The durability of wood is an important factor to be considered in the construction influencing in final durability and expected service life of a wood product in construction. There are many factors influencing in the durability (service life) of a wood in construction: Natural durability of wood species, preservative treatments and protection by design; combined with the variability of environmental conditions (different climatic zones and exposure to weathering), use classes and position and thickness, as well as correct execution of construction and maintenance, and all of them should be taken into consideration in the final durability of wood elements in construction, in the appearance and development of early pathological processes associated primarily with fungal decay (wood-destroying fungi) and wood-destroying insects in a lesser extent. Across Spain, in recent years is very common to find wood constructions and in many cases the selection of wood species selection, preventive preservative, design details and construction solutions do not present enough protection to assure the expected durability and service life of the wood constructions, with consequent problems involving early degradation of wood by wood-destroying organism. European Standard EN 460 gives guidance on the selection of wood of wood and wood-based products for use in situations where they may be subject to degradation by fungi or wood destroying insects. This guidance includes information on factors that can influence the service life of a wood or wood-based product when considering biological degradation. This standard is a step toward the evaluation of the service life of a wood product. The durability of each component will deteriorate at a rate depending on climate, use class, durability of wood, design, quality of site work, maintenance and usage. In Spain, under the umbrella of EN 460 and French Standard FD P 20-651, it is intended to give a guidance on using wood and wood-based products in construction given inputs for developing a Spanish approach in the key aspects affecting the durability of wood in constructions adapted to Spanish conditions.

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