If you decide to buy a house in an existing building with a lot of wood, you should have the quality of the building inspected by a building expert before you buy it. If a building has been empty for a long time and has been exposed to moisture, there is a risk that it may have been attacked by pests such as fungi or insects. With a preliminary inspection, owners can be sure that the wood is in good and healthy condition.
If weak points become apparent and if the wood is already infested with pests, an expert will provide information on which remediation measures need to be carried out and how high the costs will be. The Association of Private Builders (VPB) provides an overview of different wood pests on its website. These include, for example, the so-called dry rot, white pore fungus or brown cellar fungus. Rarely occurring wood pests, such as the so-called leaf miners, can also form and spread if the wood moisture content is high.
The reason for wood decay is usually that the rooms were exposed to high humidity. Once the wood is infested, fungi and insects can spread quickly. Temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees accelerate the spread of the infestation. Since the pests do not like drafts, they like to hide in cavities, such as stair treads, wall paneling or baseboards. Damp wooden floors or roofs should also be thoroughly checked in advance so that remedial action can be taken in good time in the event of wood infestation. Preventive wood preservation, good wood care and regular inspections form the foundation for a healthy living environment.
Source: VPB
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