Ambient Preservation

Dry Rot is the most serious form of fungal decay in a building. The decay is caused by a certain species of fungi called Serpula lacrymans, also known as True Dry Rot, that digests parts of the wood which gives the wood strength and stiffness.
Dry Rot is very destructive. It has the ability to pass through inert material to spread to other timbers. The mature fruiting bodies of wood-destroying fungi that develop during an attack produce millions of microscopic spores which are widely dispersed by air currents. Falling on untreated timber they will germinate to form a mass of hyphal threads called mycelium.
Dry Rot affects timbers which are exposed to damp conditions and where there is a general lack of ventilation. Externally exposed timber, timber in contact with wet soil or masonry, or timber subject to a damp atmosphere can all suffer from fungal attack.
Typical indications of dry rot being present include shrinking , darkening and cracks appearing in the timber. Under humid conditions a white fluffy ‘cotton wool’ mycelium develops. Under less humid conditions, a grey/ mushroom coloured skin with patches of yellow often develops. Fruiting bodies are soft, fleshy pancakes with an orange surface. Rust red coloured spore dust are frequently seen around fruiting bodies. The active decay often produces a musty, damp odour.
What is Wet Rot?
The two categories of wet rot - Brown Rots and White Rots - which can both be destructive to timber. Generally brown rots cause cuboidal cracking and shrinking of the timber whilst white rots tend to reduce the timber to a stringy, fibrous texture.
The decay of the timber is typically confined to the area where it has become and remains wet. The high moisture content allows the fungus to establish and develop. Typical causes are gutter leaks, roofing defects, plumbing leaks etc. Damp, Poorly ventilated environments are susceptible to outbreaks of wet rot.
The surveyors at Ambient Preservation will identify the type of fungal infestation and ensure that the correct treatment is specified.
Although wet rot is far easier to control than dry rot, and does not travel through masonry, it is still important to combat it as early as possible. If left untreated it can cause severe damage to your property.
Like dry rot, wet rot is caused by fungi. Unlike dry rot, the fungus which causes wet rot is not aggressive and will die when all moisture is removed from its environment. This fungus needs at least 35% of moisture content and inadequate ventilation to flourish.
However, all wet rot treatments are the same: they depend on the exclusion of moisture and the removal and replacement of infected timbers.
Chemical treatments are not usually required, however, they are provided as a protection to new timbers, or where the fungal growth has been particularly heavy; they can also be used to test the extent of wet rot damage and determine if a rotted but still serviceable timber should remain in place.
The Source:
Wet rot is caused by high moisture content and most commonly occurs in very damp areas or areas with poor ventilation.
The first signs would usually be rotting of skirting boards and floorboards.
Action to be taken:
As with all kinds of rot, the first step of wet rot treatment would be to determine the source of the moisture.
Timbers severely infected with fungal growth need to be removed & replaced, while those which are still serviceable may be retained and treated
In severe cases of wet rot, chenical damp proofing of affected walls may be necessary

If your property has been affected by flooding or sewage we act quickly to remove standing water, dehumidify, dry and sanitize affected areas, and restore your property to its original condition.
Our water damage repair team consists of skilled professionals who have years of experience working with water damaged properties and are on call 24/7. We understand how traumatic flooding can be so we promise to act fast to complete your water damage repairs and get you back to normal as quickly as possible.
Sometimes the source of flooding can be simple to spot: the result of extreme weather conditions or a burst pipe. In some cases the causes of water damage are less obvious so we use the latest technology to find the source and carry out any water damage repair fast.
Let Ambient Preservation help you with:
24/7 emergency response
Emergency Plumbing Services
Burst Pipe Repair
Leak Detection
Removal of Property & Storage Services
Water Extraction
Flood Damage Assessment
Drying and Dehumidifying Flooded Areas
Deodorizing, Mould Mildew and Odor Control
Water Damage Repair
Complete Property Restoration
Direct Insurance Billing
What's more, we will work with your insurance company making the water damage repair process as stress-less as possible for you.