METHODS FOR REMEDIATING FUNGAL INFESTATIONS WITH PROTOX PRODUCTS
Method A – wood-rotting fungi, which are dependent on a constant supply of moisture
Remove the source of moisture and reduce the wood’s moisture content to a maximum of 15 % before resealing the structure. Decayed wood must be cut away and replaced with new wood, possibly pressure-treated wood (NTR class AB). Cut surfaces and the surfaces of both old and new timber must be treated with KombiProtect. Superficial damage can be trimmed away and treated with KOMBI PROTECT.
Method B - fungi that are partially self-sufficient in water - especially True House Fungus
Living mycelium from True Dry Rot can transport water to a dry area in the building, thereby wetting the wood and then attacking and breaking it down. It is therefore very important to determine the total extent of the damage before commencing the actual treatment of the dry rot infestation. If an area of True Dry Rot infestation in the building is overlooked, the entire remediation may end up being wasted. It is therefore necessary to carry out a systematic investigation of the extent of the infestation and, based on this, draw up a treatment plan. To ensure that all occurrences of mycelium are eradicated, a safety zone of 1 metre is included. It is recommended to contact a consultancy firm specialising in determining the extent of True Dry Rot.
In woodwork: The most common control method is probably still the removal of all infested woodwork from the building and then destroying it. It is replaced with new pressure-treated wood (NTR class AB). Intersections of old and new wood are impregnated with Protox Sponge. Saturation is best achieved by injecting with impregnation valves. Alternatively, dipping and/or repeated brushing or spraying is possible.
In masonry: Severely attacked and weakened masonry is removed. Plaster layers are knocked off masonry that is to be treated. On severely attacked masonry with wood contact, e.g. beam ends, wall plates, window frames and stair stringers, joints are to be raked out to a depth of 2-3 cm. If necessary, the masonry is now torched with a blowtorch, causing any remaining dry rot mycelium in the joints to glow. It is then treated with SVAMP PRO BM and the brickwork is immediately repointed. The treatment with SVAMP PRO BM is repeated, after which the wall can be rendered or plastered. For less deep-seated attacks, the raking out of joints can possibly be omitted. If severely attacked brickwork is not removed, a protective membrane treated with SVAMP PRO BM must be applied around the affected area – either by treating brickwork removed in strips, or by impregnation using impregnation valves.
Method C - Fungi that do not degrade wood
The source of moisture has been found and removed. Fungal growth is removed by brushing with a stiff brush or similar, and the surface is saturated with KOMBI PROTECT.