Timber Decay in Buildings: The Conservation Approach to Treatment

This is the first book to tackle all the issues relating to timber decay. It presents the facts and explores timber decay problems through case studies. These are illustrated with clear self-explanatory photographs for the reader to use as a diagnostic aid. Section 1 discusses timber as a living material, Section 2 deals with decay organisms and their habitat requirements. Section 3 moves on to the building as an environment for timber and discusses the ways in which wood responds to moisture change. Section 4 ends with an approach to timber decay which integrates knowledge on the decay organism, its requirements and natural predators with appropriate and targeted chemical treatments.

Table of Contents:
Preface. Introduction. Part 1:What is Wood, and Why Does it decay? The Origins of Natural Durability. Factors Which Influence the Decay of Building Timbers. Insect Decay in Hardwoods and Softwoods. Fungal Decay in Softwoods. Fungal decay in hardwoods. The Control of Preservative Treatments. Pretreatments. Evolving a Philosophy for Preservative Treatments. Part 2:Understanding the Building Environment to Prevent or Restrict Decay. An Introduction to Decay Assessments. Temperature, Relative Humidity and Ventilation. Dampness in brickwork and Masonry. Drying Brickwork and Masonry and Incorporated Timbers. Moisture Content Monitoring. Fire damage. Part 3:The Holistic Approach to Decay. Case studies.

Review :
'I recommend the book to anyone who works with wood in buildngs, not just to those who work on their fabric. The book clearly covers everything that can cause decay in wood in this country and even extends warnings against what might do so if global warming increases!'-Conservation News 'This book is essential reading for anyone who works with historic buildings or who wishes to improve their knowledge and understanding of timber decay and its treatment.' - Journal of Architectural Conservation 'This book makes an important contribution towards the treatment of infested timber and provides an alternative approach to the problem....This publication need to be on the bookshelf for all involved in work to old buildings.' - Construction Books Direct'N August 2000 'I recommend the book to anyone who works with wood in buildngs, not just to those who work on their fabric. The book clearly covers everything that can cause decay in wood in this country and even extends warnings against what might do so if global warming increases!' - Conservation News 'I have no hesitation in recommending it as a very interesting read and a very useful reference work.' - Building Engineer 'Reading this meticulously researched and presented book provides the reader with a new-found confidence when confronted with timber decay in buildings. Without question, this is destined to become a key reference book for all those involved with historic buildings.' - SPAB News