Wood Destroying Factors

Wood Destroying Factors

Wood Destroying Factors

Fungi
There are certain amounts of fungi in each lumber involved in the structure since large amounts of fungi seeds are present in forests and the facilities where the wood is cut or dried. They cause the rotting, discoloration and staining in the wood. Discoloration and stains do not affect the endurance of wood. Certain types of fungi attack the cellulose or lignin of the wood and destroy the wood. However, it is not possible for fungi to reproduce as long as the wood is kept dry or aerated since fungi can only reproduce in humid environments. When the wood gets damp, fungi reproduce andbore into the wood and cause the wood to rot, get soft and lose resistance.

Woodworms
Hatching larvae of woodworms laid inside the wood turn the wood into sawdust. They create a spongy medium as they bore into the wood. Since the bores do not reach the surface, the presence of the woodworms can be understood from the sound created by tapping onto the wood. Administration of toxic substance into the body can sometimes prove to be useful.

Heat
Decrease and increase in heat result in humidity changes in the wood. Such changes disrupt the mechanical resistance of the wood. If the wood is exposed to moisture, it swells; it shrinks when it dries out; if it is too much dry, it will crack; and it will start to decay if the level of moisture is high.

Water and Humidity
The decrease in the level of water in the core of the woodwillresult in drying, cracking and shrinking of the wood. Therefore, the wood that quickly absorbs water and humidity will deteriorate in structure. Decaying starts with bio-corrosion and it will lose its aesthetical look.

UV Rays
UV rays destroy the lignin inside the wood. Lignin is a material that bonds and attaches the cells of a tree. Wood cells that are not bonded will break and impair the structure of the wood. In that case, the wood will become more defenseless against the destroying effects of water and more permeable.

Fire
There are two ways to protect wood, which is inflammable, against fire. To keep the wood away from high temperatures, it can be either covered with lime-based and clay-coating or painted with flame-resistant dyes and varnishes. The fire-resistance of wood can be enhanced by injecting it with borax and aluminum salt chemical liquids.
Fungi Wormwoods Heat
Water and humidity UV rays Fire



Wood degradations
- Discoloration
- Decay
- Pests

Discoloration
Discoloration mostly results from the effects of fungi. It stands out as blue coloration in the resins and age circles and yellow coloration in beeches. These colored spots are also softer than other areas.

Decay
Decays mostly result from the effects of fungi. Decaying spots become soft, dusty and get hollow in time. Such decays are seen mostly in woods that are stored in humid, dark and unventilated areas. Such areas make it easier for fungi to grow. Fungi have negative effects on the mechanical and physical properties of wood.

Pests
Certain pests feed on wood. The activities of these bugs and worms cause certain holes and bores inside the wood. Such holes, which result in decreased resistance due to lessening in the profile, are considered a defect for the wood.