice on 01626 331351. The information you need may be in the project below. If not, call them.
Named "Dry Rot" because of its ability to grow into dry areas, this clever fungus has developed the ability to soak up moisture from timber, totally drying it out, and then develop strands which can travel across and through bricks and mortar to other timbers in unventilated conditions. It cannot feed on the masonry itself, but carries the moisture with it in the strands to allow it to spread.
It is true to say that every property carries the risk of developing Dry Rot but also true to say that, with modern properties, Building Regulations and materials, it is less likely to occur. In older properties however Kiln Dried timbers were not specified, roof tiles were generally clay and more porous and most materials did not carry any British Standard specifications. Work was not necessarily governed by modern building regulations and, one way or another wet timber and masonry could be found on all levels of the house.
Dealing with Dry Rot once it has set in is an expensive procedure and it is much better to prevent it than try and cure it (Click here for more Dry Rot Information)
Many old properties have wood paneling installed on some walls, many "newer" properties have had plasterboard dry lining placed on damp walls.
How to detect Dry Rot
During the biological decomposition of wood by destructive fungi, including the Dry Rot fungus Serpula lacrymans, there is known to be a reduction in the PH level of the substrate. This PH variation can be detected and visualised through the use of sensitive reagents, which simply change colour in the presence of the Oxalic Acid produced by Dry Rot.
The colour changes occur before any substantial decay of the wood takes place, allowing any potential for deterioration to be mapped out in a building before major damage is inflicted on structural timbers.
These Dry Rot Sensors are incredibly easy to use and are simply inserted into 8mm holes in any area which is likely to be prone to Dry Rot. They are then left for about two weeks, during which time they reach equilibrium with the building materials that surround them. They are then inspected to see if the blue wooden stems have turned yellow, which would indicate the presence of dry rot. If no colour change is found the Sensors can be left in place, as a long term test point, or moved to a new location
Please note colours may not be accurate
Click here for more information and to order
Answers to 8 typical Questions:
Q1: Does the timber grain orientation matter – that is, should the Sensor hole be drilled along the grain or across the grain?
Answer – It makes no difference to the ability of the Sensor to detect Dry Rot.
Q2: Is the colour change from blue to yellow a definite indication of Dry Rot?
Answer – Yes, only active Dry Rot can produce this change
Q3: Is there any deterioration of this product when stored?
Answer – No, it will definitely be good for at least 3 years in the box, if kept away from direct sunlight
Q4: Can they be inserted from the outside of a building?
Answer – Yes, but make sure they are fully inserted into the holes, to avoid rainwater damage.
Q5: Is there a minimum depth for insertion?
Answer – No, but the full 110mm of the standard Sensor is best.
Q6: How tight a fit should the Sensor be in the hole?
Answer – Not so tight that it becomes stuck – a little play is good, because the Sensor will swell slightly.
Q7: How long does one wait before taking the first reading?
Answer – Moisture equilibrium with the moisture content of the building material around the hole can be expected in 14 days.
Q8: Will the sensors only react to Dry Rot.
Answer – Yes, the amount of Oxalic Acid produced by Wet rots is insufficient to produce the colour change.
If you need help with Dry or Wet Rot Identification, or Treatment products Property Repair Systems staff will be pleased to give you completely free, no obligation advice on 01626 331351.
Go to our video section relating to dry rot and watch the short video on "dry rot problem" to learn about dry rot on a roof.
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