April 14, 2003—A new edition of the guidebook Recognising wood rot and insect damage in homes has been published by the UK’s BRE (Building Research Establishment). The book aims to provide essential information for the professional surveyor in a form that can also be used by non-professionals.
Many fungi and insects can, in certain circumstances, attack wood in buildings. While some are harmful and can require expensive remedial treatment, others do not require treatment at all. Correct identification is essential if the right action is to be taken, says the BRE.
Since the first edition was published in 1987, there has been much greater emphasis placed on conservation, repair, and refurbishment of timber in buildings. There has also been an increasing wish to avoid excessive use of preservatives by implementing environmental control strategies on decay and insect attack. These depend on correct diagnosis to avoid inappropriate or unnecessary use of pesticides against extinct wood borer attack and fungal damage, or harmless insects.
The book includes:
- color photographs of fungi and molds, and of wood damaged by fungi and insects;
- drawings of insects and their larvae;
- descriptions of fungi and of insects and their larvae, the damage they cause, their habitats and like misidentifications;
- keys for identifying fungi, molds, and insects that cause damage;
- methods of treating wood damaged by fungi, molds, and insects; and
- equipment and checklists for inspecting buildings.
Recognising wood rot and insect damage in buildings (BR453) is available from BRE Bookshop, or by calling 020 7505 6622.
