CRAWL SPACE MOISTURE CONTROL
Moisture and fungi are problem that occur in many areas of the United States. They can cause severe problems, particularly in the southeastern states and coastal areas. There are basically three types of fungi that attack wood. These included the surface fungi, the staining fungi and the decay fungi. Surface fungi include molds and mildews.
They cause the wood to have a powdery appearance but do not cause decay. Although no treatment is needed for surface fungi, they are an indicator the wood has absorbed and excessive amount of moisture and that it is susceptible to the other wood destroying fungi.
Staining fungi also attacks the surfaces of wood. These fungi cause a gray to blue stain that cannot be removed from the wood. They do not cause decay, but they increase the chances that serious decay fungi will enter. They enter wood cells and use the cell contents as a food source. These fungi also indicate that wood has absorbed an excessive amount of moisture.Decay fungi actually attack the structural portion of the wood and digest it. This results in decomposition which make the wood less suitable for construction purposes or renders is completely unfit if decay is advanced. Water must be present in the wood pores before wood decay occurs. This means that the wood must contain at least 20% moisture, depending on the specie of wood. Wood absorbs from condensation, rain, water saturated soil, leaky plumbing, and other sources. If the wood moisture content remains below 20%, then fungi cannot survive. CONTROL There are six major methods of moisture control:
- Determine the source of the moisture
- Isolate the wood from the ground
- Install moisture barriers
- Provide adequate ventilation
- If necessary, provide chemical control
- Improve poor drainage
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