Timber Treatments

Fungal Decay

Importance of Identification:
Not all fungi found in buildings cause wood rot. However, the presence of any fungal growths indicate that damp conditions exist which are also suitable for the development of wood rotting species and some remedial measure may be necessary to remove the source of dampness.

Types of Wood Rotting Fungi:
There are two main types of wood rotting fungi found in buildings Dry Rot "Serpula Lacrymans“ and various types of Wet rot.

Dry Rot is a major building decay fungus often causing extensive damage. A brown rot, which typically occurs on wood, embedded in, or in contact with wet brickwork. Sensitive to high temperatures (over 25c) and drying and therefore rarely found on exposed timbers or situations where fluctuating conditions are likely, e.g. well ventilated sub-floors and roofing timbers. It is able to grow through bricks and mortar, though cannot feed on these. Strands can transport moisture from damp areas, allowing spread of the fungus to dry wood in unventilated conditions. Appearance of fruit-body may be the first indication of an outbreak. Checking for moisture in timber is vitally important to protect against or find fungal decay and beetle attack.

Timber Treatments - Wood Boring Insects:
A number of small insects, mainly beetles, are able to use wood as a food source and some of them can cause serious damage to building timbers. These insects all have fairly similar life cycles, although there are variations in duration.

Death Watch Beetle: Maclennan have treated major death watch infestations in public building, churches and domestic properties over the last 25 years. The only effective treatment is as a result of a thorough investigative inspection which involves drilling and probing of all at risk timbers. In a beam end where the end is damp, removal of moisture and targeted treatments into the heart of the infestation are the only way of eradication. Investigation into the extent of the damage is necessary and is achieved by micro-drilling.  Treatment of Wood Boring Insects: Timber treatments are always targeted and involves drilling and injecting a Permerthin based paste to eradicate the lava and Boron to deal with the associated fugal decay. Maclennan guarantee treatment of accessible timbers for a period of 30 years, Maclennan welcome the opportunity to present a seminar on the subject of timber treatments for building professionals.