Wood Decay Fungi

 

The fruiting bodies of wood decay fungi vary in size, shape and colour. The type of fungi encountered by building inspectors & pest controllers usually reside in poorly ventilated sub-floors, below wet areas of the home, exterior timbers and in areas that retain water in the soil.

The durability and type of timbers are factors along with the temperature and environment. Destruction of affected timbers varies with the symptoms involved. Removal of the moisture source usually alleviates the problem. Fungal decay is attractive to termites and if the problem is not rectified it may well lead to future termite attack.

Wood decay by fungi establishes growth in unsealed, split, exposed timbers and/or timber sections. Timber joints and/or sections that have gaps due to shrinkage or poor joinery and have not had ends properly sealed could have established fungal decay that is not visible, this decay may advance to extensive fungal decay within a short period of time. To minimise further decay it is recommended to seal all gaps with sealant and/or paint as a matter of priority.