Wood Destroying Insects Inspections
by Nick Gromicko and Kenton Shepard
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Wood decay, also known as wood rot, is the decomposition of wood as the result of actions by certain species of fungi.
-According to Ohio State University, replacement materials needed to repair damage caused by decay account for nearly 10% of U.S. annual wood production.
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-Carpenter ants, termites and other wood-destroying insects do not cause wood decay. These insects are, however, attracted to wood that has been softened by decay.
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-Decay fungi are active in temperatures between 77° F to 90° F, and need water, oxygen and a food source to survive.
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-Fungi that cause wood decay are called saprophytic, a term also applied to other organisms that consume decayed material. Many species of fungi, along with saprophytic beetles, worms, protists and bacteria are essential components of the decomposition and nutrient cycles.
Common Types of Wood Decay:
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-Brown Rot: This type of decay causes the wood to break down into brown cubes that split against the grain. Advanced stages of brown decay result in dry, powdery wood that is unable to support much weight, and crumbles easily.
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-White Rot: This type of decay appears whitish, stringy and mushy, and tends to be more common in hardwoods.
-Dry Rot: A misnomer, this term has been used to describe decayed wood that has since dried and ceased decaying.
Some people may erroneously assume that the wood is still in the process of decay. Moisture is required for wood decay to occur, so no literal “dry rot” exists.
InterNACHI'S Guide to Identification of wood decay:
Inspectors should check any areas suspected of containing decay by probing. A screwdriver works well for this. Wood with advanced decay will be soft and the probe will penetrate easily. Areas with incipient decay may be a little trickier to identify.
The pick test can also be used to identify decayed wood. To perform this test, a pointed tool, such as an ice pick, is inserted beneath the wood grain to pry loose a thin section of wood till it breaks free. Sound wood will snap crisply and typically breaks off to one side of the pick. Decayed wood will break with a dull sound and usually breaks above the pick's point of insertion.
Although wood-destroying insects, such as termites, are attracted to decayed wood, they also inhabit sound wood. Always probe or use the pick test to confirm that what you’ve found is sound wood.
Decay Prevention
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If the decay hazard is high, select the heartwood of decay-resistant species, or use wood properly treated with a good preservative. (A list of decay-resistant species can be found later in this article.)
Proper grading can prevent water from seeping under the house.
Effective roof overhangs, gutters and downspouts should be installed.
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No untreated wood should be placed within 18 inches of the ground.
Adequate cross-ventilation in crawlspaces will help eliminate dead air pockets, which contribute to wood decay.
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A vapor barrier can be installed on the soil surface to help limit evaporation and return moisture to the soil, rather than allowing it to condense on the floor and above joists. Plastic sheets can cover the soil to act as satisfactory barriers.
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Dehumidifiers and bathroom and kitchen fans will reduce indoor water vapor, and potentially dry wood enough to prevent decay.
