ABSTRACT
Organic materials are easily attacked by insects and fungus in damp situations. In northern Europe, six types of insects can damage timber buildings (see Table 19.1). Fungus is a type of lower plant species which lacks chlorophyll. Many fungi attack buildings, especially the timber in buildings. They can be divided into two main groups, discolouring fungi and disintegrating fungi. Discolouring fungi give timber a superficial discoloration, without decreasing its strength. Disintegrating fungi attack the cell walls in timber and destroys the wood.
