Termite and Moisture Damage to Wood

{"time":1691640090525,"blocks":[{"id":"VS9gUNXkPA","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Renovations possess the potential to imbue a property with a refreshed and distinct appearance, but they can also unveil less pleasant truths. This scenario unfolded for a recent occupant of an office complex, shedding light on hidden realities. The edifice in question was erected during the 1980s and features a two-story configuration constructed from wood and steel frames, with a stucco exterior finish."}},{"id":"uDHQx--Rqk","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The refurbishments conducted within the premises brought to light the underlying wall framing throughout the structure. Gypsum sheathing marked as \"water-resistant\" exhibited white and black fungal growth that at times extended onto the wall studs."}},{"id":"QPDN9ldmTh","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Evident were brown stains characterized by multiple rings, indicative of multiple instances of water penetration, gracing several panels of the sheathing. Notably, within the sheathing, concentrated areas of dark fungal growth encircled rusted fasteners."}},{"id":"YAnV1JbqEv","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Further inspection unveiled sections of the gypsum sheathing panels in a state of deterioration alongside the presence of fungal growth. Additionally, various wooden framing components were absent from the wall structure. Among the compromised walls, discernible were mud tubes and coarse galleries, telltale signs of termite activity."}},{"id":"skBrHHybm0","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Turning to the exterior facade, the observer, Christine, documented the presence of black and green fungal growth on the lower portion of a 30-foot fence located approximately 3 feet away from the building. Correspondingly, fungal staining adorned the exposed concrete foundation. Measuring the adjacent ground revealed a gentle slope of less than 5% extending away from the foundation."}},{"id":"Yeuf1Z67nY","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Although the stucco exterior, akin to that of the office building, boasts water resistance, it does not possess complete waterproofing, necessitating outlets for any infiltrated water within the wall assembly. It was determined that insufficient drainage points existed within the stucco, which enabled the entrapment of water within the wall assembly."}},{"id":"1QCSMMEVi8","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Furthermore, the observed rough galleries and mud tubes within the wall framing align with telltale signs of termite presence. Such termite activity often coincides with framing that has been subjected to moisture. In this context, the termites accessed the wall due to a lack of clearance between the ground surface and the base of the wall. Their subsequent activity within the wall structure compounded the harm inflicted upon wood that had already significantly deteriorated from moisture exposure."}},{"id":"0wjgHZe-EJ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Research into the ramifications of prolonged water exposure underscores that consistently damp wood develops dark stains at a swifter rate than wood intermittently exposed to moisture. Hence, the pervasive discoloration observed throughout the walls, coupled with stains on the fence and foundation, pointed towards enduring, consistent moisture exposure over an extended period. Utilizing this evidential backdrop, Christine deduced that the water infiltration and termite-induced damage originated from the original construction methods. Inadequately sealed windows, leaks stemming from wall penetrations, and deficient site drainage away from the building collectively contributed to sustained and recurring moisture exposure, ultimately resulting in mold proliferation and wood decay."}}],"version":"2.27.2"}

SigmaStructuralinc

Termite and Moisture Damage to Wood

(310) 505-4802