Most responses were correct for this Question of the Week, but let’s get a little more detailed to find out exactly what is required for wood decay.
Termites and insects are obviously not the only agent for wood decay. The Wood Destroying Organism we see during home inspections is caused by fungi and wood destroying fungi, similar to mold fungi requires 4 conditions:
1) Fungi spores. 2) Food source (wood). 3) Accommodating host temperatures of about 40 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. 4) Water
In order for the fungi to attack the food source (wood), the moisture content of the wood needs to be greater than 20% and typically, aggressive break down or decay the wood food source begins around 28% moisture content. So here’s a tip - when an inspector finds moisture in the 30% range, be aware that it is an invitation for wood decay, and the condition should be corrected to eliminate continued damage by those nasty little WDOs.
