Chemical Delignification

Throughout  Brisbane, Gold Coast and the coastal belt of Australia, threats of timber-destroying pests is highly prevalent. Aside from termites, wood borers, fungi and moulds, chemical delignification is another dreaded phenomenon.

What is Chemical Delignification?

Chemical delignification was once termed as ‘defibrosis’ or ‘hairy timber’. Eventually all these terms denoted the appearance left behind by a chemical reaction. To better understand the reason behind such fibrous growth on timber, we need to understand what lignin is.

What is Lignin?

Lignin is an organic polymer found in the tissues of plants and certain varieties of algae. They are actively functional in the formation of timber cellular walls, since they cement the spaces within the walls, providing needed strength. Some tree species contain more lignin than others and therefore we notice varying degrees of rigidity.

How to Identify Delignification?

The effects of delignification are noticeable even to the naked eye, without a magnifying lens. You can identity the appearance of hairiness on the exterior of the wood. This frayed appearance is but the outer effect; internally the structural integrity is being defiled over time. The effect is similar to termite or pest infestation.

Which Areas are Prone to Delignification of Timber?

• Certain locations where salt water is common: Wind carries salt to the timber and this salt initiates delignification.
• Places close to industrial areas or heavy traffic: Proximity to an industrial hub results in transfer of chemical salt and pollutants on to the wood structure by wind, rain or flowing water.

Prolonged exposure to salty air and pollutant chemicals weaken lignin over time, consequently leading to structural degradation.

How to Protect Timber from Chemical Delignification?

There is no magic formula to stop chemical delignification, but preventive measures can help.

• Professional sealing of the timber can block the salt or chemical pollutants from coming in contact with the exterior of the wood. The timber can also be oiled to block foreign matter.
• Building inspection prior to purchase can help you assess the health of the timber in and around the premises of your future home.

Most of us are far to busy to look out for lignin, delignification and structural degradation of timber. It’s best to trust the experts who understand how airborne salt and other chemicals can carry out a stealthy assault on your home’s integrity.

How Building Inspectors Help You?

A competent inspector can identify the presence of these pestering timber troubles and also determine whether anything is salvageable.

Home inspectors at Inspex have conducted thousands of successful building inspections across Queensland. Our detailed building inspection report is generated only after careful scrutiny. We use advanced scientific tools and methods to check for dampness, contaminants and pest infestation that can pose a threat to the building’s structural integrity.

We leave no room for assumptions when it comes to the safety of your home. We have given peace of mind to numerous home owners who looked for building inspection services in Gold Coast and Brisbane.