Decay of Wood and Wood-Based Products Above Ground in Builings

摘要

This paper is an overview of what the know about occurrence of wood decay above ground within buildings. It presents information concerning under whta conditions decay may become established. In laobratory tests involving optimum moisture and temperature condtions for decay fungi, and direct cotnact with large quantieis of specific well-developed decay fungi, substantial decay in small speciments of untreated wood of nondurble species can occur in a few weeks. The simultaneous occurrence of optimum condtions for decay and high degree of inoculation with mature decay fungi is probably very rare in buildigns.