Assessing the relationship between the dry rot fungus Serpula lacrymans and selected forms of masonry

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During this investigation into the relationship between the domestic dry rot fungus, Serpula lacrymans, and some non-woody building materials, it was found that S. lacrymans removed calcium, silicon and iron from sandstone, and calcium, sulphur and iron from traditional plaster. The sequestered elements were located on its hyphae, especially in the form of calcium oxalate. Degradation of the sandstone was implicit, but not obvious microscopically. In addition, S. lacrymans selectively transported iron from these building materials through its mycelial system. These findings lend further support to the theory that this wood-decaying fungus has an special dependence upon masonry in buildings.