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Wood Decay Fungus- Home Moisture Control
- Moisture can be a problem in any home, even yours, and can lead to wood decay fungus.
- Fungus can only grow where moisture contents are high enough to support the environment for life and growth.
Identifying Wood Decay Fungus
We start by taking moisture readings in all wood members subject to attack. It is very important to separate mold and mildew from wood decay fungus. Mold and mildew require only 16% to 18% moisture to live. Even though mold and mildew do not structurally damage wood, they will cause wood members to become more absorbent, which can allow moisture levels to reach critical levels of 26% to 28% or higher. Once these levels occur, decay fungus can set in.
- Normal: 10-16%
- Mold or Mildew: over 20%
- Wood Decay: 28%
Crawl Space Moisture Barrier
Moisture Barriers are intended to prevent the moisture vapor from entering crawlspace area. The moisture barrier is usually compromised of sheets of 6 millimeter polyethylene (plastic). The sheets are laid in rows over the soil. The edges of the sheets are overlapped to form a continuous barrier that will trap the rising moisture. In most locations, the barrier is placed only over the soil and secured.
- Decreases moisture from the ground.
- This plastic is placed over 75 - 80% of the ground in your crawlspace decrease moisture from the ground.
Crawlspace Dehumidifier
