TERMITE DAMAGE IN THE ICONOSTASIS AT PANAGIA LIVADIOTISSA, SKOPELOS

by Dr Brian Ridout

[Continued from page one]

2.2 The site of the damage

Ceiling boards above the N end of the Iconostasis are badly damp stained and there has clearly been prolonged water penetration (photograph 4). The supporting beam bearing below the damp stained boards is decayed (photograph 5) and there is probably also decay in the concealed rafter ends. The softwood frame at the back is, however, in good condition and had a moisture content of 12% (moisture meter). A dry reading would be less than about 15% and so we may concluded that the water penetration is not current.

2.3 The remainder of the church

The S end of the old Iconostasis panel had a little decay but this was localised, presumably because this side faced away from the sea and was more sheltered.

There was a little beetle damage in the base of the S Iconostasis post and the base board of the pews along the S wall. This infestation would be the result of damp at ground level and would not be connected with the damage that is the subject of this report.

Photograph 4: showing extensively damp damaged ceiling boards (arrow)

Photograph 5: showing decayed beam end (white arrow) but sound frame timber
(red arrow)

3. DISCUSSION

The identification of termites from shrivelled workers is difficult, but the lack of small pellets in the damage shows that these were not dry wood termites (Kalotermes) and so they must be subterranean termites (Reticulitermes sp.). Subterranean termites require a sustained source of moisture and this is either gained by forming tubes of soil and saliva up the wall from the ground, or by exploiting a site of substantial water penetration above ground – in this case the roof.

There were no live termites or remains of tubes on the walls and the softwood frame timbers were dry despite a massive storm a few days previous. We must therefore conclude that the damage is historical and that infestations died when water penetration was halted by the roof repairs (photograph 6).

The church does not need termite treatment because the infestation that caused the damage died out at least 20 years ago. The damaged section now contains very little wood and is beyond repair, but the remainder of the original screen section seems to be mostly sound and a subterranean termite infestation in this timber is now not possible unless there is a substantial failure of the roof covering.

The decayed beam end may need supporting, and there will probably be decayed timber behind the water stained ceiling boards.

Photograph 6: new roof repairs, which halted the termite infestation

 

 

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