PRESS RELEASE Don’t let the rot set in… Dry rot can be lethal to any wooden product, including wooden windows and doors. We speak to Dylan Miller from leading wooden window and door manufacturer, swartland, about the harmful effects of dry rot and why prevention is always better than cure… 31 March 2014, Johannesburg: Dry rot is a weakening of wood caused by one of several species of fungus. The fungus digests the parts of the wood that give the wood strength and stiffness. Weakened wood is typically somewhat dry, hence the name – dry rot. Ironically, dry rot usually results from the wood being in contact with too much moisture. The dry rot fungus has the unusual ability to transport water from wet areas to dry areas, allowing the fungus to grow even in relatively dry wood. If not stopped, dry wood is potentially disastrous to any wooden product, as it will eventually weaken the wood so much that it will ultimately disintegrate. The best cure for dry rot is prevention, says Dylan Miller from leading wooden window and door manufacturer, Swartland: “Your best defense against dry rot is to ensure that your wooden products never get infected with it in the first place. And the best way to do this is to properly seal your wooden windows and doors with a good quality sealant, and ensure that they are maintained on a regular basis. At Swartland, we have gone to great lengths to make regular timber maintenance as easy as possible by introducing our range of top quality Maxicare water-based sealing products and the Maxicare Wash and Wipe Miantenance kit.” Dry rot explained “It’s distressing to discover that your beautiful wooden doors or windows are becoming ruined – especially if it is due to fungal timber decay, such as the dreaded dry rot,” says Dylan, and goes on to add: “If you notice any timber decay in your home, it is important that you identify whether it has been caused by dry rot or another wood-destroying fungus, such as one of the wet rots, so that you can successfully treat the problem as soon as possible.” If you’re certain that is in fact dry rot, then it must be swiftly dealt with, he says: “It’s crucial to move fast, as dry rot has the ability to travel through wood and other building materials, causing outbreaks that can potentially spread throughout an entire building.” Typical indications of dry rot include: • The wood will shrink, darken and crack. • A silky grey to mushroom-coloured skin, which is frequently tinged with patches of lilac and yellow, often develops under less humid conditions. This “skin” can be peeled like a mushroom. • • • • • White, fluffy mycelium, which boasts a cottonwool-type appearance, develops under humid conditions, and “teardrops” may also develop. Strands arise that are brittle when dry, and crack when bent. Fruiting bodies appear as a soft, fleshy pancake-type formation, with an orange-ochre surface boasting wide pores. Rust-red coloured spore dust is often seen. Active decay will produce an unmistakable musty and damp odour. “Dry rot is often mistaken as termite damage. It is important to properly identify the problem, so that you can deal with it in the proper manner. If you’re unsure as to whether your timber is affected by dry rot or not, then it is highly advisable to commission a professional timber treatment company to carry out a survey to find out for sure,” suggests Dylan. What causes dry rot? “Dry rot affects timber that is damp. Wood with a moisture content of 20% or above is particularly under threat,” explains Dylan. Common causes of timber dampness include leaking water pipes, washing machines, over-exposure to outdoor irrigation, or general condensation in the home in rooms like the bathroom or kitchen for example. Dampness can also often come from leaking roofs, rising damp or damp penetrating through the walls. “Identifying the cause of the damp is an imperative part of any dry rot solution,” says Dylan. Prevent dry rot Dry rot can cause widespread structural damage, which is very costly to treat, explains Dylan: “In most cases, you need to completely remove the infected timber and replace it with healthy timber. This can be a time-consuming job, which is more often than not, really heavy on the pocket. To avoid this from ever happening – treat and maintain your wood as best you can. Swartland recommends that you treat your wood just before the rainy season and again before the sunny season.” If the dry rot has passed through the masonry, it should be entirely isolated using physical containment and/or masonry sterilisation. Any affected timber has to be removed and replaced with pre-treated timber. To make life easier, Swartland recently launched its Ready-2-Fit range of wooden windows and doors, which come pre-glazed and pre-sealed with Maxicare water-based sealant to ensure that the wood is protected from dry rot and other damage before it even leaves the factory. Dylan notes that water-based coatings are by far the best option on the market for sealing wood – they are the easiest to maintain and apply, and they boast a wide range of other benefits too. Essentially, a water-based sealant refers to a sealer that uses water as its carrier. This means that the pigments, hardener (resin) and other additives are mixed into the water. When the sealer dries, the water evaporates, and the resin, pigment and some additives stay behind to form a strong protective layer on the wood being treated. Dylan notes that one of the major benefits of the Maxicare water-based sealant is that is protects the wood against fungus and dry rot, as it contains powerful antifungal agents. However, he says that there are a number of other useful benefits to Maxicare’s water-based sealant, which include: • Formulated to withstand our harsh climate: Designed with the South African weather conditions in mind, Maxicare Water Based Sealant is UVresistant and provides superior protection from the damaging effects of extreme temperatures, humidity, cold, rain and sunlight. • Very Low Maintenance: By using Maxicare Water Base Sealant, you can maintain your wood using the newly launched Wash & Wipe Wood Maintenance kit, which is exceptionally easy and quick to apply and doesn’t require any sanding. • It dries quickly: It takes a fraction of the time to dry compared to what it would take for an oil-based sealant to dry. It is touch-dry in about an hour, and it can be recoated within approximately three hours. • Easy application: It requires normal tap water for cleaning. The slightly gel-like texture of Maxicare Water Based Sealant helps to prevent the sealer from dripping and also prevents the settling of the colour pigments. • It is a durable product: Water-based sealant is exceptionally hardwearing and durable. • It can withstand temperature fluctuations: It is highly elastic, which enables it to expand and contract with the wood during temperature changes. • Enhances the longevity of the wood it protects: An advanced deeppenetrating wood sealant, Maxicare Water Based Sealant has been developed to protect interior and exterior wood surfaces so that it extends the overall life of the wood. • Prevents future damage: It is stain-resistant, water-repellent and long lasting, which means it will keep water away from the wood and prevent any damage. • It is heat-reflective: In darker colours, like Teak and Imbuia, Maxicare Water Based Sealant boasts a unique heat-reflective pigment. This pigment keeps the wood cooler in hot climates, thereby reducing moisture movement and protecting glue-lines. • It is environmentally friendly: Boasting low VOC (volatile organic compounds) emissions, Maxicare water-based sealant is VOC compliant (maximum of < 130g/l VOC) and Environmental Management System ISO 14001 Certified, making it a greener choice. • It is environmentally friendly: Aside from emitting fewer VOC emissions, it is also non-flammable and lead-free. • Excellent aesthetics: Offering a matt finish, Maxicare Water Based Sealant boasts stable colour properties that won’t yellow or darken over time. ENDS Released on behalf of Swartland (www.swartland.co.za) by The Line Communications (www.theline.co.za, [email protected])