Fungi

These non-photosynthetic organisms obtain their nutrients from different sources, including wood. Their dependence on other organic matter turns them into a major threat for the natural appearance of wood. Their structure is so small that it is not visible to the eye. It develops inside the wood and sometimes on its surface. Different types of fungi attack the wood externally and internally with different degrees of aggressiveness. The most common type of fungal decay is rotting. The reason is extremely high moisture = 20-30%.

Brown Rot

Is the most common sort. The wood turns darker and cracks, forming a squared pattern. Often a white membrane is seen stretching from the attacked area towards the humid soil. Affected areas must be replaced with new wood, because their mechanical resistance is severely reduced. In general, indirect sources of humidity must also be removed.

White Rot

In addition to feeding itself with cellulose, this fungus can - to a certain extent - degrade the lignin. Therefore, the wood becomes lighter in colour and softer in appearance. This sort is found in very humid and dark areas. As in the previous case, it is eliminated by replacing affected areas with new, treated wood.

Soft Rot

This type of fungus develops inside the cell membrane, slowly and invisibly attacking the wood’s mechanical resistance. To find out if the wood is being attacked by this fungus, insert a screwdriver in the suspected area: if it leaves a trace easily, replace the affected part with a new one.

Mould & Bacteria

Mould is an imperfect fungus that does not form a fruit body. The structure can develop on the wood surface, with a whitish to grey mycelium becoming visible. They form colour-stains on wood. Depending on the type of mould, stains will be green, grey or black. They are found in humid wood and do not cause mechanical alterations. Mould can be removed by brushing or washing. Keeping wood away from excessively humid areas is a good preventive measure. There is a wide range of bacteria and mould, which are caused by excessive moisture. The microbes damage the membrane of the cell nucleus in the wood. Lignivorous bacteria cause irreversible damage, as they crack and soften the wood until its complete decay or decomposition.


Example of mould penetrating through the wood protection

Blue Stain & Fungi

This type of fungus develops in newly cut wood. Its inward colour structure makes the wood look blue along its grain. It has little effect on the wood’s physical properties, but it increases wood permeability. In the case of a very severe attack, the wood’s mechanical properties are altered.