Timber Decay

Dry Rot

Dry rot is the term given to timber decay caused by certain fungi that deteriorate timber in buildings and other wooden construction seemingly without an apparent source of moisture.

The decayed wood takes on a dark or browner crumbly appearance, with cubical like cracking or checking, that becomes brittle and can eventually crush the wood into powder.

An outbreak of dry rot within a building can be an extremely serious infestation that is hard to eradicate, requiring drastic remedies to correct. Eventually the decay can cause instability and collapse if the infestation is not correctly treated.

Treatment: Dry rot treatment is a thorough process that has to be carried out in a very precise manner to control the spread within a property. Once a survey has been carried out to identify the problem a report will be issued with a treatment plan to cure the problem.

Wet Rot

Wet rot occurs only where wood is damp. The signs of wet rot are a darkening and softening of the timber, with cracks, usually running along the grain.

There might also be narrow, dark brown fungus strands on the surface of the wood. Wet rot can occur anywhere but is a particular problem in roof timbers, under floor joists, windows and external doors.

Treatment: Wet rot is not as aggressive as dry rot but still needs to be treated in a similar way to dry rot, once a survey has discovered any signs of timber decay a treatment plan is tailor made to the effected area and remedial work will be carried out to rectify the problem.

Woodworm

Woodworm is the term used to describe the larvae stage of wood boring beetles that are seen emerging between April to October.

Woodworm can be found in any house where there is exposed timber, left unchecked a woodworm attack can lead to serious weakening of structural timber and can spoil the appearance of decorative timber.

Treatment: Once woodworm is detected we can offer treatments for the affected areas and a 30 year guarantee can be issued for the works.