Black Wood Rot

[mikeo56]

Anyone ever seen or know about a wood rot that looks identical to tar?

 

[dik]

What is the species? Could be 'brown' rot, which attacks the cellulose fibres, leaving the lignin.

 

[mikeo56]

The species is syp or hem fir etc: construction lumber. I belive the black growth is another mold in addition to the brown or white rot. Seems to be a host of mildews which will grow on the surface of moist wood in addition to the ones that cause decay.

 

[dik]

The black mildew is more of a health hazard than a hazard to the wood. It should be killed off using a bleach-detergent solution (don't use a detergent with ammonia - generates toxic fumes). This will kill the mildew and the surface should be cleaned and painted with a primer and top coat containing a mildewcide. In areas with extreme mildew problems (warm and humid) the primer should contain a zinc oxide for longer lasting effect.