article_snippet.sent: but you want to make sure the costly nightmare of dry rot isn’t lurking under the carpets and skirting boards.
article_snippet.sent: Dry rot is wood decay caused by the fungus Serpula lacrymans that digests the parts of the wood which give it strength.
article_snippet.sent: By the time there are visible signs, serious damage will have been done.
article_snippet.sent: serious damage begins as a microscopic spore but the final stage is a fruiting body which pumps out new spores.
article_snippet.sent: Once airborne a fruiting body which pumps out new spores can damage all parts of a property, penetrating brickwork and concrete floors seeking a wood source.
article_snippet.sent: If not treated, not treated can destroy a building.
article_snippet.sent: In hidden places dry rot can grow for years without anyone noticing it.
article_snippet.sent: By the time there are visible signs of dry rot, serious damage will have been done .