WHAT CAUSES WOOD ROT?
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WOOD
Wood is a strong, resistant, and relatively light material that has served humanity as a construction material since ancient times. Wood is a noble material, a source of heat, light, beauty, and shelter. Many American homes have been built with wooden frames and floors, representing valuable investments for their owners. However, although wood offers many benefits, it can experience rot that destroys its structural integrity.
Two types of fungi live in the wood. The first types of fungi are from the chromogenic species that feed on wood substances used as a reserve. These fungi do not affect the wood structure or reduce its resistance, but they cause changes in appearance (grayish and bluish color) that modify its external appearance. The other type of fungus belongs to the xylophagous species (mold) that feed on the wood components, cellulose, or lignin. These organisms can cause structural destruction of the material and are produced by different external factors, including humidity. As the wood loses its endurance, its resistance drops, and the structure may collapse if it is not treated.
WEATHER FACTORS Oxygen and carbonic acid in the air mixed with other sulfurous vapors can attack the wood fibers. Also, they can alter the preservatives used to preserve the material. On the other hand, humidity can considerably reduce the mechanical strength of wood. Therefore, wood exposed to the elements is more prone to rotting, and it is necessary to give it a proper treatment.
SUNLIGHT
Likewise, sunlight (ultraviolet rays) decomposes the wood, especially surface layers. In this case, the wood will change color, although it does not significantly affect its resistance. However, infrared radiation is the primary cause of heating. And this heat can cause the wood to dry out and crack, boosting increased humidity and attacks by xylophagous insects and fungi.
DECAY While dry fungi do not attack wood, sun exposure causes it to experience physical and chemical decay. In contrast, wood permanently exposed to moisture is prone to attracting xylophagous organisms, both fungi and insects. In this sense, the wood degradation by sun exposure and wood rot tend to be confused.
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