Bacteria, fungus and insects are all organisms which degrade wood. They start attacking it following installation of the material and their action is influenced by the nutritional contents of the wooden species and environmental conditions in terms of temperature and humidity. The attack by insects can lead to severe damage to the structure; maggots dig a dense network of interwoven galleries inside the wood. This can reduce the section of the beam to the point of compromising its load-bearing capacity.
When the humidity contents of manufactured products is above 20%, the chemical-biological attack carried out by fungus starts. Insects instead attack depending on temperature, humidity and type of wooden fiber.
Disinfestation of wooden structures is essential not only when decay is visible, but it is highly recommended as a form of prevention in newly installed manufactured products. Unfortunately we tend to become aware of the presence of insects only after their attack has reached an advanced stage, because they dig and shatter wood and leave a small superficial layer untouched.
Control of the conservation stage of wood is carried out by hitting the surface with a little hammer; if an attack of insects and fungus is underway there will be a dull sound.
Before proceeding with the treatment it’s necessary to establish whether the attack has come to an end or is still underway; disinfestation of the material must be done with products capable of reaching the maggots inside the galleries, even when they are far from the external surface.
RESIMIX has developed four specific products for the protection of wooden structures from the attack of mold and insects.