FPRS Panel Discussion: A Practical Approach to the Prevention of Decay and Termites in Building Construction

Reports the results of a survey of 1200 homes built of untreated structural lumber and 759 houses which had adequate preservative treatment. Inspection of the untreated houses revealed that practically all had serious deterioration caused by rot or wood destroying fungi and termites. Decay is much more general than termite damage, although termites present a more serious problem than decay in several areas. Many of the houses that were built to conform to designs and construction procedures which were considered adequate at the time of building have been severely damaged by decay and termites. In other instances, faulty construction and improper ventilation have been contributing factors. Houses with pressure-treated structural lumber were reported sound in every instance with one exception–where slight decay was found on a salt-treated girder that had been exposed to leaching action. Although investigations have shown the importance of good design and good construction, the evidence of widespread damage by decay and termites clearly proves the inadequacy of these factors alone in modern housing. Complete protection, especially in areas of heavy incidence of decay and termite attacks, can be achieved only through the adequate preservative treatment of every structural member.

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