Skip to main content
Search
Menu

Analysis of rot on building materials

Wood rotting fungi are efficient degraders of wood-based materials in access to moisture. This service assesses the occurrence and distribution of microbial rot in various materials.

Aims

Wood and wood-based materials that are exposed to excess amounts of moisture are at risk of being degraded by certain types of fungi and bacteria. Microbial rot can affect the stability and strength of a material, as well as cause cracks in which other microorganisms can grow. Our service, analysis of rot on building materials, assesses the occurrence and distribution of rot in various materials. The service is used to analyse the degradation of building materials from buildings, constructions, and deep foundations with suspected degradation. Other materials can also be analysed, such as piles or separate wooden objects.

The service can also be used for status assessment of wooden foundations. Even wood that is used within its intended setting​​, such as in wooden foundations, is at risk of degradation due to wood rotting fungi if the exposure conditions in its environment change. Damages to foundations or built-in structural timber can go without detection for several years, as visible damages to overlying structures only appear when the affected material can no longer support its intended load. For larger construction projects with an impact on the local environment which risks exposing structures to increased degradation, it can therefore be beneficial to carry out an analysis of the status before start of construction. The analysis results can then be used as documentation, in case of a possible future dispute, for the condition of the foundation before the local environment change.

Method

The analysis is carried out according to a well-proven method that is used both in Sweden and internationally. Decomposition of the material by wood rotting fungi and bacteria is assessed and quantified using a microscope. The scope of the attack is classified according to:

  • No occurrence: no traces of degradation
  • Sparse occurrence: initial degradation
  • Moderate occurrence: established degradation
  • Abundant occurrence: well-developed degradation
  • Complete degradation: no healthy cells remain

Delivery

The analysis results are presented in a written report, together with interpretation guidance. Note that the analysis provides a result that is indicative of the status of the analysed sample, not the entire construction. Suggestions for potential remediation efforts for the construction or the object can therefore not be made based solely on the analysis results. Wood rot analyses also cannot assess the mechanical strength of the sample as the relationship between decomposition and mechanical strength is not linear.

Order

CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

* Mandatory

By submitting the form, RISE will process your personal data.

Service

Analysis of rot on building materials

Delivery level

Non-accredited

Price

Price 1730 SEK per sample, +400 SEK per sample for express delivery

Delivery time

Normal delivery time for analysis results is 5–10 working days. Faster analysis results can, by agreement, be provided within 1–3 working days at a price of SEK +400 per sample.

Deviations may occur during holiday seasons.

Preparations

Material samples are to be placed in a suitable container after sampling. Waterlogged samples should be packed with water so that they do not dry out, as cracking may then occur. The samples are preserved on arrival to prevent further degradation after sampling. If you have questions about how this should be done, contact Johanna Elam, tel. 010-516 57 78.

It is important that the sample is representative of the construction. The client is responsible for ensuring that this condition is met.

Samples are sent to: RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB, Johanna Elam, Box 857, 50115 Borås. If you need express analysis results, contact us beforehand via email.

Johanna Elam

Contact person

Johanna Elam

Forskare

+46 10 516 57 78

Read more about Johanna

Contact Johanna
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

* Mandatory By submitting the form, RISE will process your personal data.

Contact person

Pernilla Johansson

Forskare

+46 10 516 51 50

Read more about Pernilla

Contact Pernilla
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

* Mandatory By submitting the form, RISE will process your personal data.

Contact

Cannot find what you are looking for or are you curious about how we can help?

Send message
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

* Mandatory By submitting the form, RISE will process your personal data.