Introduction

This is the first book to tackle all the issues relating to timber decay. It presents the facts and explores timber decay problems through case studies. These are illustrated with clear self-explanatory photographs for the reader to use as a diagnostic aid.

Section 1: Timber as a Living Material

Section 1 discusses timber as a living material.

Section 2: Decay Organisms and Their Habitat Requirements

Section 2 deals with decay organisms and their habitat requirements.

Section 3: The Building Environment and Timber

Section 3 moves on to the building as an environment for timber and discusses the ways in which wood responds to moisture change.

Section 4: Approaches to Timber Decay

Section 4 ends with an approach to timber decay which integrates knowledge on the decay organism, its requirements and natural predators with appropriate and targeted chemical treatments.