Dry rot - how bad is this?

[DIY-hestitant]

Wanted to get an idea from experts/people who have dealt with what I presume is dry rot in a friend's house. Posted pictures, one from August and a comparison to now where it seems to have gotten significantly worse.

It's downstairs, there's no immediate current source of moisture outside except some old cracked render, the ground height seems fine, and the area within the cupboard is along an internal shared all with next door. The floor doesn't seem to be sagging, but doesn't get much foot traffic and is a bit creaky. It's not known when it the rot first started.

I realise it's hard to tell before a proper inspection and knowing what under the flooring looks like, but given the rate of deterioration and the spread, what are the ballpark figures for getting this sorted? Would mortgage companies/potential buyers would be wary?

 

[opps]

I am no expert, but I would have thought that dry rot should show the spider web type spores. Again... I am no expert.

 

[DIY-hestitant]

I am no expert, but I would have thought that dry rot should show the spider web type spores. Again... I am no expert.

I shone a torch on the bigger cracks in the timber inside the cupboard and there was quite a bit of white 'webby' film on the exposed (/non painted) timber.

 

[DIY-hestitant]

To add also, there's a tonne of red dust/particles on the floor below the skirting, along some of the painted skirting areas as well as inside the cupboard which can be seen in one of the pictures.

 

[Munroast]

I would guess (and i have some limited experience of this) when it becomes obvious like that, it will be considerably worse where you can't see. That could be potentially a very big job.

 

[opps]

Again, I don't know. Looking at image number 2, the architrave is a mess. There is a water stain under the window. I am not sure that it is dry rot rather than wet rot.

 

[mrrusty]

100% definitely dry rot as it displays the "blocking" that confirms it is dry rot. And it's also a bad case of it. The whole lot needs ripping out and burning or disposing of. The wall and surrounding area will need treating.

When you start taking it out, you'll find there's not much more than the paint holding it together. It may have spread much further than this area. You/they may need specialist help to treat it.

 

[opps]

To add also, there's a tonne of red dust/particles on the floor below the skirting, along some of the painted skirting areas as well as inside the cupboard which can be seen in one of the pictures.

The red dust could be rust from the nails. I don't think that metal is affected by dry rot. AFAIK dry rot sucks the moisture and cellulose out of timber, it that is correct, I would not expect it to rust metal. That said, dry rot might be the result of moisture, which would rust the nails.

 

[mrrusty]

The red dust is the spores. They'll be everywhere. It's a big job.

 

[opps]

100% definitely dry rot as it displays the "blocking" that confirms it is dry rot. And it's also a bad case of it. The whole lot needs ripping out and burning or disposing of. The wall and surrounding area will need treating.

When you start taking it out, you'll find there's not much more than the paint holding it together. It may have spread much further than this area. You/they may need specialist help to treat it.

I know little about the subject.... would you expect it to climb up the architrave but ignore the plaster and mdf to the side of the window?

 

[opps]

The red dust is the spores. They'll be everywhere. It's a big job.

Fair play, itcan be a sign of dry rot.

Dry Rot - Causes, Identification & Solution

Dry rot is a type of fungal timber decay known as Serpula Lacrymans. It occurs when wood becomes too wet and the wood-destroying fungus attacks the timber.

www.allcottassociates.co.uk

But would you really expect it on a window architrave?

 

[mrrusty]

It thrives on wood, but can spread across other materials, The give away is the red dust and the blocky appearance more here https://www.property-care.org/homeowners/advice/dry-rot/early-signs

 

[mrrusty]

But would you really expect it on a window architrave?

Yes, because despite the name it does require a certain amount of moisture and around a window is a prime place for leaks and/or condensation caused by cold spots

 

[opps]

It thrives on wood, but can spread across other materials, The give away is the red dust and the blocky appearance more here https://www.property-care.org/homeowners/advice/dry-rot/early-signs

But

Wet Rot - Homeowner Info & Guidance - PCA

Help & information for homeowners on wet rot, how to spot it, how to repair it & where you can find help - Find out more - Property Care Association

www.property-care.org

shows images similar to the OP's, and they are listed as wet rot...

 

[DIY-hestitant]

But

Wet Rot - Homeowner Info & Guidance - PCA

Help & information for homeowners on wet rot, how to spot it, how to repair it & where you can find help - Find out more - Property Care Association

www.property-care.org

shows images similar to the OP's, and they are listed as wet rot...

AFAIK wet rot doesn't 'spread' and is more localised, this has definitely spread significantly over 3 months.