Effects of moisture on timber

Moisture content in timber

< 18% Decay is highly unlikely
18 - 30% Less than the fibre saturation point of 30% - decay is unusual except for dry rot
> 30% Close to wood saturation - decay is common

 Effects of moisture on timber

Types of rot Conditions
Dry
  • spore germination 28 - 30% moisture
  • optimum growth 30 - 40% moisture
  • minimum moisture content for continued growth 20%
  • requires high humidity and acidity for establishment
Wet
  • optimum growth 50 - 60% moisture
  • minimum moisture content for continued growth 30%
  • high moisture required - sensitive to drying
Soft
  • prefers high moisture