dry-rot

Not far from where she sits, large growths of dry rot fungus are feeding off the floorboards.

The wood had badly deteriorated: There was dry rot, termites and water damage.

Periodically, it has called out for reroofing, repair of dry rot, replacement of aging siding and a new coat of paint.

Building inspectors later found that the wooden supports holding up the balcony had been eaten away by dry rot, even though the structure was less than 10 years old.

A later investigation found that joists supporting the deck were suffering from dry rot and had been constructed by a company with a history of complaints.