Surveyors Fotofile: Plaster fungi in a South London pub

April 18, 2011 - PRLog -- At Timberwise our surveyors are experts in identifying various forms of fungal decay from well know rots such as Dry Rot and Wet Rot through to less well known varieties.

The photographs in our article (http://www.timberwise.co.uk/2011/04/surveyors-fotofile-plaster-fungi-in-a-south-london-pub/) are from one of our Timberwise London surveyors were taken during a survey of an establishment in South London where we were called in to survey and identify the cause of a dampness problem.

Salt Contamination as a result of dampness

Photos (http://www.timberwise.co.uk/2011/04/surveyors-fotofile-plaster-fungi-in-a-south-london-pub/) in the article show some salt contamination on a wall which is normally a tell tale sign of a damp problem – in this case a penetrating damp problem caused by a leaky down pipe. For any form of damp proofing to be a success the source of the penetrating damp has to be located and stopped.

Plaster Fungi - Peziza spp

In another part of the building our surveyor discovered another problem related to the penetrating damp problem – fungal decay, in this case Plaster fungi. The surveyor identified the plaster fungi to be of the Peziza species – these tend to be found on damp brick work or plaster. This type of plaster fungi feeds on surface detritus or on organic material that is part of the walls – for example hair within old types of plaster.

Plaster Fungi Close Up

A close up of Peziza ssp (http://www.timberwise.co.uk/2011/04/surveyors-fotofile-pl...) shows clearly the flesh coloured fungi. It has a cup shaped fruiting body that when fresh is very flexible but over time can harden and become brittle.

What should I do if I find fungal decay in my property?

The most important thing is to correctly identify the type of fungal decay and only then can the correct remedial action be taken to ensure the problem does not come back. Timberwise are experts in fungal decay identification and have been treating properties for over 4 decades.

To arrange a survey call 0800 288 8660 or complete our on-line fungal decay survey request form by visiting http://www.timberwise.co.uk

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Timberwise is a leading Property Care Company with branches throughout the UK providing domestic & commercial building preservation from basement waterproofing, dry rot, damp & woodworm surveys & treatments, structural repairs & flood damage restoration.