At what percentage does rotting fungi begin to grow in wood?

Rotting fungi, commonly known as wood decay fungi, generally begin to grow in wood when the moisture content reaches around 20%. At this level of moisture, the wood environment becomes conducive to fungal spores' germination and growth. This is because the fungi require a certain amount of water to thrive, which is a critical factor in their ability to metabolize and break down cellulose and lignin in wood.

When the moisture content of wood exceeds 20%, it creates an environment where fungi can proliferate, leading to rotting and significant structural damage over time. Therefore, the understanding of this threshold is crucial for restoration professionals in assessing the risk of wood decay during water damage restoration or remediation processes.