How to treat wood against mold and mildew - in the basement of a wooden house

Mold on boards is a common occurrence, which, however, requires radical measures. It won’t be difficult to remove mold just once: it can be easily cleaned off. However, it is already difficult to achieve lasting protection against reappearance.

There are many products for treating boards against fungus, but it is best not to use any specific product, but to combine several. It is necessary to treat lumber with different means at intervals: today one means, after a few days another.

Types of fungus and causes of its appearance

Before you start fighting fungus in a wooden house, you need to find out the reasons for its appearance, determine the boundaries of its spread, and then move on to choosing a composition for treatment. The most common types of this pest found in buildings made of logs or timber are:

• White house fungus. It develops most quickly, covering a large area with mycelium, constantly increasing it. The best conditions for emergence are formed, as a rule, underground. Also often fungus is found under the floor or in the basement;
• Rotting fungi. There are several types that differ in color and appearance - white brown and bacterial. They most often appear near places with high humidity, for example, near water pipes, although dry rot also occurs;
• Blue fungi. A very dangerous pest that can penetrate wood, destroying the varnish or paint coating. Despite the fact that they do not cause serious consequences for the strength and integrity of the tree, they often act as a harbinger of the appearance of more dangerous types of fungus. In addition, they give the surface of logs and beams an extremely unpleasant bluish tint;
• Actinomycetes. They are a cross between algae and fungi. They have an extremely destructive effect on wood, quickly reducing its strength;
• Mold fungus. A universal pest that can exist not only on wood, but also on concrete, fabrics, stone and even ceramic tiles. They have spores that are extremely harmful to humans; in addition, they give contaminated surfaces of building structures an extremely unpleasant appearance.

Most often, fungus appears in the subfloor of a wooden house and its other structures for one reason - due to increased humidity levels. Therefore, it is quite logical to begin the fight against this extremely harmful phenomenon by creating an effective ventilation system that can ensure rapid and effective removal of moisture from the premises of the building.

Identifying different types of fungus is quite simple. Among its typical manifestations are the following: a sharp and damp smell, stains and darkening on wooden surfaces located in different places, wet areas in the corners of the building, on the floor or walls, etc. It should be noted that removing the fungus is not as easy as it might seem at first glance. Therefore, you should study the sequence of work very carefully. Naturally, you should not forget about choosing an effective remedy for fungus.

Pig

The piglet (Paxillus panuoides) has every right to be called the queen of the pits.

Today, in building structures, as a consequence of improper thermal insulation (ruptures in the vapor-permeable film or its complete absence), a climate that is similar to that which develops in mines.

Therefore, few people are surprised by the thickets of pigs when dismantling the roof. Little pigs live only on wood.

If you meet it on plaster, then it is most likely a representative of the oyster mushroom genus.

Basic means for combating fungus and mold

A set of works that makes it possible to remove mold and mildew in wooden houses with a high degree of probability includes the following operations:

• Cleaning wooden surfaces from detected pests using a variety of mechanical means, starting with scrapers and sandpaper, and ending with a grinder with an abrasive attachment;
• Thorough treatment of infected areas, and, if there is a sufficient amount of antifungal composition, of all wooden surfaces;
• Removal of wooden structures damaged by fungus or their individual places.

Naturally, it is not enough to simply treat a wooden house against fungus. As noted above, it is extremely important to install an effective ventilation system, as well as, where necessary, high-quality waterproofing. Only in this way will the main cause of the appearance of fungus, rot and harmful microorganisms be eliminated - high humidity.

In order to effectively remove fungus in the basement of a wooden house or on other structural elements of a building, various means can be used. The most popular today are several formulations. Firstly, the saber, which is made on the basis of sulfur, is deservedly among the most effective. Buying this drug is quite simple, as it is sold in most household supply and building materials stores. It is extremely harmful and dangerous for humans, therefore it is used only in closed and temporarily isolated rooms, which are allowed to be entered after 10-12 hours after lighting the checker.

Secondly, chlorine-containing compounds, for example, bleach, are quite in demand. When working with them, the use of protective clothing is required, including the mandatory presence of a respirator, since a highly concentrated solution is most effective. After treatment, the room should be thoroughly ventilated.

Thirdly, owners of wooden houses often choose to use various antiseptic compounds. This is explained by the fact that modern drugs, as a rule, have a complex effect and are able to effectively fight, including mold and mildew.

Special antifungal primers are also noticeably popular. They are very effective and not only remove areas of fungus and mold, but also prevent the reappearance of pests. The composition is applied in several layers using a regular brush. Before using such primers, you should carefully prepare the base, cleaning it to uncontaminated areas of the wood.

In addition, a folk remedy is often used, which is a solution of various types of sulfate - copper or iron. The choice of a specific option depends on the preferences of the homeowner. However, in any case, when using, you must carefully follow the instructions for use.

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If mold and mildew appear in the house, how to get rid of unpleasant phenomena? Microorganisms often infect the walls and flooring of a wooden house, which causes a lot of trouble for its residents. A tree on which fungus has begun to appear loses its attractive appearance. And the education itself has a very negative impact on the health of all household members. Based on this, mold and mildew on the surface of the wood should be eliminated immediately, before it spreads throughout the house.

As soon as you notice white, cotton-like formations or white fluff on the walls and floor, without wasting time you need to find the reason for its appearance and the places in which it has settled. If for some reason you do not do this, yellow, purple and pink traces of the fungus may appear on the tree in the future, which will eventually become covered with a gray-silver film. It is almost impossible to eliminate such formations.

Reasons for development on wood

The fungus is a protozoan that is capable of creating colonies and adapting to any environmental conditions. Microspores, through which mold reproduces, are found in the air, water and soil. It is impossible to maintain complete sterility of wood, so often after another year, white or green spots form on the surface, which quickly increase in diameter.

Predisposing factors are:

• Increased humidity - precipitation and the lack of adequate ventilation in a closed space leads to the emergence of primitive life forms on the surface of the tree.
• Lack of protective coating - wood is a breathable material and, if the outer layer is not protected with special solutions, there is a risk of moisture absorption.
• Proper care is not provided - wooden surfaces need to be cleaned with special products that destroy bacteria and protect the wood from destruction.
• Violation of the integrity of the material - chips and cracks serve as open gates for mold, allowing pathogens to penetrate deep into the wood and destroy it from the inside. The service life of such a product or structure is reduced by several tens of times.
• Close contact with the soil - this applies to garden furniture, which is usually installed in the front garden, ignoring the recommendations of experts regarding use. Precipitation, temperature changes, insects - all this leads to the destruction of wood and provokes the formation of mold.
• Using cheap wood coating products that do not protect the surface properly.

This problem is faced not only by residents of wooden houses, but also by owners of apartments with wooden furniture and interior items.

Every year, mold destroys more wood structures than fires and insects combined.

Types of fungus

If fungus occurs in the house, not everyone knows its consequences and how to deal with it. And at the same time, any type of fungus is very dangerous for wood products. They contribute to the destruction of wood fibers. As a result, if harmful formations are not eliminated in a timely manner, a house made of wood may completely collapse to the very foundation. Fungal spores can spread through the air or be carried on clothing or animal fur.

Important! In ancient times, buildings infected with this kind of pest were burned to protect other buildings from being affected by this “disease.”

White house mushroom

It contributes to the destruction of the wood structure, changes in its color and the appearance of cracks.

Blue fungi

When such formations appear, the wood acquires a gray-blue tint. Bacteria destroy varnish and paint. Thus, moisture gets inside the products.

Rotting fungi

There are wet and dry rot:

• Wet damages damp wood that is near the ground or drainpipes. Affected products become loose and dark lines form on them.
• Dry, in turn, manifests itself as reddish dust in the corners and multiplies quickly in a humid environment. Gray stripes appear on the tree, destroying the wood fibers.

White and black mold

This type of microorganisms can form not only on wooden surfaces. Stone, concrete tiles and various fabrics can become a place for the emergence and active reproduction of fungus. In addition to its destructive effect on various materials, mold is very harmful to human and animal health. Therefore, if a fungus appears in the house, its consequences and how to deal with it still need to be clarified, and as quickly as possible.

Gleophyllum

Another family of wood's worst enemies are gleophyllums , which are most often the culprit of "mess" on window frames and shutters.

They most often specialize in coniferous species - pines and fir trees. They form brown rot and are especially dangerous for load-bearing structural elements. They imperceptibly destroy timber and beams from the inside.

The presence of fruiting bodies on the roof structure means a direct danger to the operation of the entire building.

The most common cause of infection is the penetration of melt water through heat bridges that form at points of contact with the metal elements of the building.

Causes of fungus

Methods for dealing with fungus in a wooden house will be useful not only for people who live in a private house and in damp or swampy areas. Sometimes in apartments fungus can appear, at first glance, out of nowhere.

Many people ignore the presence of an unpleasant smell or black corners in the room and simply re-stick the wallpaper or re-lay the floor. Damp green or blackened basement walls do not interfere with food storage. And the appearance of shortness of breath, headaches and other diseases is mainly attributed to the weather or age.

In order to prevent the fungus from spoiling the health and decoration of the room, it is better to prevent its appearance in the house. It's much easier than dealing with the consequences. To avoid harmful spores in your home, you should know the reasons for their occurrence.

The main reason that fungus has appeared in the house and you are thinking about how to get rid of it is moisture from the ground or high humidity in the underground covering:

• Dampness penetrates the floor covering and infects the walls with fungus.
• Damp apartments on the first floors of multi-story buildings are an excellent habitat for toxic mold spores.
• Insufficient room ventilation contributes to the appearance of dampness.
• Growing many indoor plants in small spaces that require constant humidity.
• Improper use of humidifiers is also a cause of mold.

How to get rid of fungus in a wooden house under the floor?

If you have a fungus in your home, before looking for methods to remove it, you need to eliminate the cause of its occurrence. Otherwise it will appear again and again. The technology for removing mold in a private home is not based only on wet cleaning and removal of visible contaminants. One of the main conditions for obtaining a successful result is to establish an indoor climate in which fungus cannot appear.

• First of all, be sure to remove fungal deposits, rotten and rotten parts of the wood.
• Individual areas should be cleared of fungus using an ax or plane.
• Items and furniture that cannot be cleaned will have to be thrown into the trash.
• Remove the top layer of soil from the subfloor. Fungus on wooden floors and walls indicates contamination of the ground under the floor.
• To prevent the fungus from spreading, fill the perimeter of the underground with the following solution: mix dry clay, lime, crushed stone and cement mortar. Pack the product tightly.

Important! The distance from the floor to the ground must be at least 30 cm. The joists on which the floor boards are attached must not touch the ground.

• Make sure the floor has good ventilation. To do this, install special grilles or strips.
• It is necessary to reduce the humidity level in the room. For this purpose, often open the windows in the room so that the air in the room does not stagnate.
• All affected wood remains must be burned over a fire.
• The cleaned surface is treated several times with chemical mixtures.

How to choose the right tool and method

When choosing, take into account how long the coating lasts in order to know when it will be necessary to renew the protective layer. To calculate how much product to purchase, you should know the consumption of the product and the number of layers that are needed for the product to be effective. Pay attention to the purpose - treatment indoors or outdoors.

There are products with a hypoallergenic composition; if this indicator is important, then you need to look for such instructions from the manufacturer.

When choosing, take into account how long the coating lasts in order to know when it will be necessary to renew the protective layer.

Solutions for treating wood infected with fungus

Have you long been tormented by the question of how to remove fungus in a wooden house? Have all the actions taken been in vain? One of the products from the huge range of antiseptic preparations that can be found in hardware stores will come to the rescue. It will help to effectively eliminate fungus in a wooden house. We will tell you how to get rid of unpleasant odors and mold residues further in our article.

Important! Remember, all fungal stain removal products are harmful to health. Therefore, take personal safety precautions and be sure to read the instructions before use.

Owners of private houses consider the following mixtures to be the most effective means of combating fungus.

Antiseptic primer

One of the most effective means of eliminating fungus indoors is an antiseptic primer. This drug has properties that eliminate the fungus and prevent its appearance in the future.

Mode of application:

1. Clean the affected area before applying it to the surface.

Important! If you are treating a plastered surface, you will have to clean it to a clean layer.

1. Apply the antiseptic to a clean, dry surface in an even layer using a paint brush or spray bottle.
2. Leave the primer to dry on the wall surface.
3. After processing, you can glue wallpaper or cover the surface with paint.

Important! As a rule, the primer does not need to be diluted with water. But if you purchased an undiluted mixture, then follow the recommendations on the package to get the desired consistency of the solution.

Bleach

Products that can be found at home also do a good job of eliminating fungus from surfaces. It is important that all these products are not so toxic and cause less harm to human health. Bleach contains sodium hypochlorite. This substance effectively eliminates the fungus and all its spores. You can safely use bleach on any surface.

Important! The only downside is that use on colored surfaces can lead to discoloration.

Mode of application:

1. Dilute bleach in water in a ratio of 1:10.
2. Treat fungus-affected areas.

Important! To protect the skin of your hands, wear rubber gloves.

Vinegar

Table vinegar can easily be found in your kitchen cabinet and does not have the same smell as bleach. Fighting mold in a wooden house with vinegar will not take much time, and the result will pleasantly surprise you.

Mode of application:

1. Apply vinegar to the fungus-contaminated area with a damp cloth or spray bottle.
2. Leave on the surface for about one hour.
3. Finally, rinse off the product with water and ventilate the room.

Important! To prevent the appearance of fungal deposits, treat the walls and floors with vinegar every week.

Ammonia

Are you looking for methods to remove fungus from the floor in your home? To do this, find ammonia in the medicine cabinet. Just like the remedies we suggested above, ammonia will effortlessly remove traces of fungus on a non-porous hard surface.

Mode of application:

1. Mix ammonia with water in equal proportions.
2. Apply to the affected surface using a spray bottle.
3. Leave on the surface for some time to achieve better results.
4. After time has passed, wash off the ammonia with a damp cloth soaked in clean water.

Important! Never mix two different products with each other. For example, a mixture of bleach and ammonia produces toxic fumes.

Baking soda

Soda is a universal remedy. Unlike other products, soda does not contain aggressive chemicals, and therefore does not harm human health. With it you can easily clean household items and eliminate fungus on boards. How to deal with this kind of pollution using soda?

Mode of application:

1. Dissolve one teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water.
2. Treat the damaged areas with the resulting liquid. Use a spray bottle or a clean rag soaked in the solution for this.

Important! If the baking soda is not washed off the coating, it will create a protective barrier that will prevent the reappearance of fungal growths.

Sodium fluoride

You can buy sodium fluoride at a hardware store. Sodium fluoride has a white or grayish powder structure and is an effective means of eliminating fungus from the surface of wood. There are several technologies for using this product to remove fungus in a wooden house.

Method number 1:

1. Mix 30 grams of raw materials and 1 liter of hot water.
2. Mix thoroughly.
3. Treat the damaged surface with the resulting hot solution using a brush or spray bottle.

Method No. 2

There is another way to get rid of fungus in a wooden house using sodium fluoride.

In this case, the consistency in the form of a paste is used:

1. 150 grams of sodium fluoride should be thoroughly diluted with 200 grams of water.

Important! The quantity and proportions of the paste depend on the area affected by the fungus. In this case, the proportion is calculated per square meter.

1. Add clay to the resulting mixture through a sieve and mix until a homogeneous mixture is obtained.

Important! Watch the consistency of the product, it should be like a paste.

1. Use the resulting paste to treat the most damaged areas of the tree.

Important! An alternative to sodium fluoride in this case is copper or iron sulfate.

Enemies of wood

It should be recognized that wood is perishable. In fact, if this were not so, our forests would soon be cluttered with the unusable skeletons of dead trees. Unfortunately, wood beetles and fungi are not able to distinguish between forest waste and wood for beneficial use. In the past, wood was used mainly in forested areas where it was easily accessible. They agreed with the deterioration in quality, however, the replacement was relatively simple and inexpensive. In contrast, wood is now a valuable commodity and is transported considerable distances between the forest and its place of use. To conserve the world's resources, efficient use of wood is essential. One of the adequate methods of effective use is to increase its duration, protecting the wood from wood-destroying factors, i.e. insects, fungi, fire, atmospheric and chemical exposure. Wood has been a useful commodity for many centuries, and the high cost of transportation in the past was only justified for the most valuable types of wood. Even the building timber imported into the UK in the nineteenth century was mostly long-growing timber and its sapwood had been removed. Dwindling resources and increased demand have led to stricter forest management practices to extract maximum yield by producing fast-growing trees with wide growth rings, mainly consisting of early-maturing wood. Since the trees were cut when they had a relatively small diameter, the wood composition is dominated by sapwood. For example, Swedish pine is currently at 50%. consists of sapwood. Although wide growth rings and a high percentage of sapwood do not significantly affect the strength properties of the wood, such wood is less hard than the wood of long-growing trees that were widely used in the past and had a high percentage of heartwood. Natural tree pests use wood primarily as a source of food and shelter, or as a place to incubate their young. However, not all of them find wood attractive for these purposes. All living organisms have many absolutely specific requirements for survival: • A source of food • A certain moisture content • Air • A suitable temperature If any of these factors are lacking, the risk exposure to this agent will be eliminated. For example, parts of untreated wood used to build Scott's capital camp during his expedition to the South Pole were not damaged, as Dr. Fuchs' expedition discovered 50 years later. They also found that untreated wood materials from pharaonic tombs in Egypt were undamaged by insects or fungi after 4,000 years. In both cases, the extreme temperatures and dryness of the air were so high that it eliminated the possibility of the existence of any decomposition organisms. Further examples are hollowed-out Iron Age canoes found in bogs in Denmark and the remains of Marie Rose washed up on land on the south coast of England, where the lack of rot was due to lack of oxygen. The problem is that controlling temperature, oxygen and humidity can be extremely difficult with modern construction methods. The only way to prevent the growth of wood-destroying organisms is to limit their food supply. This can be achieved by using inedible substances such as stone or steel, or in the case of wood, by treating it with chemicals that have a toxic effect on these organisms, thus turning the wood into an unattractive food source.

Organisms that destroy wood Organisms that destroy wood can be divided into three main categories: 1. Fungi 2. Insects 3. Marine wood borer

Fungi Fungi are living plants that differ from flowering plants only in their lack of chlorophyll and their inability to synthesize their own food, and therefore depend on nutrients found in other plants and animals. Their life cycle is similar to that of other plants, in that they begin life as a seed (or in this case, as a tiny spore) which, under the right conditions, sprouts and produces roots (or hyphae) that penetrate the wood and grow there . Enzymes secreted by hyphae that decompose wood absorb it, use it as energy and spread further, ultimately forming a branched mycelium or mycelium. When the fungi reach a large enough size and have accumulated a sufficiently large amount of nutrients, the fungi, like any other plant, form a fruiting body (or sporophore), which is similar to the process that occurs in flowers and seeds. Sporophores, such as toadstool, tinder fungus and puffball mushroom, have external characteristics characteristic of fungi. It is important to distinguish wood rot fungi, which cause wood rot, from fungi that only feed on the contents of cells, causing stains. The first of the mentioned fungi eliminate certain components of the cell walls, causing the destruction of wood, and the last of the mentioned fungi leave the cell structure unchanged, eliminating only the nutrients of the tree that are in the cavities of the cells. These staining fungi can attack the wood when the tree is first cut from the forest (blue fungus) or can appear on the wood when it is used in high humidity conditions (staining or blue staining). When infection occurs, the stains are almost always associated with discoloration of the wood surface caused by mold, producing greenish or black, sometimes yellow, powdery growths that can be easily brushed or sanded away. Re-infection can be avoided by eliminating the source of moisture. Wood rot fungus seriously degrades wood and can significantly devalue it. On the other hand, blue fungus does not affect the strength properties of wood, and is not a preliminary stage of rotting, as many people assume. However, this fungus spoils the appearance of the wood and makes it unacceptable if the appearance of the wood is important. Fungi that destroy wood can be divided into three groups: 1. Brown rot (Basidiomycetes) 2. White rot (Basidiomycetes) 3. Soft rot (Ascomycetes)

Figure 1. Brown rot

• Brown rot Fungi belonging to this group feed on the light cellulose of the cells and leave the dark lignin more or less unaffected. Wood, after being attacked by a fungus, acquires a dark brown color, its surface is covered with transverse and longitudinal cracks and, in general, looks like it has been burnt in a fire (Fig. 1). Rotten wood is usually very dry, very weak, light and easily catches fire. Brown rot most often attacks softwood and lighter hardwoods. Typical examples of brown rot:

• Dry rot (Serpula lacrymans) A fungus with a reputation for causing serious damage to building structures is probably dry rot fungus (Serpula lacrymans). Dry rot spores germinate only when there is suitable atmospheric humidity, usually from accidental moisture resulting from possible pipe leaks or roof damage when the wood gets very wet. Optimal conditions for the emergence of Serpula lacrymans vary between air temperature from 21 oC to 25 oC, and wood humidity above 22%, but not excessive humidity. The fungus is sensitive to temperatures above 50 °C. The star-shaped hyphae formed during the germination of the fungus penetrate the wood, radiating in circles from the point of germination, and branch there, so that the damaged area is covered with soft white growth, similar to cotton wool. The growth will not be limited to just wood, it will spread across plastic, brick walls, masonry and concrete, trying to find more wood to feed on. Of course, this overgrown shoot must be provided with food from nearby wood affected by fungi, and their hyphae will turn into rhizomorphic or conducting threads that supply the overgrown shoot with food and water from places where they are available in sufficient quantities. Fungi use water to form a drop on the surface of the growth, which, in case of insufficient ventilation, will maintain humidity at an optimal level for growth. This phenomenon of the formation of “tears” on the surface of the growth explains the Latin name of the fungus “acrymans” and the description in the Old Testament of Leviticus “to wash away leprosy from the house.” The preference of dry rot over unventilated rooms with high levels of humidity is ensured by the fact that the fungus is usually invisible and the first signs of wood damage will be curvature and cracking of the painted surface. By this time, the fungus infestation may already be very extensive, perhaps spreading along the masonry and walls for considerable distances in all directions in its search. If food supplies become depleted or humidity levels suddenly drop, the fungus can spread across hidden plastic or wood surfaces and form sporophores (Figure 2), producing millions of red-brown spores, in an attempt to infect all nearby wood. Control of Dry Rot is very complex, expensive and involves removing all wood around the site of infection, disinfecting any around the stone and brickwork, and replacing all damaged wood with pressure treated wood.

Figure 2. Dry rot

• Basement fungus (Coniophora puteana) and other types of damp rot This fungus requires prolonged wet conditions and can attack exterior carpentry, fence posts, etc. Usually, it occurs as a result of neglect during construction, for example, when waterproofing is not provided, and also if the slabs under the floors are in direct contact with wet load-bearing walls. The fruiting bodies are similar to plates (Figure 3), and their surface has a color from greenish-yellow to brown-olive, the spores are formed in the form of a small pimple. Controlling basement rot is fairly simple and involves removing the infected wood and replacing it with pressure treated wood and correcting the construction error that allows water ingress.

Figure 3. Basement rot

• White rot In the case of white rot fungus, the destruction of the material forming the cell wall is a much more complex process, since both cellulose and lignin are damaged. Affected wood, over time, becomes much lighter and lighter, and also quickly loses strength. Severely decomposed wood does not crumble like wood affected by brown rot, but the wood cracks longitudinally, causing the wood to appear fibrous. Transverse cracks in wood, which are visible when affected by brown rot, are usually absent in this case. For the most part, rot found in hardwoods is caused by various types of white rot. Perhaps the most common type of white rot is "internal red rot", "rotten knot" or "core rot", which appears in a tree standing in the forest when the spore gets into a damage to the tree, for example, in the place where a branch is cut, where the spore germinates and spreads in wood. Another way of infection by a fungus is the penetration of the fungus through a freshly cut down tree stump, where the fungal spores land on the freshly cut butt, germinate and spread to all nearby trees along the root system. Fomes annosus (root rot) and Armillaria mellea (common honey fungus) are fungi that cause extensive damage in reforested commercial plantations. One of the generally accepted control methods is to treat the stumps of freshly cut trees with a urea solution immediately after cutting. This prevents spores from appearing and speeds up the decomposition of the stump. There are no obvious signs of damage due to fungal attack; they appear only when the rot has already developed widely and the sporophore has become visible through the bark. Rot can occur in densely stacked wood on a site where conditions are similar to those in a forest. A typical sign of wood rot damage is the appearance of small white pockets containing fibrous contents. This type of damage can only appear on undried wood, and the infection can be killed by drying it in a kiln at a high enough temperature or by applying pressure to the wood with an antiseptic. Failure to take these precautions risks reoccurring infections if humidity levels reach adequate levels. It should also be remembered that fungal damage usually extends beyond the visible area of ​​decay, and damage to timber immediately adjacent to the rotting areas should be suspected. If there are signs of “core rot” or “root rot”, Arch Timber Protection strongly recommends that all infected wood be eliminated by sawing crosswise before treating the wood.

• Soft rot Wood completely submerged in water becomes saturated with water and becomes resistant to damage from brown and white rot. Ascomycete fungi are anaerobic fungi (i.e., they do not need air) that cause soft rot. It takes the form of a softened layer of wood on all exposed surfaces, the damage gradually sinks deeper, very slowly, similar to the appearance of rust on iron. Unprotected wood immersed in sea or fresh water always encounters fungus in this way. Damage to large cross-sections is relatively minor, but can be significant and can greatly affect the strength of smaller-section wood, such as cooling tower boards, where high temperatures provide favorable conditions for soft rot damage to occur particularly quickly. Soft rot can also be a major cause of "ground level" fence post rot, where the damage zone is between 100mm below and 300mm above the ground surface, where conditions for ground rot to occur are ideal. The type of fungus that causes soft rot is an extremely small type of fungi called “microfungi.” Microfungi are able to develop by spreading throughout the wood in the cell walls, compared to brown and white rot, which usually develop in the cell cavity and pit cells. Consequently, any antiseptics used will penetrate and remain in the cell walls, thus providing maximum protection against soft rot fungus. When treating wood with Tanalith® E, the wood preservative forms a strong bond with the microfibrils of the cell wall and protects the entire thickness of the cell wall, not just its surface.

Insects To fully understand the damage of this species, it is necessary to consider the typical life cycle of wood beetles. This cycle can be divided into four stages: 1. Egg 2. Larva (larva, worm or caterpillar) 3. Pupa (arnica) 4. Adult insect

The female beetle may lay her eggs in cracks, wormholes, or irregularities in freshly cut or dried wood. When the larva emerges from the egg, it gnaws a tunnel in the wood, and in some tree species it can continue tunneling for up to 10 years. When the larva is fully developed, it can move up to the surface of the wood. It will then enter a hibernation or pupal stage, during which it will completely change shape and outline to emerge from the pupa as a fully developed beetle. After this, the beetle gnaws its way out of the tree, leaving behind an exit hole, and flies away to mate. The female then lays eggs, thus repeating the life cycle.

Figure 4. Termite Damage In most cases, wood is damaged by caterpillars. The insect species causing the most damage to wood in the UK (summarized in Table 1) are:

• Furniture grinder (Anobium punctatum)

It is one of the most common causes of insect damage in the UK and is commonly known as the 'Woodworm'. It affects both hardwood and softwood, usually damaging the sapwood. There is some evidence of damage to outdoor wood, but it mostly affects indoor wood. It is best known for damaging furniture, but this insect also causes damage to wooden structures and carpentry and, if not eliminated promptly, can lead to a serious reduction in the strength of the wood. It is easily recognized by the rows of dimples that are found on its elytra, which is how it gets its name “punctatum”.

• Common beetle (Xestobium rufovillosum)

This beetle is larger than the furniture grinder and can be identified by its size and lack of spots on the elytra. Damage caused by this beetle is most often found in damp, old buildings with wooden (usually oak) structures. It rarely affects softwoods unless the softwoods are in contact with or near hardwoods. Damage is most often limited to wood that has previously been exposed to fungi. During the beetle mating season (in May or June), the beetles tap their heads on the wood, calling for males or females. The tapping noise may have given rise to the common name of this beetle, as it is a sound heard in a home where the silence of recent or impending death reigns.

• Long-whiskered beetle (Hylotrupes bajulus)

This insect is considered the most important in the destruction of softwood in Northern Europe. Previously, damage by these insects was only found in the Camberley area of ​​Surrey. However, with changing climatic conditions, this insect has also spread to other south-east London areas. The building regulations of this area require that all wooden structures located above the first floor undergo the prescribed antiseptic treatment. The long-whiskered beetle attacks the sapwood of dry softwood, and it can reproduce in both seasoned and unseasoned wood and can cause rapid and severe damage. In a roof structure, caterpillars from the same clutch of eggs before pupation can cause significant damage within 3-11 years. These grubs can completely destroy the sapwood and leave behind only a thin outer layer. The first sign of damage is the fragility of structural parts. Moreover, in the warm season, the eating of wood by these insects can be clearly heard.

• Wood-boring beetle (Lyctus beetles) There are approximately six species of Lyctus beetles found in the UK, the most common of which is Lyctus brunneus, and it can be a serious threat mainly to freshly felled timber, although it can continue to damage timber during its use. Damage threatens only the sapwood of hardwood, where these beetles lay their eggs, laying them along the edges of the pores. Wood with small pores, such as birch, is not damaged because the eggs of these beetles are too large to be laid in such a small space. This also explains why soft woods are resistant to attacks by this beetle. Hardwoods such as oak, ash, elm, hickory, ramin or triplochiton are most susceptible to attack, but even with these species, only the sapwood is attacked. The reason for this is that the caterpillar needs starch to feed itself, and the kernel usually does not have it.

• Bark beetle (Anisandrus dispar and Platypus cylindricus)

The larvae of this beetle do not eat wood. Only an adult beetle gnaws wood in order to provide a suitable place for laying eggs and housing for growing larvae. The beetle, penetrating the wood, infects the places where it eats with mold fungus, which easily grows on the walls of the tunnel. The larva feeds on this fungus, and for this reason is called "Ambrosia". Mildew fungus needs moderately high moisture content to thrive and therefore only appears in the sapwood of living or recently dead trees. The tunnels are found under the bark or in the sapwood, often crossing the grain, giving this lesion its characteristic fan shape. One of the bark beetles (Scoltus multistriatus) has attracted close attention in recent years because the fungus that this beetle carries with itself and spreads in trees is the cause of the Dutch elm disease, which has wiped out the elm population in southern England and is now spreading in northwards as far as Scotland.

• Horntails (Siricidae), e.g. Urocerus (Sirex) gigas

While these insects are not the leading cause of wood damage in the country, it is important to note their importance given Australian Quarantine Regulations, which dominate preservative-treated wood used in shipping containers. Horntail damage is primarily limited to softwood, where the female lays her eggs under the bark of a freshly cut log. The larval period can last up to three years, during which time the horntail can chew a tunnel up to 12 inches long that can pass through the heartwood of a tree. The insect then pupates and goes off to mate. Although such damage may not begin in dry, dried wood, the larva can survive in cut wood and continue to infest forests. Although in Europe these insects do not cause significant economic losses, in New Zealand and Tasmania, where there are huge areas of monoculture of pine species, they cause significant damage to living trees.

• Termites Although, as can be seen on the map (Figure 5), termites are not found in the UK, in 1994 a colony of flying termites of the species Reticulitermes built an anthill in the North Devon resort of Saunton. These termites were destroyed. Termites are very important in warmer regions of the world, and cause significantly more damage than other wood beetles. In recent years, as new timber product export markets have emerged in the Middle East and Africa, termites have received greater attention. Termites live in colonies and show a high level of social development. A typical colony consists of an egg-laying queen, a fertilizing king, and a huge number of sterile workers and military ants, each playing a specific role as indicated by their names.

Figure 5. Map of termite habitats There are four main types of termites: 1. Termites that live underground or in the soil 2. Termites that live in dry wood 3. Termites that live in wet wood 4. Forest termites (These insects feed on leaves and debris plants in the soil and do not harm the wood). There are many signs that can help differentiate subterranean termites from above-ground termites. Subterranean termites do not have wings and require moist conditions to survive. They build enclosed entrances or shelters from the ground to the tree, often above the foundation of a building. If a tree rises above ground level and access to it through passages is impossible, termites attach towers to them, consisting of a mixture of earth, wood and insect excrement. In contrast, termites living in dry and wet wood may never reach the ground. Drywood termites can live in very dry wood that can have a moisture content of up to 5 - 6%, damp and rotting wood is a suitable home for the wet wood termite species. Wood that has been attacked by any type of termite will show little external evidence of termite infestation, and any holes that might have been created by termite gnawing are quickly blocked. Subterranean termite damage can be controlled in a variety of ways. Metal sheets have been created for termites that are used to prevent the colony from building tunnels in the dirt, between food and water sources. Etching the soil around protected structures is also an effective method, but must be repeated every five years and is also subject to pollution laws in some areas. Many other types of termites, especially drywood termites, are capable of flight and, in reality, cannot be controlled by a system of physical obstacles. If wood is to be used for structures susceptible to termite attack, it must be naturally resistant or suitably treated with an antiseptic. Treating wood with an antiseptic is also advisable in areas where there is a risk of subterranean termite infestation, since the “triple” method, consisting of a physical barrier, etching the soil and treating the wood with an antiseptic, has been proven to be the most effective type of protection.

• Wood-boring weevils Boring weevils only damage damp wood that is infected with mold. Although they can increase the rate of wood decay by forming tunnels, the weevil is not a common cause of wood decay. Weevils usually attack damp edges of beams and the backs of floorboards.

• Wharf borer (Nacerdes melanura) Wharf borers are commonly found in the North American Great Lakes region, but their introduction to the UK is unknown. The natural habitat of these termites is estuary, where they attack pilings, harbor structures, abandoned boats and other partially buried wood. This insect is very widespread in the Thames Estuary. The pupa takes root only in wet wood.

Sea borers Prolonged immersion of wood in sea water also leads to the risk of attack by the sea borer. Wood can be infested by many organisms, but the most common cause of this type of damage is either the Shipworm (Teredo navalis) or the Crawfish (Limnoria lignorum).

• Shipworm (Teredo navalis) Shipworm is a mollusk that is found in the sea and estuaries; it cannot survive in fresh water and is only found in comparatively warm water. For example, in Europe it usually appears off the coast, where the water is heated by the Gulf Stream. It was also detected near coastal power stations from which warm water is drained. A mature individual produces microscopic larvae that disperse freely within a month. Then, they stick to the wood, and after transformation they begin to eat it. The gouged tunnels can be quite long and penetrate deep into the wood. When the mollusk has completely penetrated a piece of wood, it releases siphons and tail from its head into the sea, from where it feeds on plankton. Australian specimens of the shipworm are known to grow up to 6 feet long and reach 1 inch in diameter. The wormhole is filled with an impenetrable, shell-like substance that protects the animal's soft body. Conclusion: Although the wood in which the shipworm lives is riddled with caves, the main purpose of the shipworm is protection, not food acquisition.

• Aquatic crustacean (Limnoria lignorum) This animal is a crustacean that at first glance looks like a tree louse and has a geographic distribution similar to a shipworm. Although aquatic crustaceans are excellent swimmers, the distribution of this animal is mainly influenced by currents. They settle on wood, forming a wormhole on the surface (no deeper than 12 mm) with a small entrance hole, the diameter of which does not exceed 2.5 mm. The tunnels run right through the early wood, giving it a layered appearance until the weakened area of ​​the wood breaks, exposing a new surface to attack. The aquatic crustacean actually damages wood everywhere below mid-tide, however, the damage is best seen in the intertidal zone where waves continually wash away damaged wood, allowing progressive erosion to occur. Young aquatic crustaceans settle in the wormholes of their parents, where they gnaw out their tunnels and swim in search of a suitable place to settle.

Organisms that affect but do not damage wood There are two main organisms that significantly affect wood but do not harm its structure.

• Staining fungi Staining fungi do not cause structural damage, but do affect the appearance of freshly cut (blue fungus) or used wood (blue stain). The best method for controlling this fungus is to ensure that wood is stored in a well-ventilated area. Certain types of wood, such as Scotch Pine, are more susceptible to blue fungus and should be treated with a fungicide such as Antiblu® Select after being treated at the sawmill. (Note: Antiblu® Select is not intended for use on used wood that is susceptible to blue fungus). Good logging practices can also help reduce the time that cut logs are exposed to fungal spores.

• Bacteria In certain regions of the world, felled trees are floated down rivers to their collection sites and kept in ponds before being shipped onward. Storing freshly cut wood in water creates ideal environmental conditions for bacteria to attack it. The bacteria feed on the cell contents, ray cells and, especially, the tori of the bordered pits. This damage makes the wood extremely porous as bacteria eliminate the structure that prevents fluid from moving through the cells and can cause a phenomenon known as “overabsorbency,” in which the antiseptic solution can penetrate much deeper into the wood than expected. Since bacteria feed only on the contents of cells and not on their walls, this does not affect the strength of the wood. Table 1. Widespread Wood Borers: Identification and Significance

Why does the board turn black?

There are many reasons for the appearance of black fungus on boards:

• poor ventilation in the room;
• high humidity;
• sudden changes in temperature;
• condensation formation;
• low-quality wood;
• contamination of building materials by fungal colonies;
• prolonged contact with damp soil.

Why is black mold on boards dangerous? Black fungus is dangerous not only because of its rapid spread, but also because of its negative impact on people and animals that are forced to inhale the spores. Black mold on lumber that is used to build a house or for interior decoration of residential premises can lead to contamination of absolutely all surfaces. In this case, the damage can be so serious that complete dismantling of wooden structures will be required.

Specialty Chemicals

Homemade preparations should not be used if black mold appears on wooden parts. When deciding how to get rid of dangerous strains, it is better to call specialists or use ready-made products, such as brands, for processing:

• Minwax is a polyurethane product that prevents pathogens from entering wood. Used after antiseptic treatment for additional protection.
• Tikkurila - a paint manufacturer offers liquids for removing microorganisms from wood. One of them is the hypochlorite product Homeenpoisto. The product is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:3 and applied to the affected area with a brush or spray.
• Belinka is a water-based antifungal agent. For processing 5-10 sq. m requires 1 liter of substance. Consumption depends on the amount of mold.
• Senezh is a brand of affordable and effective impregnation that removes mycelium and spores of mold, fungal organisms, bacteria and insects. The brand covers decorative and clear products. The former, in addition to antiseptic properties, change the color of the material, giving the appearance of a more expensive breed. Penetrating deep into the material, the antiseptic creates a protective layer that is resistant to moisture and weathering.

The products contain substances that kill mold spores and prevent the development of new colonies. Before applying them, remove the top layer with a grinding machine, removing as much mycelium as possible.

Mold

Before you start fighting mold, you need to understand what it is. Mold is a harmful fungus that appears and grows in a warm but humid environment. Fungal spores are found everywhere , but develop only under favorable conditions.

Fungal spores are found everywhere, but develop only under favorable conditions

It should be noted that in order to get rid of mold in a wooden house, you need to know the cause of its appearance, as well as the type of mold. In addition, there is no need to rush, and then you can quickly get rid of the spores.

Varieties

To understand how to remove mold from wooden surfaces, you need to understand the types of mold. The most common types of mold include:

• Black. This plaque can develop not only indoors, but also in human organs, which makes it dangerous to the health of all family members. There are several types of black mold;
• White. Mainly found on foods and plants, but can also affect wooden surfaces;
• Blue fungi. This mold mainly affects the fiber of wood, as a result of which it colors wooden houses in a gray-blue color. Most often, the fungus affects pine;
• Actinomycetes. Outwardly, they resemble something between mushrooms and algae. They can change the appearance of a wooden product, as well as soften the wood.

There are other types of fungus. For example, yellow mold, which is the most dangerous mold fungus. They practically do not appear on wooden surfaces. To remove mold from a wooden house, you need to understand why it appears.

Reason for appearance

Mold on wood can appear for several reasons. To prevent the appearance of mold, it is recommended to analyze each case. The main reasons include:

• Increased humidity in the living space;
• Air stagnation caused by improper air circulation;
• The use of drywall, which contributes to the spread of the “problem”.

There are other reasons, but they are not as common. Removing fungus from wood is not difficult, but you need to understand the cause of its occurrence in order to prevent its recurrence.

One of the causes of mold is dampness.

Honey mushrooms

Rarely on buildings, but more often around them, an amazing type of coal-black mycelium is found that lives on inanimate trees. We are talking about autumn honey mushrooms (Armillaria), which are the most important causative agents of root rot. Growing on fallen trunks, rotten stumps and other woody debris, the mycelium of this fungus grows through the ground and forms white rot.

Thanks to its anomalous mycelium, the honey fungus is probably the largest and oldest living creature on the planet.

How to remove mold from wood?

First of all, wooden surfaces suffer from fungal infections, since organic substances are the most attractive and favorable environment for the development of mold. Under the influence of high humidity and heat, wood quickly loses its attractiveness, darkens and disappears.

Having seen the first manifestations of fungus, proceed with urgent methods of disinfection and its removal from surfaces in the house. To do this, you will need one of the following wood mold repellents:

• antiseptic substances;
• wood bleach;
• vinegar;
• baking soda;
• hydrogen peroxide;
• drying oil;
• glue;
• ammonia;
• borax;
• tea tree oil.

Important! When used correctly, each of the listed substances can effectively combat fungus on wooden surfaces and products.

Prevention is the basis of wood integrity and human health

To reduce the risk of mold development on wooden structures, use the following expert advice:

• 
  Protect wood with special coatings that not only suppress the growth of pathogenic flora, but also prevent it from swelling under high humidity.

• Ensure good ventilation in enclosed areas to prevent warm, moist air from accumulating.
• Provide access to sunlight from enclosed spaces. If it is not possible to open the windows, use UV lamps that are turned on periodically.
• Inspect surfaces several times a year for mold.
• Treat wood annually with special disinfectants, since the structure of this material is a good place for the development of fungus.

You should not ignore the treatment of the facades of residential buildings with special means. Just a few hours a year will help your wood last longer, eliminating the risk of contact with harmful bacteria.