We are in that rainy time of year again. One minute you are bathed in warm sunshine and the next the sky darkens and you have an afternoon of continuous rain.
If you have a home in Portugal particularly an old home then this time of year can be problematic as there are the ideal conditions for Dry Rot.
(not to be confused with Wet Rot)
Dry rot lives on timber and masonry from where it sends out long filaments to explore the surrounding area for moisture and nutrient.
We are going to get a little technical here…. The main fruiting body is usually tucked away in a roof void, between a floor and ceiling or behind wall paneling. The place it lives is humid and protected from extremes of temperature and dryness. The filaments that it sends out collect the nutrient and humidity from which it survives and multiplies over time.
The nutrients that is finds are taken out of any damp wood. The wood does not have to be damp all the time. Which brings us back to the sun and showers described above. If for instance roof timbers have some wood worm damage and then get wet due to winter rains. The timber tends to absorb water and stay wet for longer making the ideal conditions for Dry Rot to thrive.
The effected wood looks like it has been burnt or charred without the black colour. In effect the same process as a fire the goodness inside the wood has been taken away.
This picture shows a first floor of a house which has woodworm and dry rot in the roof and several other places. As a result the rafters slipped and two large stones fell off the gable wall one of which landed in the lounge!
Dry rot and woodworm require specialist eradication if you think that you have a problem in your home its best to call out Castelo Construction to take a look we will not charge you for the visit.
Telephone 00351 915854008 or email info@casteloconstruction.com
We work throughout Portugal
