Wood Rot

Cause

Wood Rot: comes in two forms Dry and Wet. (see wet rot)

Dry Rot. The term implies that the timber is in a dry condition but it would normally have a moisture content reading of approximately 28%.

This along with a damp humid environment can lead to fungal growths forming on the timber.

Once the fungi spores /growths are established even though the moisture content of the wood has dropped and the cause remedied, the spores can still survive if the moisture content in the timber is still around 20%.

The fungi feeds on the wood and extracts the moisture/water which results in the wood structure becoming dry and brittle.

Remedy

The affected areas should be treated as soon as possible as the fungi spores can quickly spread. In domestic situations dry rot can often be found under floorboards at ground level where the air bricks are blocked. Other areas can be unvented cellars and roof spaces.

In these cases the assistance of a specialist wood preserving company should be sought.

For further information and specific advice contact:

https://www.rentokil.co.uk or search for local contractors

For wood repair systems: www.repair-care.co.uk  windowcaresystemsang

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Saponification

Cause

A paint defect as a result of an oil based paint coming in contact with an alkali surface which had a high moisture content at the time of painting and not completely sealed with an alkali resistant primer.

Solution

Remove the soft/sticky film, wash down with white spirit, and allow to dry then apply an alkali resistant primer followed by overcoating with an oil based system.

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Cause

Efflorescence can originate from any cementitious building products such as brick, concrete blocks, sand: cement rendering and plaster.  As moisture or moisture vapour passes through the materials to the surface it will bring any soluble salt deposits within the substrate  to the surface. Initially the deposits appear fluffy and can be brushed off.  If not removed this will crystalize, build up and damage the surface finish.   The salts can remain dormant for many years and efflorescence can appear if the building substrate is affected by water ingress due to water leaks, flooding  or a faulty damp proof  lining.

Remedy

Decorating should be left until salts cease to appear by constant dry brushing. If painting is necessary then it is best to apply water based coatings of a high pigment content which allow moisture vapour to pass through the paint film more readily than others, allowing further salts to come to the surface without causing any major problems.

Some suppliers recommend treating the area with an alkali resisting primer sealer and while this will reduce any moisture vapour coming to the surface  it is possible that any underlying salts could re-appear from the unsealed surrounding areas.

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Cause

Caused by the application of a pigmented matt emulsion over a surface previously finished with a vinyl silk emulsion. This is where the adhesion of the most recently applied coating is poor and the underlying material offers no keying properties  for when the last coat of paint is applied.

Remedy

Rub down with a “Scotch Brite” pad and apply a thinned-down coat of good quality vinyl matt emulsion. If this fails to cure the problem then an acrylic primer should be tried. It may be necessary to reinstate with a vinyl silk or satin emulsion.

 Mud Cracking

Cause

Caused by the application of a matt emulsion over a surface previously finished with a vinyl silk emulsion. This is where the adhesion of the most recently applied coating is poor with the underlying silk finished material offering no keying properties for the newly applied matt finish.

Remedy

Rub down with suitable abrasive paper and  to a trial area apply a coat of good quality vinyl matt emulsion, thinned a necessary. If this fails to cure the problem, then an acrylic primer should be tried. It may be necessary to reinstate with an emulsion or acrylic with a higher sheen finish.

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Plywood Checking

 Cause

Breakdown of a paint system applied to plywood which has “checked” (the ply surface splitting) allowing moisture to enter and causing detachment of the paint coatings.

Solution

Scrape back to a firm edge by removing all loose and defective paint. A system based on glass fibre weave membrane may help to overcome further problems. Textured paints have proven to be more successful on this type of substrate than smooth coatings.

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