Dry Rot

[Corset]

I have just moved workshop location into part of an old coach house at the back of where i work. Its obvisually had a chequered history and has been used for a variety of purposes, lastly as a design studio/workshop for a door furniture company.
I just finished moving my stuff in and was making some wall mountings when i discovered that some of the upright post (4 by 8) were rotten with what appears to be dry rot. However they are at least 60years old, and there has obvisually been water damage to the post as well. Furthermore a window frame (at least 80years old) is as rotten to mulch. I have duely disposed of these and vacumed up dust. There is no sign of damage to the modern timbers but its dry rot!!!!I think
The space is great and i can't move anywhere else plus as i only have part of the area. So what should i do to prevent infection/spread or is this just a bit of old timber?? Am i getting a little concerned or am my consigning all my future work to a slow fungal death :shock:
owen

 

[RogerS]

Hi Owen

What exactly does it look like?

If the outer surface looks very friable...broken up into what looks like a mosaic of wood with cracks in between and very little structural strength then breath a sigh of relief as it's only wetrot. Just need to stop the water getting in.

If, on the other hand, you see lots of cobwebby looking stuff, long fronds etc...don't get confused with real cobwebs then it does sound like dry rot.

But..is the property yours or your landlords? If the latter then isn't it his responsibility?

feel free to pm me.

Cheers

Roger

 

[Corset]

That sounds reassuring as there are no cobwebs. The unit is at the back of the office where i work so i guess it is mine in a way.
Thanks for replying as i had a bit of a panic on.

 

[Anonymous]

edited by mr G

 

[Corset]

Thanks for the advice. I will get some timber tommorrow then and get down to the next project.