Data regarding moisture and temperature requirements of decay fungi found in literature have been compared to experience from observations in a large number of Norwegian buildings. A number of selected situations are discussed, among those exposure to high relative humidity, exposure to free water and decay in the supposedly adverse conditions on Svalbard. The moisture content in wood has to be at or above the fibre saturation point for lengthy periods of time for extensive decay to develop, which implies that capillary uptake of water must be involved. The relative humidity has to be close to 100 % for a long period of time in order for decay to develop at all. In assessment of risk of fungal decay it is crucial to consider the ecology of the built environment, involving temperature and time as well as the wood moisture content. The history of the construction part in question is more important than a single measurement of moisture content.

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