useful information

ABOUT WOOD PESTS

Wood is a natural and renewable material which is subjected to decomposition processes, enabling natural circulation of organic matter. Decomposition of wood is caused by both non-living (abiotic) and living (biotic) decomposers. However, when wood is used for commercial purposes, we want to slow down its decomposition as much as possible.
Non-living decomposers include climatic factors (UV light, precipitation, temperature changes, etc.), air pollution (gases, particulates) and fire. Non-living factors mainly affect the aesthetic appearance of the wood, and less frequently the mechanical properties of the wood product. Sunlight or UV light causes chemical and colour changes to the surface of the wood, but does not affect its mechanical properties. However, the combination of these abiotic factors, especially light and precipitation, eventually results in a grey patina on the surface of the wood. Wood can usually be effectively protected against non-living decomposition factors by suitable surface coatings, such as Silvanol Lazura stain B.

However, living decomposers are much more dangerous, especially when wood is used outdoors. These are organisms that feed on wood or need it to survive. These include fungi (e.g., wood-decay fungi, moulds), insects (e.g., wood-boring insect larvae or ‘woodworms’, termites), bacteria and marine pests. In Slovenia, by far the most serious damage to commercial timber and to finished wood products and buildings is caused by wood-destroying fungi. Under favourable conditions (humidity above 20%, moderate temperatures), they can decompose wood in just a few months. Slovenia has one of the most unfavourable climates in Europe in this respect, as the conditions for wood decay are very suitable most of the time (high rainfall, high humidity, moderate temperatures above zero almost all year round).

Wood-decay fungi form mycelium in/on wood, but can also form fruiting bodies – “hats”.

Wood-decay fungi form mycelium in/on wood, but can also form fruiting bodies – “hats”.

Wood-decay fungi form mycelium in/on wood, but can also form fruiting bodies – “hats”.

Wood-decay fungi form mycelium in/on wood, but can also form fruiting bodies – “hats”.

Even modern wooden houses are not safe from wood-decay fungi, as there are many cases where fungi, due to minor or major construction defects, completely destroy the structure and/or cladding of unprotected timber buildings within a few years of occupation. Such damage is extremely costly and time-consuming to repair. To effectively protect wood from living decomposition factors, effective wood preservatives (e.g., SilvanolinSilvaroyal® or Silvanol) should be used and care should be taken to ensure that they penetrate deeply enough into the wood. The appropriate method of protection and depth of penetration of the preservative shall be selected according to the exposure and function of the wood product or object. Silvapro® thermal modification of wood has recently become an excellent alternative to conventional wood preservatives (especially for the outer skin of a building – façade/terrace).