by Terry Amburgey
Throughout the world, one can find
wooden structures that have given centuries
of service. Many buildings, however,
suffer extensive damage by decay
fungi and insects within a few years of
completion. Why do some wooden
buildings last indefinitely while others
fail to outlive the mortgage?
Nearly all wood deterioration can be
traced to design features that trap moisture
under or within structures. The
best way to protect wood in buildings
from decay fungi and insects is to use
properly seasoned wood and keep it dry
after construction.
Two other principles follow from
this: avoid contact between wood and
soil, but if contact cannot be avoided
use preservative-treated wood.
Water that wets building components
can come from the original