Why do some wood structures last for centuries while others “just go away”? There are examples of wood buildings that have lasted for hundreds of years, while others require repair in much less time. Issues such as insect attack, decay fungi, and moisture ingress will be presented, along with solutions on how to prevent them. Naturally durable species, pressure-preservative treatments, careful detailing, and proper material handling will be addressed for solid sawn lumber as well as engineered wood products such as glue-laminated timber (GLT), wood structural panels, and cross-laminated timber (CLT).

Learning Objectives:

1. Have a technical understanding of the causes of wood deterioration in buildings including decay fungi and insects that attack wood;
2. Understand the mechanisms of how deterioration organisms degrade wood products and how prevent it;
3. Understand how architectural details can contribute to or minimize wood deterioration in historic and modern buildings;
4. Understand decay resistant wood species and preservative treatments that are currently available.
5. See how wood building materials, such as cross-laminated timber (CLT), plywood, OSB and glulam deteriorate if improperly used

Funding provided in part by the Softwood Lumber Board.