Dry Rot In Schools

Background

In the last two years we have had several outbreaks of dry rot in schools
Dry rot if left untreated can lead to parts of the school becoming unsafe. These areas then have to be closed off until the damage caused by the infestation can be repaired. In extreme cases temporary classrooms may be needed
Repair and treatment costs are dependent on how early the fungus is identified but for serious cases of infestation costs can be significant (hundreds of thousands of pounds).

What you can do

Regularly check wood especially structural wood when cleaning and carrying out maintenance
Clean out rainwater gutters, rainwater pipes on a regular basis (check at least twice a year)
Keep all rainwater gullies free from debris
Maintain and repair all roof areas to prevent water ingress
Keep all valley gutters/box gutters free from debris (check at least twice a year)
Make cleaning and maintenance staff aware of the signs
Enable reporting of early warning signs
Look out for the signs of dry rot

1.Timbers brown in colour with dry and brittle cuboidal features that are easily broken or crumble in your hand

2. Silky white sheets or cotton wool-like-white cushions varying in colour from grey to pure white.

3. Fine greyish strands developing from dry rot spores spread and grow transporting moisture from damp areas allowing Mycelium growth.

4. Red (rust like in colour) spore dust frequently seen around fruiting bodies.

5. Damp, musty odour produced from active decay.

What the Council is doing

Surveyors look specifically for signs of dry rot in the regular (five-yearly) full condition surveys and annual school condition walk round visits
Additional surveys focusing on the most vulnerable properties with timber structures will be carried out by specially trained staff
The Council is providing supplementary/refresher training for Council surveying staff to enable them to more effectively identifying possible dry rot infections
Additional awareness training will be delivered to all Council staff involved in school construction projects to spot the early warning signs

Further information

Four main dry rot lifecycle stages with photos:

1. Spore

2. Hyphae

3. Mycelium

4. Fruiting Body

Dry Rot Identification Photos

Spores
Growth of Fungal Hyphae
Fungal Mycelium Formed by Hyphae
Dry Rot Fruiting Body
Cuboidal Cracking of Infected Timber
Dry Rot Damage to Structural Timbers