Wood Rot Class Action Lawsuit Continues in Illinois Court

Jan. 24, 2011 - PRLog -- Last week it was announced that the Supreme Court refused to intervene in a lawsuit alleging a major window manufacturer had produced defective aluminum clad windows that allowed water to seep inside causing wood rot.  The case is now proceeding as a class action lawsuit in federal court in Chicago.

There are a variety of types of fungi that cause wood rot and decay.  Many property owners have witnessed the destructive nature of these fungi.  According to an Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet, “Current estimates show that replacement materials, needed to repair damage caused by rot alone, account for nearly 10 percent of U.S. annual wood production.”

Many times damage from wood rot fungi are mistakenly blamed on termites and other insects.   The fungi are living organisms that send their hyphae through the wood, obtaining their food from the material as they grow.  The end result is crumbly and stained wood with expensive repairs needed to prevent structural damage.

Since wood is a major component of most homes and even many commercial buildings, the destruction caused by wood rot fungi is enormous.   One of the leading providers of wood rot investigating and consulting services in Illinois and across the greater Chicago area is EC2, Inc.   “The key to preventing wood rot is to control moisture,” reported Ed Chambers, President of EC2.  “Wood decay fungi often appear when there is high moisture content, typically above 20%.  A common place to find problems from this type of fungi is in crawl spaces on wood beams.  Incorrectly installed or missing vapor barriers are often the culprit.  Other solutions include allowing adequate cross ventilation and proper drainage of the building site.  It takes an experienced professional to properly indentify wood rot and to provide solutions to eliminate its presence and prevent future damage.”

To learn more about wood rot, indoor air quality (IAQ) or building sciences please visit http://www.4ec2inc.com, email info@4ec2inc.com or call (815) 703-9000.

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About EC2, Inc.
EC2 is a leading provider of environmental consulting and inspection services for clients across the United States. Based in the Chicago area, the company provides their services to clients ranging from local companies and institutions to international Fortune 500 corporations.