Woodworm: The Common Furniture Beetle is responsible for over 90% of the "woodworm" attacks in Southern England.

The insect is dark brown in colour and 3mm in length. The female lays eggs in cracks and joints in the timber and, when the eggs have hatched, the grubs bore into the wood. At the onset of the pupal stage the grub tunnels up towards the surface and, when it has passed through the chrysalis stage, the beetle emerges and flies away to mate.

Attacks can be identified by observing flight-holes. Old flight-holes will normally look dusty, while active holes usually reveal the light yellow of the wood.

Rot: Dry and wet rot destroy timber. Both are caused by fungi which originate in wet timber in damp and poorly ventilated situations. The dry rot fungus can spread from damp to dry timber and, therefore, is much more difficult to contain.

Matted fungal strands develop to form a silvery grey skin. At this stage any affected timber will become dark brown and cracks will develop, both with and across the grain, thus breaking down the surface of the timber.

Having destroyed the damp wood the fungus then seeks to create ideal living conditions on nearby timber. Its water-carrying roots can reach anywhere, even through the brickwork, to find timber and form another breeding ground on which to thrive.

Wet Rot: All fungal infestations in a building which are not dry rot may be considered under this heading. The essential difference is that wet rot fungal infestations die off once the source of moisture is eliminated

Damp: Dampness in buildings can be caused by many things. The most common one in older buildings is the absence of a damp proof course or, alternatively, the damp proof course being defective, bridged or ineffective.

Another problem occurs in areas of rising dampness as it brings with it hygroscopic salts which are then contained in the brickwork or masonry and attract moisture from the atmosphere, thus adding to damp problems.

Remedial Treatments

Woodworm: Any timber affected by Common Furniture Beetle or any other wood boring insect can be treated successfully with a solution specially manufactured for this purpose. Where timbers are weakened to the extent that they cannot perform their structural purpose these will have to be removed and replaced with treated timber, It may well be that treatment for woodworm on a "sooner than later" basis would be an advantage, not only financially, but for peace of mind in the future regarding carpet laying, lagging and installation of permanent fitments.

Dry Rot: Procedures and materials used by specialist firms are complicated and beyond the experience of most builders. It is important that all affected areas, including plaster and timbers, are removed and adjoining areas treated in a manner which sterilises them against further attack.

Wet Rot: Timber affected in this way must be removed and replaced with new treated timber which is well insulated from any adjoining surfaces by a polythene shield where the original timber has taken on board excessive moisture which caused the problem in the first instance. All necessary steps must be taken to ensure wood is kept dry by improved ventilation, elimination of possible areas of water ingress and other sources of dampness affecting the building fabric.

Damp: We are specialists in installing both physical and chemical damp proof courses. Physical damp course are inserted by cutting through the walls and chemical damp courses are installed by injection. Both must be carried out by skilled operatives. In areas of the most severe dampness the installation of a new damp course is not sufficient and must be accompanied by specialist plastering which we, as a reputable company, will recommend and carry out where appropriate.

Damp (Basements and Vaults): Areas below ground level require special treatment. We have been treating damp basements successfully for many years and we can offer three types of treatments tailored to meet your requirements both financial and practical. A Guarantee can be given in many cases.

Condensation

Condensation is becoming a bigger problem each year.

Tenanted houses and flats are by far the most likely to suffer due to the way the property is used.

Bricking up of fire places and the insulation of draft proof window(s) and door(s), cuts down the ventilation.

Greater use of water in the property is also a factor.

Drying clothes inside the property is not acceptable.

The use of a washer/dryer is recommended.

The mould that forms with condensation is white when it first grows and can hardly be seen.

However, as soon as the wall surface dries the mould dies and goes black. This growth is bad for anyone with breathing difficulties and can cause indigestion.

The proper insulation of the walls, ceiling and floors will reduce the problem but better ventilation is the key to curing the problem.

Areas that suffer the most are contents and wall surfaces in cupboards, areas of outside walls in corners and where items are stored against wall surfaces.

To reduce the problem we recommend the installation of washer/dryers, microwave cooker(s) and suitable ventilation fans installed in bathrooms and kitchens and worst affected bedrooms.

Also, keeping furniture away from wall surfaces and not having rubber backed carpets laid on concrete floors.

Some of these alterations do cost money but this should be measured against the cost of re-decorating the damage and the decorations generally lasting longer. We can help you improve your property and more healthy living.