Press/News

Today we have some photos showing an outbreak of Dry rot discovered by one our Timber and Damp specialists in the Manchester area. Timberwise Manchester were called to provide a pre-purchase Timber and Damp survey on an empty property to identify if there were any potential pitfalls that the prospective owner needed to know about. Upon walking into the hallway the tell tale sign of ‘spongy’ floorboards gave a clue of what was to come! The pictures below give an indication of the destructive power of Dry rot. The outbreak had resulted in the structural breakdown of the sub floor joists and floor boards in the kitchen and hallway.

Dry rot fruiting body growing on the door casing in the kitchen

Another Dry rot fruiting body in the hallway storage cupboard

Sheet mycelium growth of Dry rot below the floor timbers in the hallway.

The Timberwise answer to this Dry rot outbreak

To rectify the damage caused by the Dry rot outbreak Timberwise removed the damaged flooring, joists, skirting boards and other affected timbers. The area was then treated with a fungicide and damaged timbers replaced

What to do if you suspect Dry rot in your property

Firstly don’t panic! If you suspect that you may have a Dry rot problem simply call 0800 288 8660 and arrange to have a survey carried out of the timbers by one of our qualified timber surveyors. Alternatively complete our on-line Dry Rot survey request form.

Timberwise were contacted by a concerned homeowner in Whitchurch regarding possibly high levels of radon gas in the family home. We were asked to test for the presence of radon gas to identify the becquerel level and from there implement a solution dependent on the extent of the radon gas exposure.

What is radon gas?

Radon gas is a  radioactive gas that is present in all rocks, solids, concrete and bricks in the UK.  Since radon gas is a naturally occurring product, its concentration is directly related to the geology underneath your home. As a result of it been formed naturally there are some parts of the UK that are more at risk of radon gas exposure than others.

Lowering radon gas levels

Following the results of a radon test Timberwise surveyed the property to pull together a solution to lower the amount of radon in the property. Our solution involved the fitting of sub floor vents to the front elevation of the property along with the installation of a radon pump to the rear. The purpose of the radon fan is to ‘suck’ air and radon gas from the front elevation, through the underside of the floor and the dispel the radon gas at roof level to disperse harmlessly into the atmosphere. The pictures below show the key parts of the installation. The picture to the left shows the radon fan and the picture on the right shows how the gas is dispersed. The unit also blends perfectly with the existing rain water goods on the property.

Sub floor vent to allow fresh air to be 'pulled' to the rear of the property

Radon gas map - find out if there is radon where you live

To assist homeowners in identifying if their property is in an area of potentially high radon gas concentration the Health Protection Agency (HPA) have conducted an in depth study of radon gas and identified the risk of radon exposure across the UK. This information about radon gas areas is  available from the HPA in the form of a Radon Map. The radon gas map identifies the probability of your property having an issue with radon gas. Click here to view the Radon Gas map. For a more accurate identification of the radon levels in your home Timberwise recommend the use of a radon test kit. For further information about radon testing visit our dedicated radon test kit page where you can also purchase a radon test kit safely on-line.

The floods may have subsided somewhat in parts of the country but experts are still predicting a possible return later in the week along with unusually cold, frosty weather.

Although the worst of the downpours seem to be over, certain rivers are not far from their peaks and dozens of flood warnings from the Environment Agency remain active. . To find out about the latest flood warning visit the Environment Agency Flood Warnings page.

After the flooding begins the hard work of making the properties habitable again following the damage caused by flooding – that where Timberwise can help!

Flooding and Flood Treatments from the Flood Remediation Specialists

When a building has been subjected to flooding it is vital that any flood remediation work is carried out by experts.   Timberwise, as members of the Property Care Association Flood Remediation Group, are specialists when it comes to repairing buildings that have been affected by water ingress.

As members of the Property Care Association Flood Remediation Group we can also:

1. Assist in the recovery of the flooded building.  

Assist the company undertaking the drying aspects of the property and can undertake investigations to highlight areas at greatest risk from fungal decay or degradation. This will reduce the possibility of problems of dry rot and other latent defects affecting the building after the drying out process is complete.

2. Provide effective repairs to damaged areas of the property.

At Timberwise we deal with damp and dampness every day and our experience in dealing with rising and penetrating dampness can also be applied to flooded buildings. We are experienced in the damage caused by water ingress and can advise on the necessary solution as a result of the water ingress. Problems with repairs that are flooding related are common – but these may only surface sometime after the property is repaired.

3. Providing refurbishment and repair solutions can introduce greater long term resilience to future flood water ingress.  

In some instances it may be possible to undertake repairs that will provide the building with far greater resilience to future floods. With our expertise in waterproofing we are ideally placed to help.   As members of the PCA Flood Remediation Group Timberwise have to meet tough criteria. Timberwise can be called upon to provide high quality flood remediation works, as well as advice and guidance with drying the building and preventing decay following a flood. For further information on floods and how to prepare in the event of a flood visit the Environment Agency web pages dedicated to flooding.

If you have a property that has suffered at the hands of flooding and needs help from our team of specialists either eMail our team  or call 0800 288 8660. Timberwise

Recent research from Aviva has revealed that at the Easter bank holiday an amazing 9.5 million people intended to carry out some form of DIY around the house. The research also highlighted that although the vast majority of people are quick to spot and act on jobs within the home millions of home owners are neglecting work that needs to be carried out outside. The cost of turning a blind eye to those external DIY jobs – a potentially staggering £10,000 in the long term.

Have you checked your chimney stack recently?

If you haven’t checked your chimney stack recently you are not alone – the Aviva research uncovered that only 15% of people check for defects on the chimney stack monthly, as recommended by surveyors, and 21% of us admit to never checking it. Although it may not seem the most important of jobs defective stacks can lead to potential damp problems within the property. Another potential area of neglect is the roof – one in ten UK homeowners have never checked for signs of slipping or missing roof tiles – this once again can lead to potential damp and rot problems. A sound roof is essential to the structural integrity of a house and if a problem with tiles is ignored it can once again land you with an unwanted repair bill.

Heather Smith, Director of home insurance at Aviva said: “Many of the common and expensive problems that affect homes often begin outside the home. For example, damage from damp that seeps in through leaky external walls, standing water on flat roofs, and missing roof tiles.”

Another area of concern is the garden - here Japanese Knotweed lurks ready to cause damage to property! 46% of homeowners admit to never checking for signs of it and 43% didn’t know that it could cause serious damage to property in the form of damaged walls, drains and paving.

Give your property a health check!

To help keep your property in tip top condition here’s a list of the top things to check on your property:

1) Defective chimney stack / roof flashing’s: Check on a monthly basis for damp stains around the chimney breast area.

2) Missing or damaged roof tiles: Check every month for damp patches on interior ceilings.

3) Defective guttering:  Keep an eye out for damp patches, discolouration or salty deposits on the outside of walls. Defective and blocked guttering is a major source of penetrating damp.

4) Wet Rot and Dry Rot in timber frames: Check for the tell tale signs of wet timber or a white fungal growth.

5) Deterioration to flat roofs: Flat roofs should be checked twice a year for standing water, vegetation and the lifting / racking of joints.

6) Japanese Knotweed: Keep an eye out for th distinctive large heart shaped leaves. Be aware though that it changes its appearance through the year.

Do you suspect you have a damp problem?

If you think you have a damp issue at home the best advice is to have it checked out sooner rather than later by a qualified damp surveyor who will be able to identify the nature of the damp problem (be it penetrating damp, dampness caused by condensation or rising damp) and advise on the best course of action to remedy the problem. To arrange a damp survey simply complete our online damp survey request form or call your local Timberwise office on 0800 288 8661 who will be delighted to help you further.

The Dry Rot team at Timberwise Leeds are no strangers to going the extra mile on timber surveys but this one really did take them to new heights! When one of our commercial clients had a problem with water ingress causing a Dry Rot problem in the upper floors of their building in Morley, West Yorkshire, Timberwise Leeds were tasked with putting a stop to the rot. To provide a remedial solution to the Dry Rot outbreak it was imperative to find any sources of moisture coming into the building, including checking the roof for any defects that could possible allow water in.

Here we see our intrepid  surveyor Sean checking for deterioration to the flat roof area - this includes checking for standing water, cracking or lifting joins as well as vegetation. Other potential sources of water ingress include defective guttering. Guttering can fill up with items such as moss and bird droppings which can lead to blocked gutters. Only when the sources of water ingress were identified and repaired could the Dry Rot be effectively treated.

Do you think you have a Dry Rot problem?

If so don’t panic! Timberwise are experts in treating properties that have fallen foul to Dry Rot and as we are nationwide we are sure to be nearby. To arrange a survey either complete our Dry Rot survey request form or call your local office for friendly advice on 0800 288 8660. Further advice and information about Dry Rot, what Dry Rot is and how we treat Dry Rot can be found on our Dry Rot information page.

For many years Timberwise have been offering the residents and businesses of York property care services from basement waterproofing to woodworm and damp proofing and everything else in between! We have been involved with many prestigious projects in York, such as basement waterproofing for Bootham School and waterproofing in the National Railway Museum but our latest waterproofing project in York is set to be one our largest in the city. Timberwise Leeds are delighted to have been chosen as waterproofing specialists on the building project of the West Offices scheme in York which will become the new home for City of York Council. Work has started to transform West Offices which will blend old and new architecture to create an innovative and impressive new building.  The project which is costing £32 million pounds is expected to be completed by the end of 2012.

The need for a dry basement

The basement area of the new City of York Council building is to be used for storage and archiving and as such needs to be a dry environment. Using our expertise in basement waterproofing Timberwise have specified a Type C waterproofing system that utilises cavity drain membrane along with perimeter drainage and sump pump units in line with the guidance given in BS8102. This waterproofing system will ensure that the basement area and it’s contents remain dry.

Looking to convert your damp basement? Consult the basement waterproofing specialists

Timberwise are experts in Basement waterproofing and converting damp unused cellars in to bright, dry living spaces. Check out our page that shows the steps in a basement conversion or why not look at a video showing a basement conversion in action. To speak to a waterproofing specialist for advice call Timberwise on 0800 288 8660 or complete our on-line basement waterproofing survey request form.

Here’s a photo from one of our surveyors from Timberwise Leicester showing the damage that can be caused by Death Watch beetles as they tunnel under the outer carcass of timbers –  causing more damage than is visible on the surfaces of hardwood timbers.

The Death Watch beetle is a wood boring beetle that grows to approx 7 mm long with larvae growing anywhere up to 11mm in length. The common name refers to the repeated tapping or ticking sound produced by the adults as they bang their heads against the timbers of the property – it is believed this sound is used to attract a mate. The errie sound made by the Death Watch beetle was said to countdown the time to death!

Areas where the Death Watch Beetle is found

Death Watch beetles prefer very damp conditions especially those where there is some form of fungal decay present such as “wet rot” in the timbers. Under these conditions the beetles can develop rapidly. The Death Watch beetle has a preference for European hardwoods, such as oak, ash and chestnut; that has been “softened” with dry or wet rot. The larvae have a tendency to tunnel towards the centre of the timber resulting in extensive damage that may be considerably more than you would think form the exterior of the timber.

Damage caused by Death Watch beetles

Damage from Death Watch beetle infestation is often extreme especially in concealed bearing ends of timbers that are inserted into damp walls. In conjunction with wood rot as well the attack may hollow out the centre of large section beams making the timber structurally unsafe.

What to do if you suspect a Death Watch beetle infestation

Correct identification of the beetle infestation is needed to ensure that the correct remedial treatments can be recommended. To arrange for one of our experts to survey the beetle damage call 0800 288 8660 or complete our on-line survey request form.

Here we have an example of a clients property with a water ingress problem. Water was leaking into the clients basement car park causing damp related problems. Following a survey Timberwise identified the source of the water ingress:  the floor slab was cast on to a permanent metal form work and leaks were found at the edges, particularly where the terraces abutted a concrete piled wall and where there was a change in levels. There had been previous remedial efforts using a sticky sheet membrane over the terrace decks above but these had failed. The client asked Timberwise to produce a waterproofing proposal that would deal with the problems of the water ingress once and for all.

The Timberwise Waterproofing Solution

It was clear that water was getting in at the edges . The floor slab was laid level and the existing drains were only collecting surface run-off.  As a result water was ponding on the sheet membrane and running to the edges.

Timberwise proposed that the terraces be stripped of pavers and sheet membrane and that the facing bricks and concrete infill were removed. Once this was done , a screed laid to a 1:80 fall toward the apartments could be laid. Our waterproofing solution consisted of a liquid applied hybrid bitumen and cement coating to be trowel applied across the screed and into the floor to wall junction (with fillet details). The coating is flexible and tough when cured and can be applied to damp substrates. To protect the primary waterproofing layer, we then proposed that a geotextile covered horizontal cavity drainage layer be laid. This directs water to the edges, where it can be drained off and acts as a sound base for paving sand etc. To collect the water we used ACO freedeck drain channel. This has entry slots in the side as well as the usual top grid. We also sealed the concrete piles and the dwarf wall where the terrace levels changed.

The result of this waterproofing design? A dry basement car park and a very satisfied client!

Sticky sheet membrane showing standing water

Coating the screed floor to wall junction

Overlaid with drainage layer

The completed paving

Do you have a waterproofing problem you need help with?

If so talk to our waterproofing team at Timberwise. We have experience in waterproofing many different types of structure and with a wide variety of waterproofing tools and knowledge at our disposal we are sure to be able to help. Call 0800 288 8660 or request a waterproofing survey on-line.

In the course of their everyday work our surveyors come across many different types of decay that attack the timbers of properties both old and new. Here we have some pictures of some less common wet rots in the form of brown and white rot.

Brown Rot (Paxillus panuoides)

This brown rot targets very wet soft woods and spreads over damp timbers. Brown rots destroy cellulose in the timber and cause a darkening of the decayed timber. The photos below show the brown rot in situ and the fruiting body in greater detail.

White Rot (Donkioporia expansa)

This rot feeds on hardwoods such as oak and digests cellulose and lignin within the timber. This results in a lightening of the decayed timber. All species of wet rot require relatively high moisture levels in timber (above 30%) for growth. Unlike dry rot, wet rots will be restricted to areas where there is a high moisture content.

Action to take if you believe you have wet rot

Wet rot treatment can usually be carried out by firstly removing the moisture source and secondly drying out the surrounding fabric. This prevents further spread of the rot.  Where any affected timber has lost its strength the timber needs to be replaced with new timber that is treated against the potential germination of wet rot spores. This ensures the structural integrity of the building. Specialist wet rot treatment is then required to finish off the process.  This generally involves eradication through chemical spray and other wet rot treatments. To arrange a survey for wet rot call our team on 0800 288 8660 or complete our on-line wet rot survey request form.

When a retail chain realised they had a flooding problem with the basement in their Swansea store our waterproofing specialists at Timberwise Cardiff were called in to provide a solution. The basement, although not used for storage of goods, houses electrical equipment so there was a need to remove any water that may be within the basement.

Due to problems of flash flooding in the basement the typical waterproofing solution of a floor cavity drain membrane and perimeter drainage channel would not be enough to handle the volumes of water coming in to the basement so another solution had to be designed and implemented. The picture below shows the flood water during the installation process. The perimeter drainage channel can clearly be seen around the edge as well as the TripleSafe sump liners.

The waterproofing solution for the flooded basement

Ultimately the system employed involved the construction of a plinth area around the electrical equipment to offer some protection from water. Around the perimeter of the basement a perimeter drainage channel was incorporated that fed the water into three strategically positioned TripleSafe sump and pump units . This solution was designed to allow efficient drainage of flood water ingress that may occur in the future. The picture below shows the sump pump units in situ and the concrete plinth. The white discharge pipes that remove the water from the basement are also visible.

What to do if you have a flooded basement

If you have a basement that suffers with water ingress don’t panic! – Timberwise are here to help.

At Timberwise we like to think of ourselves more as waterproofing system design specialists rather than basement damp proofing specialists, tailoring each waterproofing solution to suit the specific needs of you and your basement.

If you want to find out more information regarding our basement waterproofing solutions, contact your local Timberwise office on 0800 288 8660 or request a site visit from one of our waterproofing team using the on-line waterproofing survey request form.