röööte

Råte is a term used in Swedish and Norwegian to denote rot or decay of organic matter. It covers natural processes of decomposition as well as spoilage of materials such as timber, crops, meat, and fruit. The word appears in everyday language as well as in forestry, construction, and agriculture.

In timber and built environments, råte usually refers to fungal decay caused by moisture. The main forms are brown rot, white rot, and soft rot. Brown rot primarily breaks down cellulose and hemicellulose, leaving a dark, crumbly wood. White rot attacks lignin, often rendering wood pale and stringy. Soft rot develops in damp conditions and can affect wood that is less susceptible to other fungi. Signs include cracking, hollowing, a crumbly texture, and a musty or moldy odor.

Causes and prevention center on moisture control. Prolonged high humidity, leaks, poor ventilation, and ground contact create conditions favorable to fungal growth. Prevention measures include reducing moisture levels, ensuring proper drainage, improving ventilation, protecting lumber with sealants or treatments, and using non-infected or treated materials in susceptible locations.

Detection and treatment involve identifying rot early and choosing appropriate actions. Visual inspection, sampling, and moisture measurements aid diagnosis. Infected wood is typically removed and replaced, followed by measures to dry and ventilate the area. In some cases, professional treatment with fungicides or wood stabilization may be used, but structural replacement is often necessary for extensive decay.

Outside timber, råte can also describe spoilage of organic materials in food and agricultural contexts, reflecting a broader sense of decomposition across contexts.