Which type of decay is also referred to as Dry Rot?

The term "Dry Rot" typically refers to Brown Rot, which is a specific type of wood decay caused by certain fungi that break down the cellulose and hemicellulose in the wood. This decay process leads to a significant loss in the structural integrity of the wood, resulting in a dry and brittle material often characterized by its darkened appearance.

Brown Rot fungi thrive in conditions where wood is damp but not wet, allowing them to invade and decay the wood while leaving behind a powdery residue once they consume the more susceptible cellulose and hemicellulose components. The remaining lignin gives the wood a brownish color, and it's this type of decay that is often associated with the term "Dry Rot." Understanding the characteristics and behaviors of Brown Rot fungi is essential for effective pest control and prevention strategies in wood structures.

In contrast, White Rot breaks down lignin and cellulose, Soft Rot affects wood in more humid environments, and Heartwood Decay typically occurs in the innermost part of the tree, affecting the tree's strength but is not specifically synonymous with the term Dry Rot.