A new sensor for dry rot: On-site detection of fungal metabolites using colour visualisation technology
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George McGill is a graduate in botany from Glasgow University where he specialised in plant biochemistry and fungal genetics. He has worked in the building preservation industry since 1977 and has served as a researcher survey or manager, managing director and now as an independent consultant. He is a member of the British Mycological Society, the International Research Group on Wood Preservation and is an Associate of the Institute of Wood Science. He is based in Glasgow and provides training, independent advice and expert witness services throughout the UK.
Abstract A greater understanding of the fundamental processes involved in wood decay has led to the development of new technology for detecting and ascertaining the spread of dry rot in buildings. This technology can save many thousands of pounds of exposure work usually associated with finding dry rot. In addition, the early detection of dry rot before any wood decay takes place offers increased opportunities for conservation and preserving important historic and cultural building features. The new dry rot sensing technology, without the usual disruption to the building fabric and features, tells when dry rot and conditions for it are present, if it is dead or active and how far it has spread and whether any treatment for it has been effective.
Keywords: dry rot, fungal decay, sensor, fungal metabolites, colour visualisation, buildings
BACKGROUND
McGill Consultancy Ltd 35 Cleveden Road Glasgow G12 0PH, UK Tel: þ44 (0)141 357 1931 Fax: þ44 (0)104 0576 0441 E-mail: mcgill.consultancy@ ntlworld.com Website: www.mcgill-consultancy. co.uk
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Dry rot, the decay of timber by the fungus Serpula lacrimans, is the most serious timber decay problem in buildings in the UK and other temperate regions. When environmental conditions permit (usually resulting from a failure in building maintenance) the fungus decays timber components and, without remedial action, considerable structural damage can ensue. Damage may be considerable and extend far beyond structural elements to valuable artefacts such as ornamental plasterwork and timber panelling. The unique ability of the dry rot fungus to penetrate the non-timber elements of buildings, such as masonry and plaster, in the form of
q PALGRAVE MACMILLAN LTD 1744–9545
Journal of Building Appraisal
VOL. 1 NO. 4
PP 354–361
A new sensor for dry rot
Current procedures in use for detection of timber rot
Development of lowcost and reliable detecting technology has previously proved elusive
mycelial strands, and to transport water through those strands, allows the fungus to spread considerable distances from its point of origin. The conditions for growth and development of the fungus are usually present in locations within the building that are not immediately accessible. The detection of rot is therefore difficult and assessment of the extent to which it has developed usually involves disruptive investigation. Such disruptive investigation can involve damage to valuable features. The current procedures in common use for
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