Press/News

Timberwise Llandudno in North Wales were recently called upon to advise on fungal decay found within an historic hotel in Beaumaris, Anglesey. Upon carrying out a survey wet rot fungus (also known as Coniophora Puteana) was discovered in a bay window area. The extent of the wet rot was such that the timbers in the bay had been structurally weakened – potentially this could have lead to the bay dropping into a seating area below. Wet rot is one of the most common forms of decay in woodwork and tends to occur when the wood has become soaked by water leakage at some point.

Treating the wet rot

The Timberwise solution to the wet rot problem involved providing a caged area to the seating area beneath the bay and then erecting a safe scaffold working platform to the underside of the propped bay. The decayed timber was removed from  the bay and new timber sections added in their place. The floor area was then replaced. The pictures below show the hotel (the bay can be seen in the middle). On the second picture you can clearly see the the wet rot attacking the cantilever timbers supporting the bay window. The final picture shows the bay with damage caused by poor ventilation coupled with dampness from external water ingress.

What should I do if I suspect I have wet rot?

If you believe you have wet rot in your property don’t panic! For an expert diagnosis of the fungal decay simply call your local Timberwise office on 0800 288 8660 or complete the on-line wet rot survey request form.

When the grade two listed Brockwell Lido in South East London had a requirement for damp proofing works as part of a refurbishment project the damp experts at Timberwise London were called upon to put a stop to their damp woes.

Damp proofing was carried out to the pool and changing room areas and in particular the Hydrosuite area. The team at Timberwise London were delighted to have the opportunity to work on this Art Deco styed local London landmark that has been at the heart of the local Herne Hill community since 1937.

Damp proofing experts for projects large and small

Timberwise are experts in damp proofing and have experience of projects of all sizes. If you have a damp problem don’t leave it to chance – choose the damp experts, choose Timberwise.

To arrange a survey call 0800 288 8660 or complete the online damp survey request form.

When Wirral Borough Council noticed a musty smell  in the historic Vale  House building in Wallasey on the Wirral they suspected that they had a damp rot problem. Only when they investigated  the cellar did they realise  that the damp rot was actually Dry Rot.

The Dry Rot Problem

Dry Rot is the most feared of all rot fungus and required urgent attention before it caused severe structural problems to the building. The fungal decay experts at Timberwise Liverpool were called upon to provide a solution to their Dry Rot problems. Following a comprehensive survey of the timbers it was apparent that the property had problems with wood boring insects (Common Furniture Beetle and Wood Boring Weevil) as well as out breaks of Dry Rot and Wet Rot. The Dry Rot outbreak was feeding on the floor timbers and as a result making the floor above structurally unstable.

The team from Timberwise Liverpool removed all the damaged floor timbers and plaster from the area under Dry Rot attack. The basement area including all masonry and the basement over-site was then irrigated and sterilized to prevent a further Dry Rot outbreak. New protected timbers were then reinstated to finish the job.

What Should I do if I have a Dry Rot Problem?

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

Historic Vale House on the Wirral

A view of the floorboards from underneath showing clear signs of wood boring beetle damage

A sheet of mycelium growth on timber

Mycelium growth spreading in the basement. The "tears" of moisture can clearly be seen

Mycelium growing over what was a cast iron fireplace

Mycelium on the joists in the basement. Growth can also be seen on some cord hanging down from a joist.

When Manchester City Council spotted a problem with timber decay they called out the team at Timberwise Manchester, experts in timber decay, to a school in Didsbury, Manchester for advice. Initially the survey was to investigate the 1st floor of the school that had deflected significantly.

Vic Hallam “Derwent System” modular buildings

The school in question was erected in the late 1950’s by ‘Vic Hallam’, a company who specialised in modular, timber-framed buildings. In this instance the property was created using the Vic Hallam  ”Derwent System”. The “Derwent System” comprises of permanent buildings that are one or two storeys high and are based on a timber post and plywood box beam framing construction model.

The cause of the decayed timber

Emergency propping works were undertaken immediately to make safe the 1st floor whilst a further investigation of the timbers was carried out. Our investigations revealed extensive decay and failure within the majority of the timber columns / posts which connected the main structure to the walls taking the load to ground.  The decay had affected the posts between ground and first floor and extended into the horizontal beams.

The cause of this attack was due to the original timber window and door frames being replaced with UPVC frames. The replacement frames had no structural strength and the seals failed allowing rainwater to penetrate the main original structural posts and beams.

The innovative solution to replace the decayed timbers

Timberwise, working in conjunction with the Structural Engineers, Atkinson Peck of Stockport, designed a radical repair solution including a combination of bespoke steel strengthening plates and Timber-Resin splice elements along with specialist treatments to arrest any further decay in the timbers.

This innovative system allowed the building to be brought back to its original strength without the need for costly removal of all the windows and with the minimum of disruption. Indeed, the whole repair to a full elevation was carried out within the Summer holidays preventing the need to schedule additional closure to the school.

Timberwise also organised all the redecorations and making good. The children are now back at school safe in the knowledge that their school will stay standing for many more years to come.

The pictures below show the works carried out by the Manchester team.

The exterior of the school. The school is a 1950's Vic Hallam "Derwent System" modular building.

The delamination of the timbers prior to work starting.

The rotton end of the timber is removed and replaced with a timber resin splice. The steel shoe that makes the joint between the beam and the post can also be seen.

The new timbers in position. The steel shoe can also be seen.

Timber repairs from the timber repair specialists

Timberwise are experts in Timber repair and have a variety of solutions to replace rotten timber.

The picture to the left shows the finished job with all new posts fitted to along with new metal fixings  to fix the windows to the posts.

For more information on Timber repair systems from Timberwise call 0800 288 8660 or request a timber survey by completing our timber survey request form.

When the University of Manchester had a problem with a damp sub-basement at their historical Sackville Street building Timberwise were called upon to provide an expert solution to  their damp problem. The sub-basement suffered with water running down the walls leading to puddles of water on the basement floor. Another problem with the basement was condensation as a result of steam  from the steam room above – this then led to an issue with condensation on the staircase.

The solution to the damp basement

The Timberwise basement waterproofing solution involved the installation of cavity drain membrane to the walls. The cavity drain membrane controls any moisture present on the walls and directs it into a perimeter drainage channel – in this instance WaterGuard around the perimeter of the basement and TrenchDrain around the steps. The perimeter drainage channel then leads into a sump pump unit which takes any water present away to a safe drain off point. To give a clean finish to the basement “WhiteWall” was fitted. ”WhiteWall” is a clean, protective finish that comes in 2m high sheets and is fixed onto the cavity drain membrane with special adhesive.

The project took less than a week to complete and the end result was a dry, useable sub-basement area.

Cavity drain membrane with a Super Sump installed. Note the pipework going through the step to the drain off point to avoid creating a trip hazard

Newly fitted "WhiteWall" fitted on top of cavity drain membrane. The "WhiteWall" still has the blue protective covering on it

"WhiteWall" in situ in the sub-basement

Looking for expert basement waterproofing advice?

Timberwise are experts in basement waterproofing and have a wide variety of basement waterproofing solutions at our disposal. From large scale commercial waterproofing projects to domestic properties we are sure to have a waterproofing solution to suit.

If you are looking for waterproofing advice why not “As our Expert” or to arrange a survey of your basement call 0800 288 8660 or complete our on-line basement survey request form.

Timberwise are experienced on working on specialist waterproofing projects of all sizes. From small Victorian cellars to larger commercial waterproofing projects we have a waterproofing solution to suit all different needs. Here we look at a recent basement waterproofing project in Bradford, West Yorkshire  for a nursery and children’s centre.

The cause of the leaking basement

Undercliffe Lane Community works and Children’s Centre was due for a program of alterations and partial refurbishment during the summer break of 2010. Part of the works involved the installation of a lift facility and the provision of through access into a basement class-room. The existing access to the class-room consisted of a damp, untidy basement hallway which needed waterproofing to provide a safe, dry environment.

The waterproofing system designed by Timberwise

The waterproofing project was on a tight site-program and Timberwise was invited to design a waterproofing solution for the basement hallway. Working with the architect and the contractor Timberwise designed and insulated a Type C (drained protection) waterproofing system with little preparation and the facility for the contractor to dry-line over the waterproofing system which reduced wet-trades in the schedule of works. The cavity drain waterproofing system was installed quickly with little or no disruption to the program and the works were allowed to proceed unhindered.

The cavity drain waterproofing system was designed to drain into adjacent large basement rooms which were at a lower level and had submersible sump pumps recessed in the floors.
Attention to detail with designing waterproofing systems is critical – Timberwise technicians ensured that service penetrations through the waterproofing membrane were treated effectively and that fixing points did not create any problems for the contractor. All joists were fully sealed using butyl tape and fixing points were sealed using gasket grommets to the underside of system fixing components.

Under the Code of Practice which dictates waterproofing design (BS 8102:2009 – The code of practice for protection of below ground structures against water from the ground) it is critical to design and consider future maintenance into a waterproofing system. Timberwise designed into the specification and installed cleaning ports to allow future maintenance of the waterproofing system and if required inspection of the cavity drainage system at the Community Works Nursery & Children’s Centre.

The nursery and childrens centre

Cavity drain membrane, drainage channel and inspection port

Fixings in cavity drain membrane

What should I do if I have a leaking Read More →

Timberwise have experience in assisting with waterproofing on projects of all sizes. From small household cellars to larger commercial waterproofing projects we have a waterproofing solution to fit all eventualities. Here we look at a recent basement waterproofing project in Manchester for a large commercial client – Duncan Bannatyne Health Clubs.

The cause of the water ingress

The health club is based in the basement of a large grade 2 listed art deco office building in the heart of Manchester. It was within the basement area that the problem with water ingress came to light. The source of the water ingress was traced to two “pavement lights” Pavement lights were designed to allow light into basement areas through prisms of glass. As a result of the water ingress 2 rooms in the basement area were unable to be used – resulting in inconvenience for the clubs clients and a loss of income for the clubs owner. Timberwise Manchester were called in to provide a waterproofing solution whilst providing minimum disruption for the clients.

The waterproofing system

The solution to the waterproofing problem utilised a cavity membrane system, perimeter drainage channel and a SmartSump sump and pump unit. This system would allow any water that entered the room to be channeled into the perimeter drainage channel and taken to a convenient drain off point. As part of our commitment to causing minimum disruption our team of waterproofing specialists worked through the night. To get to the rooms that needed waterproofing our waterproofing team had to protect  the next door nail bar – covering all soft furnishings and carpets to protect from any dust and dirt created during the waterproofing process. At the end of each night shift the nail bar then had to be put back into a usable state ready for clients to use during the day.

The photos below show the installation of the SmartSump system (in the corner of the room) along with the drainage channel and cavity drain membrane. The complete waterproofing job from Timberwise involved the fitting of the sump and pump, perimeter drainage and cavity drain membrane system that ran from ceiling to floor. On top of this was also added plasterboard and a skim finish. The false ceiling in the 2 rooms was also replaced and the rooms then decorated back to the original specification required by the health club. The whole project was completed within two weeks.

Water ingress was caused as a result of leaking pavement lights

All public areas had to be protected from dust and dirt during the waterproofing process

The SmartSump is ready to have the pump installed - to the right of the picture is a heavily protected marble sink

The finished SmartSump unit ready for operation. The perimeter drainage and cavity drain membrane are also clearly visible

What should I do if I have a leaky basement?

If you are looking to waterproof an unused basement area and turn it in to extra living space the first thing you need to do is have a survey of the basement carried out by a waterproofing professional. Following the survey the best form of waterproofing for the basement will be determined.

To arrange a survey of your basement or cellar contact Timberwise on 0800 288 8660 or arrange a basement survey on-line.

When Timberwise Cardiff were working recently on a dry rot problem for one of our clients at there Victorian town house in Newport our surveyor was asked the question by the client about what could be done with the unused cellar. The cellar had the same footprint as the ground floor and would make fantastic extra living space as it would give an extra 3 rooms to the house.

Following a survey of the basement it was identified that there was lateral penetrating damp. Lateral penetrating dampness normally occurs on external walls where the external ground levels are at a higher level than the internal floors. As a consequence of this the dampness within the soil bearing against these walls penetrates the fabric of the walls. Basements are a typical example of lateral penetrating damp.

The solution to the dampness was the installation of a cavity drain membrane to the walls. Applied from ceiling height to ground level the membrane would provide an ideal barrier to prevent the dampness spoiling any interior decorations.  Following the introduction of cavity drain membrane to the walls plasterboard was applied and finally a skim finish leaving the basement dry and in a position for the client to decorate, safe in the knowledge that the dampness would not comeback!

The pictures below show the various stages in the waterproofing process used:

The cellar area suffering with lateral penetrating dampness prior to work commencing.

Cavity drain membrane is applied to all the walls within the cellar area.

Following the cavity drain membrane plasterboard is fixed in to place. The cavity drain membrane will prevent dampness 'spoiling' the plaster board.

A skim finish is applied.

Following the waterproofing done by Timberwise the client was then able to decorate safe in the knowledge that the dampness would not return!

What should I do if I want to convert a cellar?

When an out break of wet rot was identified on a beam end following a leaky roof  at Leicester County Cricket Club the Timberwise team were on hand to help out with our timber resin repair system.  Timberwise were asked to pull together a specification for the repairing of the damaged timber in the most sympathetic way possible. As our company name suggest we are experts in timber care and as such came up with an ideal timber repair solution!

Our timber repair specification involved cutting back of the rotten end of the timber. Slots were then formed in the existing beam end to accept steel reinforcement bars that are pre-attached to the new beam end.   A “shutter” was then formed and resin injected. Finally the timber repair was sanded down and all the brick work and plaster  made good. The pictures below show step by step how this method of timber repair was done. Simply click on an image and the photo will enlarge.

Timber repair CPD seminar day

Timberwise are hosting a timber repair CPD at the David Gower Suite on June 23rd 2010. Our speakers, Neil Hartley and David Moore are experts on timber repair techniques and it gives an ideal opportunity to learn from the timber repair experts. If you are interested in attending call our team at our Leicester office on 0116 269 3960 or eMail leics@timberwise.co.uk

When Timberwise were contacted by a fast food chain to help improve the air quality in one of their restaurants in Liverpool our specialist air quality team, Envirowise, were up to the challenge! The brief was simple: they needed a system to remove the stale air and odours from a basement area and replace it with fresh filtered air.  Due to long periods of inactivity the air had a habit of becoming “stale” so a system was need to ensure clean fresh air was delivered constantly.

A perfect solution for stale air using a mechanical ventilation system!

Our Envirowise team had just the solution! A heat recovery mechanical ventilation system was prescribed to banish the stale air from the basement.  The mechanical ventilation unit is designed to import clean fresh air over long distances whilst extracting the stale air away from the building. In this case the unit had to carry air over 35 meters away to and from the basement area. The mechanical ventilation unit was installed by our air quality team in the plant room of the restaurant and using discreet ducting filled the basement area with clean air.

The picture below shows the mechanical ventilation unit clearly showing the air in and air out ducting.

Externally, the only sign that the unit had been fitted to the building were two discreet air vents – one for bringing fresh air into the building and the other for the extracted air.

The basement area also had a problem with standing water. As experts in basement waterproofing Timberwise installed a sump pump unit and perimeter drainage to remove any standing water that may be present.

A range of ventilation solutions

Our Envirowise team have a variety of ventilation solutions to cope with all manner of air quality issues. From kitchen fans and bathroom fans through to whole house ventilationand solutions for air quality problems in commercial properties – Envirowise have a solution for you!

If you have concerns over the air quality in your property don’t hesitate to contact us. Simply call 0800 288 8660 or complete our survey request to arrange a survey of your property.