Moisture is required for wood decay to occur, so no literal “dry rot” exists. ![]() Some people may erroneously assume that the wood is still in the process of decay. Dry Rot - A misnomer, this term has been used to describe decayed wood that has since dried and ceased decaying.White Rot: - This type of decay appears whitish, stringy and mushy, and tends to be more common in hardwoods.It is sometimes called “cubic wood rot.” Advanced stages of brown decay result in dry, powdery wood that is unable to support much weight, and crumbles easily. Brown Rot - This type of decay causes the wood to break down into brown cubes that split against the grain.Under the right conditions, colonies can expand quickly. As more spores germinate, fungi multiply to form a colony. Once sufficient water and favorable temperatures are available, spores germinate and develop by extending a hyphal tube. Spores require a moisture content higher than the Fiber Saturation Point (FSP) of the wood species upon which they rest, typically about 30%. Their hyphae, which are threadlike tubes that penetrate the wood, secrete enzymes which dissolve at least part of the wood cell being fed upon, changing it into a form which can then be absorbed as food. Decay fungi feed on the cellulose and lignin of which wood cell walls are composed. Spread primarily by air currents, they collect on horizontal surfaces. Spores are tough they're able to resist extreme conditions of temperature and humidity and, under adverse conditions, they may go dormant for long periods. Replacement wood needed to repair decay damage accounts for 10% of the annual wood production in the United States, according to an Ohio State University study.įungi reproduce by manufacturing single-celled spores, similar to microscopic seeds. ![]() Wood decay may seem like just a nuisance, but advanced decay can cause structural failure and, once the process begins, the affected areas allow more moisture into the structure and the decay accelerates. While termites are the big menace that most homeowners fear, there are a number of other pests that cause wood damage and must be reported, including several types of wood-boring beetles and the fungi that cause wet wood to rot and crumble. Plus, the department is specific as to what organisms that cause wood damage can-and cannot-be included. The WDO inspection process is strictly regulated by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the inspection report must be completed on a state-approved form. The termite inspection is officially known as a “WDO” in the real estate industry, an acronym for Wood Destroying Organism.
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