wood rot
...91) Symptoms of wood rot vary according to the different particular wood rotting fungi involved in the rot. For example, infection by Tremetes versicolor causes a papery bark symptom. This symptom is usually seen on the portions of large branches where the bark is still smooth. Where the outer bark separates from the inner bark, ”a tan to bronze, blustery, paper like quality” to the bark occurs. Smaller branches arise at the point where the limb is still healthy and the infected part of the branch dies back to this point. (Biggs, 1989) There are many ways to identify if your piece of wood has wood rot. One is that it will be have a brown discoloration. Another is that it could have a crumbly appearance. It could also be that it could have a white or yellow discoloration. It also could be stringy or spongy. (Lyon, 2000) Wood rot infection is also a function of the hardness of the wood. Wood rot in softwood will generally progress faster than hard wood, but whether the wood rots or not depends on a variety of other issues such as moisture level, temperature, air movement, resins, etc. (Dr. Rot, 2000) This project seeks to determine whether a variety of soft wood and hard woods would develop wood rot. There are several widely used wood rot preventatives that prevent wood rot. The following are some common preventatives. Bora-care ® - This solution may be applied with a brush or a spray (approximately five gallons per 1,000 square foot). It could also be put in by drilling and then applying exactly where needed. Guardian ® - It has the highest concentration available in a formulated borate product. It can be directly injected into holes to provide fast penetration into problem areas. The formulated carriers assure rapid diffusion. Jecta ® - It is a diffusible boracide and has an effective termiticide to treat the wood which comes in contact with the ground or soil. Water passing through the ground will eventually extract conventional termiticides limiting the duration of the control. Shellguard ® - It is a borate-based insecticide, fungicide, and wood rot preservative for the protection of wood houses. It is formed with propylene and polyethylene glycos making them extra-safe. Thompson’s Original Waterseal - This is a solvent that carries water repellent into the surface of the wood; as solvent evaporates, water-repellants remain below the surface. Water repellent ingredients establish a moisture barrier, yet allow the surface to breathe. It penetrates below the surface and waterproofs long after the initial beading is gone. The researcher used Thompson’s Original Waterseal. One cannot prevent wood rot after the wood already has it. Seven different types of woods were used in this science fair project. There are hardwoods and softwoods. The hardwoods are: Oak - Oak is found in Canada and the United States. The mature tree usually attains a height of eighty to one hundred feet (thirty to thirty-four meters) and a diameter of thirty-six to forty-eight inches (ninety to one hundred twenty centimeters. There is no distinctive odor or taste to this wood. (Encarta, 2000) Cedar - Cedar is found in mostly the United States and Canada. The tree can grow to be forty to sixty feet tall. Cedar dries readily though with a tendency to distort. It is in...