Woodwork

Woodwork

Dry rot, is wood decay caused by certain species of fungi that digest parts of the wood which give the wood strength and stiffness. The main cause of dry rot is a lack of natural air circulation (wood needs to breathe).

The spore which can grow with the aid of moisture resemble a fine red dust which can grow strands known as hyphae which can eventually form a mass known as mycelium which then displaces new spores into the surrounding area.

Wet Rot, is commonly found in timbers that have been damp as a results of coming into contact with water or moisture, for example, damp masonry. Timber can become damp for many reasons however, a common reason is a result of severe or intermediate water ingress.

Woodworm, is the name given to the larval stage of wood-boring insects, which lay eggs within small cracks on the surface of the timber. The most common type of insect is the Common Furniture Beetle, while others include the Death Watch Beetle, House Longhorn Beetle and Powder post Beetle.

As the eggs hatch, the larvae bore into the wood searching for cellulose and create tunnels and chambers from which an adult insect will eventually emerge from.