Berachah Chapel

Dry rot poses a significant threat to historical structures, and Grade 2 listed chapels are no exception. To ensure the preservation of these cherished historical landmarks, understanding and preventing dry rot is of utmost importance.

In this blog post, we’ll share our personal journey of tackling dry rot in our beloved Berchah Chapel in Wales, shedding light on what it is, how it endangers historical sites like ours, and what you can do to protect your own piece of history.

Understanding Dry Rot: What Is It?

Dry rot, a wood-destroying fungus known as Serpula lacrymans, can wreak havoc on historical structures. This fungus doesn’t require dry conditions to thrive, and the chapel, with its rich history, may be at risk due to its age.

Dry rot can cause significant damage to wooden structures and is notorious for its ability to spread silently and undetected until it’s a severe problem.

As you can see, the interior houses a huge amount of wood from floor to ceiling and everything in between. We were very anxious to tackle the problem sooner rather than later.

There were a few areas where it was obvious dry rot had taken hold.

Causes of Dry Rot: Moisture and Poor Ventilation

In a historical chapel like this one, there’s a heightened risk of dry rot due to its age. Moisture and poor ventilation are the main factors contributing to its development.

If the chapel’s structure gets wet due to leaks, condensation, or rising damp, the conditions become ideal for the fungus to grow.

When there’s insufficient ventilation, the moisture can’t escape, creating a perfect breeding ground for dry rot.

Berachah Chapel has been standing empty for seven years and the previous owner had been unable to even visit the chapel to air it out for a few years, partly due to the Covid pandemic.

This meant that several areas had dry rot, mould, mushrooms, green slime and other gross things, which were number one on our list of things to tackle.

Signs of Dry Rot: How to Identify It

Dry rot is often difficult to detect until it’s reached an advanced stage, and in a Grade 2 listed chapel, preserving the original woodwork is crucial. Some common signs to watch for include:

1. Fungal Growth: Look for a white or grey cotton-like substance on wood, often accompanied by a musty odor.
2. Cracked and Cuboidal Timber: Infected wood becomes brittle, dark, and develops distinctive cracks, which can damage the chapel’s historic architecture.
3. Spore Dust: When touched, the fungus can release spore dust that appears as a rusty red powder, potentially harming precious artifacts and decorations.
4. Weakened Wood: Affected wood may become structurally weak, which poses a risk to the chapel’s structural integrity.

Preventing and Treating Dry Rot

Preserving a Grade 2 listed chapel requires special care. Here are some prevention and treatment steps:

1. Address Moisture Issues: Fix any leaks or drainage problems promptly to prevent excess moisture from damaging the chapel’s ancient woodwork.
2. Improve Ventilation: Ensure that any restoration or renovation work includes improving ventilation without compromising the chapel’s historical integrity.
3. Regular Inspections: Regularly inspect the chapel, including the attic and cellar, where dry rot often begins, to detect and treat any issues early on.
4. Treatment: If you detect dry rot, it’s essential to consult professionals who can effectively treat and eliminate it without harming the chapel’s historical features.

Dry rot is a silent menace that can affect historical structures like Berachah Chapel. As someone who values the preservation of history, being aware of the signs and prevention methods is vital in maintaining the integrity of this cherished chapel.

By taking proactive measures to control moisture and improve ventilation, you can protect the chapel’s ancient woodwork, ensuring that its rich history continues to be celebrated and admired by generations to come.

Watch our You Tube Video below which shows the extent of the problem and how we dealt with it – hopefully for good!