Building Pathology - Timber Defects

Question 1

What are different types of TIMBER DEFECTS?

Answer 1

1. Dry Rot
2. Wet Rot
3. Insect Attack

Question 2

What are the key indicators of Dry and Wet Rot?

Answer 2

DRY ROT (key indicators)

• Only occurs inside of buildings
• Dull brown in colour
• Large cuboidal cracking
• Wood is light in weight and crumbly
• Fruiting bodies are reddish brown

WET ROT (key indicators)

• Can occur inside and outside
• Wood becomes darkened
• Small cuboidal cracking
• Fruiting bodies can be a number of colours.

Question 3

What are the remedial measures for dry/wet rot?

Answer 3

• Eliminate moisture source
• promote rapid drying
• remove rotten wood

Question 4

Name some common insects that are known to attack timber?

Answer 4

• Furniture beetle
• death watch beetle
• Wood boring weevils

Question 5

What remedial measures would you recommend for insect attack?

Answer 5

• Firstly study flight holed within the timber to see if the insects are active or dormant.
• Apply two coats boron based treatment to affected areas
• If attack is severe replace with new timber.