Timber Treatment
Timber treatment is used when woodworm or timber rot is detected and both issues can cause serious damage as well as being a health risk. Older London properties are at least 50% timber, with some as high as 75%, and as you would expect, the years take its toll and timber decay is often the result. There are 3 main issues, which are woodworm, wet rot and dry rot and our PCA certified damp surveyors can identify timber issues and recommend the best solutions.
Woodworm Treatment
There are two types of beetle; the Common Furniture and the Death Watch Beetle, both of these insects burrow tiny holes in wood and when the eggs hatch, the larvae consume wood pulp. Tell-tale signs include rows of tiny holes with mounds of wood dust nearby and should you notice this, it is time to contact London Damp Specialists on 020 8528 3277 and book an independent damp survey. Unless woodworm is addressed, the cycle will continue and this results in destruction of timber structures.
How to Tell if Woodworm is Present in My Home?
The tell-tale signs of woodworm include:
- Tiny holes with mounds of dust close by
- Brittle timber
- Crumbling edges
- Dead insects near timber
Our PCA certified damp surveyors will find woodworm if it is present in your home and we will make recommendations for the right treatment. We work closely with London’s top damp-proofing contractor.
Dry Rot
Dry rot is very destructive, a fungus that destroys wood of all types, especially timber floors, rafters and roof joists. Dry rot can potentially weaken the timber in your home and it requires the right treatment.
Main Causes of Dry Rot
The main causes include:
- Excess moisture in timber
- Condensation that rots window sills
- Damp environment with no ventilation
Once dry rot is established, it spreads quickly if not treated and before long, timber need to be replaced.
Tell-Tale Signs of Dry Rot
There are a few tell-tale signs of dry rot, including:
- Dark, discoloured wood
- Cracked timber with yellow stains
- Grey mould growth that peels
- White, fluffy growth, cotton wool type mould
- Stale, pungent small in the house
If you notice any of these signs, contact us immediately and we can arrange for a comprehensive damp inspectionthat detects dry rot and we can make the right treatment recommendation.
Wet Rot in London Homes
Wet rot is more common than dry rot in London properties, due to the damp climate, which enables wet rot to thrive. This type of fungus grows close to water sources, such a water leaks and damp walls and early detection is crucial to avoid costly repairs; wet rot spreads very quickly and can soon overwhelm a timber-based structure. Wet rot can cause timber to swell and leaves a musky smell in your home.
Recommended Timber Treatment
Dry and wet rot require different treatments and it is important to correctly diagnose the type of rot, then a correct treatment can be recommended. When we survey a London property, we recommend a top-rated damp-proofing contractor to carry out the remedial work.
Treatment might include the following:
- Removal and replacement of affected timber sections
- Treat timber with chemical preservatives and dry rot resistance applications
- Identify the source of the moisture and carry out effective treatment
- Eradicate woodworm and preserve healthy timber from future attacks
If you even suspect that timber rot or woodworm might be present in your London property, call London Damp Specialists on 020 8528 3277 or fill out the online survey booking form and we will be in touch soon.
Customer Testimonials
Both wet and dry rot attack timber and they require different treatments; tell-tale signs of wet rot include a spongy feel to the timber, a musky smell in the space, discolouration and cracking of the wood. Dry rot, on the other hand, is usually accompanied by a damp smell, brittle, dried-out look that is often accompanied by a creamy white mould growth. When we survey a London property, our surveyor would recommend the best treatment to eliminate wet and dry rot.
If you own a home that is constructed of wood, then it is definitely at high risk from London’s chronically wet weather conditions. The never-ending damp takes a toll on all of the city’s buildings, but timber is always sure to suffer the most. The most common damp-related problems that attack wooden structures are dry rot and wet rot, so let’s learn more about what they are and how they can cause untold damage to your home!
Woodworm is a very destructive insect and there are two species that are commonly found in the UK; namely, the Death Watch Beetle and the Common Furniture Beetle and the best treatment depends on several factors, which are the species and the degree of infestation. Contact London Damp Specialists and book a damp survey to find out what the best form of treatment would be. Our PCA-certified surveyors have a lot of experience in identifying and treating all forms of woodworm.
There are certain chemicals that can be applied to prevent the onset of woodworm infestation; the best solution is to book a damp survey with London Damp Specialists and our PCA-certified surveyors can recommend the best preventative measures regarding woodworm.
Damp Survey Costs
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees for our independent, unbiased surveys.
Level 1
What’s included:
- Inspection of walls
- Inspection of floors
- Inspection of ceilings
- Leak inspection of drains and plumbing
- Damp information and prevention guide
Level 2
What’s included:
- Everything in Level 1
- Dry rot inspection
- Wet rot inspection
- Woodworm inspection
- Damp information and prevention guide
Level 3 (Most Popular)
What’s included:
- Thermal Imaging
- Air humidity testing
- HD boroscope camera
- Brickwork pointing inspection
- DPC inspection
- Ventilation flow test on extractor fans
- 4K drone imagery roof, chimney stack
and guttering inspection - Structural condition inspection
- Inspection of walls
- Inspection of floors
- Inspection of ceilings
- Leak inspection of drains and plumbing
- Dry rot inspection
- Wet rot inspection
- Woodworm inspection
- Damp information and prevention guide
Survey Add Ons
Add On 1
Laboratory analysis Of plaster identifies hygroscopic salts such as chlorides and nitrates. which indicate whether damp is caused by rising groundwater or by plumbing leaks, This testing removes guesswork, allowing the exact source of moisture to be identified so the correct treatment is applied rather than carrying out unnecessary damp-proofing work.
Add On 2
qPCR DNA mould testing detects microscopic mould spores that are invisible during a normal inspection and van remain hidden behind walls, floors. or inside building rkaterials. It identifies the exact mould species present and the contamination level, allowing hidden mould problems to be confirrned and properly treated before they affect the property or occupants’ health.
Qualifications: All our surveyors are PCA and CSRT qualified for remedial treatments and also CSSW qualified for structural waterproofing.
Next day report: You will receive the report within 24 hours of the inspection taking place.
These are the tools we use
Damp Meter
A damp meter is a diagnostic tool used to detect and measure moisture levels within building materials such as plaster, brick, timber, and concrete.
Borescope camera
borescope camera is a small inspection camera attached to a flexible semi-rigid cable that allows you to see inside areas that are otherwise inaccessible.
Drone Inspection
A drone is a remotely operated aerial device equipped with a camera that allows visual inspection from above without the need for scaffolding or ladder.
Air Humidity Sensor
Air humidity sensor measures the amount of moisture present in the air, expressed as relative humidity (RH) in percentage. It helps determine whether indoor conditions are contributing to condensation, mould growth, or damp-related issues.
Thermal Imaging Camera
A thermal imaging camera detects temperature differences on surfaces by using infrared technology to produce a heat map image. In damp investigations, it helps identify cold spots, moisture intrusion, insulation defects, thermal bridging and leaks.
Air Flow Ventilation Detector
An air flow ventilation detector measures the movement and volume of air passing through vents, extractor fans, and air bricks. It confirms whether ventilation systems are working properly and achieving adequate air changes within a room. Poor airflow leads to trapped moisture, high humidity, condensation on cold surfaces, and ultimately mould growth.
Mould Lab Swab Testing
A mould swab test is carried out to confirm the presence of hidden mould growth and identify the specific species involved. Surface mould is not always visible, especially behind furniture, inside cavities, or within ventilation systems. Laboratory analysis of a swab sample determines whether active mould spores are present and what type they are, which helps assess potential health risks and decide the correct remediation approach rather than relying on visual assumption alone.
Lab Analysis of Plaster
Laboratory analysis of plaster is used to identify the type of salts present within the material, typically chlorides and nitrates. The presence and concentration of these salts help determine whether the moisture source is consistent with rising damp, ground contamination, or another forms [sic] of water ingress. such as mains water leak, This removes guesswork and prevents misdiagnosis, ensuring the correct remedial treatment is specified rather than applying unnecessary or ineffective solutions.
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