Dry Rot Identification

[pedr@]

I currently have a trader in tending to an out break of dry rot in skirting above the stairs. However, directly below we found this behind plasterboard. Any have any comments or can identify the fungus,etc? The same trader installed the membrane in the picture 4 years ago . Am I right in saying this likely caused the problems above the stairs? Thanks.

 

[gregers]

yep,nice fruiting body you have there.

 

[pedr@]

Cheers for reply. Should this membrane prevent this or does it just form barrier to stop moisture coming in further horizontally? We had an issue in outside drain 6 months ago at the other side of this wall I presume the increased moisture may have caused this?

 

[Nige F]

The membrane just stops the water - it's just bad luck that the spores were there and had moisture to grow.

 

[pedr@]

Cheers. Bad luck that it happened but we have been lucky in catching it before it spread too much . Wife now has an excuse for me having to decorate now!

 

[gregers]

i would think there must be organic material within the wall?with the plastic in place this may of caused condensation to form so the perfect environment for dry rot to start.
is this a claim against the trader on the guarantee?or has he wheedled out of it?

 

[pedr@]

House is nearly 200 years old and the wall is partly below ground level. Work being done under guarantee so no cost. Was fearing the worst when I first saw a mushroom creeping up the stairs!

 

[gregers]

RESULT THEN