THE PROBLEM
 Wet Rot
Wet Rot sometimes called cellar fungus, if left untreated, will destroy the structural strength of timber. Treatment for this form of rot is by the application of a fungicidal paste spread onto the surface or in the case of larger timbers injected into the centre. Once this paste has been applied a skin forms which prevents the evaporation of the carrier solvent ensuring maximum penetration of the active ingredients. Structurally unsound timbers should be replaced with new and the original source of dampness traced and rectified.
Dry Rot
Dry Rot is by far the most dangerous and destructive of the wood destroying fungi. It can destroy completely sound wood reducing it to a dry and brittle state easily crumbled by hand. It does this by its unique ability to transport water great distances through its root structure, dampen sound timber and feed from the cellulose. It is particularly dangerous as it only requires a moisture content in timber of 20% to getminate and under the right conditions can spread as fast as 80mm a day. Its mycelium can penetrate masonry and infect timber on the other side of thick walls. Once matured, the fungi produce a fruiting body which spreads its microscropic spores throughout the building to infect other areas. It is therefore essential that the correct action is taken swifty to eradicate this malignant fungus or untold damage to the building will result.
THE SOLUTION
Firstly location and removal of the underlying source of moisture is necessary. Special low odour preservation fluids, generally micro emulsions, are then applied by spray, brush or in paste or gel form. Where necessary infected masonry is drilled, irrigated and surface sprayed. Elan Dampcoursing use specially formulated preservative fluids to carry out the fungicidal process and skilled joiners to carry out the replacement of defective timbers.
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