More than 5% of all construction
lumber manufactured
in the U.S. each year is used to
replace wood that has decayed
in existing structures. This
need not be the case. Damage
to wood-frame buildings by
mildew, mold, staining, and
decay is entirely preventable.
Their presence points to design
flaws, poor workmanship, and
neglected maintenance.
The Culprits:
Microorganisms
The microscopic organisms
that cause mildew, mold, staining,
and decay in wood belong
to a huge group of primitive
plants known as fungi. Unable
to produce their own food,
fungi feed instead on natural
substances that make up organic
materials like leather, cloth,
rattan, paper, and wood.
Mushrooms that spring from
lawns and tree trunks are fungal
"fruits." They release millions
of dust-size "seeds" called
spores that are scattered helterskelter
by wind.