What is timber decay?

Building materials are decayed by the effects of adverse environmental conditions and the extent of damage depends on both the materials and the conditions. Among the most vulnerable materials are timber, paint, textiles and paper. read more

Timber decay (rot) is caused by a biological attack within the wood by certain species of fungi. The fungus can lie dormant in the timber for years until the right conditions present themselves. The conditions needed are oxygen, moisture and nutrients, with moisture being the critical component. read more

Fungal decay to timber can be more accurately categorised as ‘brown’ or ‘white’ — the former including all types of dry rot and its close relative, cellar fungus. In the white camp are most types of wet rot, but not all. read more

Timber decay is caused by a biological attack within the wood by bound species of fungi. The fungus can lie dormant within the timber for years till the correct conditions present themselves. The conditions needed are oxygen, moisture and nutrients, with moisture being the critical component. read more