Fungal Attack on Timber

By Nazrul Azril Razlan

Fungal attack on timber• Due to fungal Attack – A fungus starts its life as a tiny seed or spore,

one of millions produced at the fruiting stage.

• Fungi are system plant organisms which live on and attack timber causes it to rot or decay can cause damage by feeding on the cells of the wood.

• Example of fungal1. Wet Rot (white rot)

2. Dry Rot (brown rot)

Life Cycle

of Fungi

Symptoms of Wet Rot (white rot)

• Only affects wood with a moisture content > 40%• Therefore usually occurs outdoors – fence posts, windows frames,

logs, doors. Can occur indoors if there is a structural defect- leak in roof

• Infected wood has a burned appearance, with white thread like growth

Symptoms of Dry Rot (brown rot)

• Mostly found inside, fungi eats cellulose in the wood• Wood appears dry and gives off a musty smell• Occurs in damp areas with poor ventilation• Fungi can penetrate through brick walls• Able to spread extensively before the damage is first noticed as it

favours dark damp environment.

Causes

• Rot - is usually caused by the presence of sap or by the alternate dry and wet condition of the timber.

• Fungi can only exist in following condition:• Moisture – M.C above 20%• Food supply – wood• Oxygen – particular still warm air• Warmth

Remedial

• Infected wood and surrounding wood within 50mm is cut away and burnt

• Remaining timber and blockwork should be treated with a fungicide (kill remaining infections)and a preservative (prevent future attack)

• Cause of the outbreak should be identified:• Find the source of dampness and prevent it reaching the wood• Improve ventilation

Fungal Attack on TimberThank You | Nazrul Azril Razlan