Have you discovered an unusual fungus in your crawl space, basement or on a wooden structure? It could be dry rot.
Sometimes called “building cancer”, dry rot can cause significant deterioration of wood materials. Lab’Eau-Air-Sol identifies fungi in samples collected from buildings to help determine the nature of suspicious growth.
About the analysis
Understanding and identifying dry rot
What is dry rot?
Dry rot, known scientifically as Serpula lacrymans, is a wood-decay fungus that breaks down certain components of wood. Its growth can weaken framing and other wooden components of a building.
How can you recognize dry rot?
Its appearance varies with its stage of development. It may form a cotton-like network of whitish filaments, greyish mycelial strands or brownish to orange fruiting bodies.
Several fungi can look similar. A visual inspection alone is therefore not always enough to confirm dry rot.
Growth conditions and effects on buildings
Dry rot develops in favourable moisture conditions, particularly in crawl spaces, basements and areas affected by water infiltration.
It can form filaments and strands capable of passing through certain non-wood materials, such as masonry joints, to reach other sources of wood.
As it degrades wood, it can weaken structural components. The extent of the damage depends on factors including moisture conditions, how long the problem has been present and the materials affected.
What does the analysis involve?
Lab’Eau-Air-Sol examines samples of fungal growth or suspect materials in the laboratory to identify the fungus present. This analysis helps distinguish dry rot from other fungi with a similar appearance.
The results provide information about the submitted sample. On their own, they do not establish the extent of contamination or structural damage. These aspects may require a further investigation of the building.
When should you request this analysis?
An analysis may be useful when suspicious fungal growth is observed in a building, particularly where moisture problems are present.
- You discover whitish, greyish or brownish growth on a wooden structure.
- You suspect dry rot in a crawl space or basement.
- You notice unusual wood deterioration accompanied by signs of fungal growth.
- You want to identify a fungus before planning corrective work.
- You need identification results to support a building investigation or report.
- You would like information about analysis procedures and costs.
What should you do if you suspect dry rot?
Avoid scraping, moving or removing suspect materials without obtaining appropriate advice.
It is important to identify sources of moisture and have potential damage assessed when structural components appear to be affected. Corrective measures must suit the situation and the extent of the damage.
Learn more
Watch a Radio-Canada report from La Facture about a house affected by dry rot.
Watch the La Facture reportSampling
How do you collect a sample?
Consult our instructions for details on collecting and submitting a suspect sample.
If you suspect significant contamination or structural damage, seek professional advice before disturbing the materials.
Sampling methods
Find instructions for preparing and submitting your samples.