Termite companies in Tustin, Dana Point, Santa Ana, Yorba Linda, Placentia, Aliso Viejo, Anaheim Hills, Corona Del Mar

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Wood-Decay &
Water-conducting
fungal rot to a patio
(Click to view larger)

CUBICLE BROWN-ROT: Wood is very brittle and has the appearance of burnt wood with cracks cutting across
the grain. The cracking is caused by shrinking of the wood during the decay process and as the wood twists, the
cracks develop. The wood will crumble in your hand and turn to fine powder with tiny slivers. This is the most
common type of wood-rot that is discovered in homes today. When the wood is dry, it can be in a dormant stage
and once wet, will continue to decay. This wood needs to be replaced entirely or cut (4-6 inches) above decay line
and joined with new wood. This rot is often improperly identified as termite damage.

WHITE-ROT: Wood is a bleached color and has a spongy feel to it and when crumbled, becomes a fibrous mess.
You will be amazed that this spongy feel is actually wood! Like Brown-rot, this wood needs to be replaced entirely,
or cut 6 inches above the decay line and replaced.

WHITE POCKET ROT: Wood contains hundreds, or even thousands of small oval shaped indentations all along
the surface of the wood. This rot is a fungus that attacks the heartwood of living trees. This wood is still used for
construction and can often be found in crawlspace floor joists. The fungus - that causes white pocket rot - dies in
seasoned wood, thus the reason that this wood is still used in common construction today. The wood is usually not
weakened to the point that it cannot serve its intended purpose. This wood can confuse the new termite inspector
that is still learning the ropes as he/she stumbles upon it.

WATER-CONDUCTING FUNGI (rhizomorphs)- first things first, most of the decay fungi will only grow on wet or moist wood and they cannot
attack dry wood. In fact, the drying process can kill or send the fungi into a dormant stage. All structure wood that is exposed to the elements
should be inspected periodically by the homeowner, for weathering, cracks or blistering paint and these conditions should be corrected in order
to keep moisture from gaining entrance into the wood. Water-conducting fungi known as Poria Incrassata and Merulius Lacrymans can conduct
water from as far away as 25 feet and the wood does not have to be in contact with the soil for this process to take place. Water is conducted
through root-like thick strands called Rhizomorphs which are white, light brown gray or even black.

Moisture meters should be used in the repair process of joining new wood to old wood to ensure that the existing wood does not have a moisture
content above 20%.

Damp areas such as a crawlspace should have the proper ventilation (1 square foot of opening for every 25 lineal feet of wall) and if humid
conditions exist, even with the proper ventilation points, then consideration should be given to a moisture barrier (4-6 mil.polyethylene sheeting
on the soil). Caution should be taken when installing moisture barriers for an existing moisture condition in that the wood should be allowed to dry
slowly otherwise cracking and splitting of the wood can occur if the wood dries too fast. Always consult with a professional before having a
moisture barrier installed.