Timber Treatment

Timber Treatment for London Homes

Timber has long been a favorite building material; it is easy to work with, comes in many forms and looks attractive, yet there are threats that take the form of fungal growth and destructive insects. We have been providing accurate damp assessments to London Homeowners for more than four decades, which include woodworm, wet and dry rot. The damp climate is conducive to mould, mildew and woodworm and without adequate ventilation, you have the ideal environment for timber decay.

What is Woodworm?

There are primarily two beetle species that are common in the UK that attack timber; namely, the Common Furniture Beetle and the Death Watch Beetle; both species have a similar modus operandi. They burrow into wood and lay their eggs, which hatch and the larvae eat wood pulp and that compromises the integrity of the material. We advise homeowners to regularly check all timber in the home, looking for any signs of insect presence and fungal growth. Our independent damp survey would certainly reveal any such issues and we provide a written report to the customer the following day.

Tell-Tale Signs of Woodworm

The signs that woodworm are present include:

• Rows of tiny burrow holes with small mounds of dust nearby
• Creamy white eggs in close proximity
• Dead adult beetles in the area
• Dry and brittle timber
• Discolored wood
• Musty smell in the area

If woodworm is not treated, the cycle will continue and eventually, all of the timber will have to be replaced.

How is Woodworm Treated?

While there are numerous ways to treat woodworm, it is generally accepted that the most effective method is to spray a water-based insecticide and all of the timber in the building should be treated. Other methods include fogging and applying heat, which might be used in a commercial setting. Chemicals can be used but this presents a danger to humans and animals and the building would need to be unoccupied for at least a few days.

Surveying London Homes for Woodworm

We have many requests from London homeowners to inspect their property, specifically looking for signs of woodworm and timber decay. Our level 3 survey is the most comprehensive, which involves a thorough inspection of all timber sections, testing for tell-tale signs of both woodworm and timber rot.

Wet Rot

This is a fungal growth that requires a high level of moisture (30-50%) in order to thrive and unlike dry rot, it does not easily spread, usually remaining in one damp area. Tell-tale signs of wet rot include a darkened colour, a mushroom-like smell and spongy wood that is soft to the touch. Rising or penetrating damp is a major cause of wet rot, as this fungus requires constant moisture.

Dry Rot

Dry rot requires less moisture than wet rot, typically 20-30% and it can traverse masonry and plaster, with spores that are released into the air. This fungus consumes wood at an alarming rate and once a building is infected, serious damage will occur quickly. Timber becomes cracked and is often discoloured by this fungal growth and unless treatment is carried out, the fungus continues to spread.

Best Treatments for Timber Rot

It is wise to approach a professional company when looking for timber rot solutions; while there are DIY solutions, the chances are the problem will not be completely eradicated. A professional team uses a water-based fungicide, which allows the building to be occupied within a few hours of the spraying.

If you see signs of timber rot in your home, the best way forward is to book an independent damp survey from an established London company such as London Damp Specialists. One of our PCA-certified damp surveyors will inspect the property and if damp, mould or timber rot is present, we will find it and recommend the best possible treatment.

While we do not carry out timber treatment because we only do surveys, we do work closely with one of London’s top damp-proofing contractors.

Don’t take any chances when it comes to timber rot and woodworm; contact London Damp Specialists and book an independent damp survey and find out whether or not your home had timber issues.