Treatment concept
The cause of the fungal presence and the type of fungus involved should always determine the best practice for restoration of the damage and conservation of the component. A qualified surveyor should investigate and establish precisely the type and extent of the fungal attack.

The entire affected area can then be treated with the Thermo Lignum^® WARMAIR process. This treatment regime is totally free from toxic gases or other noxious or dangerous substances and deploys nothing more than controlled heat to eradicate the fungal cultures.

The affected area is insulated with heat retaining materials. Timber and masonry, core and room temperature sensors are positioned in accordance with a pre-determined plan. The core temperature sensors are placed in the thermally least favourable positions deep within the masonry.

Based upon calculations of volume of the treatment enclosure and the thermal absorption properties of the building components, propane fuelled heaters are used to produce hot air, which is channelled into the insulated treatment area via an adjustable air distribution system. A data collection system continuously transmits all measurements to a computer. This allows for the temperature in the enclosure to be observed and adjusted as required. Once all core temperature sensors display and have maintained a constant 56°C over a period of several hours the cooling phase is initiated.

Before removing the enclosure, all affected areas are thoroughly cleaned and, where necessary, flamed with a blowtorch. This is followed by a post treatment application of a boric salt product, which prevents any renewed growth and spread of mycelia. The prevention of further water penetration, the establishment of effective ventilation and the enabling of permeable materials to ‘breathe’ must then become a priority for the future ‘health’ of the structure.