Protection From Decay & Fire

Question 1

What are the four necessary conditions for fungal growth in wood?

Answer 1

• moisture
• oxygen
• suitable temperature range
• a food source

Question 2

What causes wood to decay? (5)

Answer 2

• fungal growth
• brown rot
• termites
• carpenter ants
• fire

Question 3

What durable construction techniques can be used to prevent decay? (3)

Answer 3

• construct and maintain a wood-framed building so the wood stays dry
• keep wood clear of contact with the ground or concrete foundations
• properly ventilating attics and crawl spaces to remove moisture

Question 4

Why is wood treated with preservatives?

Answer 4

protects wood from decay and insect attack

Question 5

When should wood be treated with preservatives?

Answer 5

• exposed to the weather
• in contact with the ground/concrete
• in areas of high termite risk

Question 6

How is wood treated with preservatives?

Answer 6

waterborne salts that are toxic to fungus and insects

Question 7

What is fire-retardant treated wood?

Answer 7

chemical salts pressure-impregnated into wood to reduce its combustibility

Question 8

When is fire-retardant treated wood used?

Answer 8

used where building code restricts the use of combustible materials

Question 9

How is chemically-treated wood classified? (3)

Answer 9

• use category system ranging from UC1 to UC4C
• each piece provides a label indicating degree of preservative treatment
• incising marks on board surface to help with absorption of chemical treatment

Question 10

What are four naturally decay-resistant woods?

Answer 10

• redwood
• cedar
• black locust
• black walnut

Question 11

What are three naturally termite-resistant woods?

Answer 11

• redwood
• Alaska yellow cedar
• eastern and western red cedar

Question 12

What is Dr. Hartell’s favorite wood product?

Answer 12

parallam