What is Wood Rot?
In the last thirty years, the homes built in the United States with manufactured materials for windows and siding have been of inferior quality. The materials have led to wood rot or wood decay found both in and outside your home.
Wood decay, also known as fungal infestation, occurs when unprotected wood is exposed to damp conditions over time. Mold spores develop, sending root-like feelers into the wood. These feelers produce enzymes that break down wood fibers as a food source. As the wood fibers break down, the structural integrity weakens until the wood is completely destroyed.
Wood decaying fungi are reliant on three conditions to grow. Eliminate any one of the three, and fungal growth will not take place.
Oxygen is necessary for wood decaying fungi to thrive. Unfortunately, this condition is nearly impossible to eliminate.
Temperatures between 50° and 80°F will promote fungal growth. On the other hand, a steady exposure to extreme heat or cold will stop or slow fungal growth, but not destroy it completely.
Moisture is the central issue for fungal growth and is the easiest to control. Any wood that is 20% or more saturated with moisture is vulnerable to wood decay. Moisture must be controlled on both the interior and the exterior.
How to Identify Wood Rot
Wood may have rot if any of the following are present:
Dark spots or mildew Flaking paint Changes in wood color
This copy right page last modified on Thursday, May 06, 2010 Web Design & Service by www.1234Snap.com
