Wet rot coniophora puteana

[LadyHomeLover]

I have discovered a little patch of what I just discovered is called wet rot coniophora puteana on a solid brick party wall in my Victorian house.

It is ONLY in this specific place as photographed. Not on the wall above or below just between those two shelves.

It is in a recess to the right of the chimney breast. To the right is an outside wall with a a window. There are two airbricks under the window, but they are level with the patio and doubtless rainwater does get inside.

As you see there is a garden wall attached to the outside wall, right about the level of where the coniophora puteana is. Perhaps this wall is causing it?

How do I treat this, can I do it myself, or must I find a mould specialist in the Yellow Pages?

Thanks

LHL

 

[pinenot]

Wow, that almost looks like plant roots, what type of wall is it on? ...pinenot

 

[LadyHomeLover]

You spelled Einstein wrongly!

 

[jeds]

Simple solution; Clean it down, give it a good dose of an anti fungal spray and repaint with a mould resistant paint. The mould has most likely got hold purely due to lack of ventilation caused by the bookshelf - so in future try to keep the best airflow around the bookshelf as possible. i.e. don't push things tight to the wall.

 

[pinenot]

You spelled Einstein wrongly!

Thanks for that, I never noticed it before...pinenot

 

[LadyHomeLover]

Simple solution; Clean it down, give it a good dose of an anti fungal spray and repaint with a mould resistant paint. The mould has most likely got hold purely due to lack of ventilation caused by the bookshelf - so in future try to keep the best airflow around the bookshelf as possible. i.e. don't push things tight to the wall.

Cheers Jeds.

Yes it would be simplicity itself to pull the videos forward and leave a good 12 inches of air between them and the wall.

Your solution sounds really simple. So, you think there is no need to deal with the larger area, rip up the floor etc? It certainly would be great not to have any mess, upheaval or expense!

I assume I can get the anti fungal spray and the mould resistant paint at Tradepaints or Screwfix?


Should I also treat that white painted outside wall, where it joins the house?
LHL

 

[jeds]

There probably is an underlying dampness problem that ideally would be sorted at a structural level. But, on the other hand, it has also sat there for a fairly long time as it is and the only ill effect is a bit of mould growth. Air movement and ventilation is key to mould growth.

 

[ree]

Further investigation is required:

1. The garden wall should have coping stones to shed rain water.

2. the garden wall should be isolated from the main house. note: your neighbours might be experiencing similar difficulties, maybe talk to them?

3. moisture from the garden wall will be penetrating into the party wall and the rear elevation.

4. The yard ground level (GL) has been raised and a 9" x 6" air brick has been inserted - perhaps, because of previous sub-floor damp or ventilation difficulties?

5. Both air vents need full exposure. And probable cleaning out. Another 9" x 6" air brick might be needed?

6. the sub-area must be crawled and the prevailing damp & timber conditions checked. Also the through venting.

7. All exterior render contact with the GL must be cut-off 50mm above GL.

8. The render near the vents is blistering - possibly due to capillary action - see item number 7. Can any cracking or bulging be seen on the render?

9. Remove all shelves and paraphernalia from the recess - then post pics on here. Would you also post a pic of the fire opening on the chimney breast?

10. Check with a probe the condition of the skirting boards in the recess and below the window frame.

11. With two people applying weight, does the recess floor area appear soft or slightly bouncy?

12. The fungal growth has possibly "come from somewhere" - i dont think that its a result of a stagnant air pocket. But, for the time being dont do anything - if you call in an Independent Damp Surveyor they will want to see things as they are.

 

[LadyHomeLover]

Wow thanks for the replies. Ree you have certainly given me a lot of valuable advice, thank you so much. There were also a few questions within your points, which I will answer.

2. Neighbouring property has been empty for three years.

8. No.

11. The floor is a recently laid laminate laid on stiff underlay, so impossible to do this test I think.

12. Surveyor coming Thursday.

Will take more pics tomorrow.

Many thanks once again

LHL

 

[ree]

Perhaps, post the relevant bits of the report on here?

If possible, contact the responsible party for next door. It would enhance your survey if the surveyor could examine next door in the localised area to your recess. It would be in the next door's interest as well.

Item 11. try it anyway.

Do you have any previous reports, mortgage surveys?

Immediately write down whatever the surveyor says.

 

[pinenot]

I'll give you bit of advice, if the survey our recommends a specialist dampness consultation or any such thing, don't do it, as already stated is likely to be something structural and as such should be fixed structurally, most often cheaper in the long run as well...pinenot

 

[gregers]

clear shelves,wash down with a bleach wash(use gloves) open window to allow air movement.
lift carpet by wall and a few boards and inspect the flooring area for any other kind of rot,if none found sit back relax and enjoy life.

 

[ree]

i think that you have a form of Wet Rot generally called Cellar Rot - it begins in woodwork and can then spread in brickwork. Its in no way as significant as Dry Rot.

 

[jeds]

12. Surveyor coming Thursday.

Oh dear! Whatever you do don't agree to anything. Damp surveyors, like some forum dwellers, don't always understand dampness and condensation and some naughty ones do understand but quote for all sorts of unnecessary works anyway. Just be on your toes. As I said, you could spend a lot of money on structural improvement but you could also get a pretty good result by spending the minimum. How far do you want to go with it?

 

[LadyHomeLover]

Sorry, when I said surveyor..incorrect, he is a wet/dry rot man from Yellow Pages. I hope i can trust him.

As for how far I want to go... well I am the sole owner of my house, been here 15 years, paid off the mortgage, will probably live here till i am carried out in a wooden box...

I don't have pots of money but I'm not scraping by on the breadline, either, so if work is essential I can pay for it. But I am keen not to be ripped off by some tradesman who wants to carry out what's best for HIM.

LHL