Local Effect
tropical climate of Western Florida allows for wildlife to thrive, including aquatic pests:
• Western Florida struggles with wood damage by non-native, boring isopod Sphaeroma terebrans
• Warm water temperatures keep microbes active nearly year-round
• Strong tidal exchanges create large tidal zones on structures, which promote the growth of shellfish mats​

Shellfish Mats 
These mats create a protected environment for microbes to colonize within
the entrapped wood remains damp, while nutrients are continuously cycled by tides
 
Fungal Attack
Fungi thrive in splash zones where pilings repeatedly cycle between wet and dry
They release organic acids and powerful enzymes which break down cellulose fibers and the lignin “glue” that give wood its structural strength
 
Bacteria
bacteria form films on surfaces, THIER METABOLIC ACTIVITY CREATES acidic pockets which degrade wood fibers
​
Borers
Piling surfaces are treated with chemicals and pressure to resist marine stress
Once fungi and bacteria soften the surface, Marine borers have a protected structure to thrive within
 
Why Vinyl Protection Works
Properly installed vinyl barriers interrupt the microbial-borer cycle
Two layers of wrap are installed to prevent currents from nutrient cycling, a sealing plastic wrap followed by a durable vinyl wrap secured with nails
Together, they act to starve fungal growth zones
installation on new pilings can double the structural life

Why choose Studt Marine
Exposure to the harsh marine environment requires aged wrap to be replaced every 5-10 years dependent upon the environment
To extend the wrap life, we prioritize sourcing the highest quality vinyl and 316 Stainless steel nails expertly installed using pneumatics
Vinyl wrap is sunken into the seafloor to block microbial and larval access at the base