An insight into the world of wood restoration, innovative technologies, fungal and insect damage

In the heart of the fair DACH+HOLZ 2024In the area dedicated to restorers and carpenters, an expert in the field of old wood conservation shares the secrets of his trade. The stand, a workshop open to the public, becomes the stage where the wooden structures, testimonies of the past, come back to life under the skilful hands of craftsmen.

Robert Ott, for he is a recognised wood expert, specialising in the protection and diagnosis of wood damage caused by biogenic organisms. Since 2007, he has been officially recognised and authorised by the Bodensee-Oberschwaben Chamber of Commerce and Industry as an expert in wood protection and damage. Robert has undergone extensive training, including as a master carpenter and woodwork restorer, and has participated in research projects in the biology of wood-damaging organisms. In addition to his practical activities, he also teaches and participates in seminars, thus contributing to professional training in wood protection. For more details, visit Robert Ott's website.

This article aims to provide a small glimpse into the world of wood restoration, highlighting the innovative technologies presented at DACH+HOLZ 2024 and the traditional methods used in the process of preserving old wooden structures, presented for Wood Magazine by Robert Ott at DACH+HOLZ 2024. You can watch the video at the end of the article. At the event, specialists on the stand with Robert demonstrated the meticulous process of processing old beams, using advanced measurement techniques to assess the strength of the material and detect the presence of pests.

Of particular interest was the presentation of the latest methods for detecting sound emissions from insect-attacked wood, a revolutionary technology that offers new insights into pest identification and control. Robert Ott, with extensive experience in the field, introduced us to the complex world of fungal and insect damage, showing how it affects historic wooden structures.

The structural damaged wood items shown demonstrate the extent of damage caused by wood beetles and other insects, and the devastating effects of fungal infections. Robert's presentation also covers the life cycle of the pests, from laying eggs in wood crevices to developing larvae that feed from within, compromising structural wood.

Robert Ott not only presented the problems but also offered concrete solutions. Drilling resistance measurement technology, for example, is an essential method for assessing the structural integrity of wood, allowing specialists to determine the exact areas affected and the need for restoration work. In the video at the end of the article you can see exactly how this technology works.

In conclusion, the carpentry restorers' stand was a meeting point between tradition and innovation, where past and present were intertwined to preserve cultural heritage. DACH+HOLZ participants witnessed the transformation of old wood, which, through the skilled hands of craftsmen and with the help of modern technology, can regain its beauty and strength, ready to once again traverse history.

Below the video of Robert Ott's presentation at DACH+HOLZ 2024, produced by Revista din Lemn