short introduction about fungal attack on timber. cause symptom and remedial works.

1. Fungal Attack on Timber
By Nazrul Azril Razlan

2. 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 fungal
1. Wet Rot (white rot)
2. Dry Rot (brown rot)

3. Life
Cycle of
Fungi

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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

8. Fungal Attack on Timber
Thank You | Nazrul Azril Razlan