Press/News

A couple of photos from one of the Timberwise Manchester surveyors taken on a recent survey of a former hospital in Bowden, Cheshire. The hospital which was opened in 1885 has been unoccupied since 2004. With a new hospital been planned the local NHS trust are now in the process of selling the property which will potentially be split into apartments. The site is historically important and is made up of a collection of attractive Victorian buildings.

Timberwise were called upon to provide a survey of the property and determine the extent of the Dry Rot outbreak that had taken hold in the years that the buildings had stood dormant. The decay had caused some structural breakdown and had caused floors to collapse in places. The Dry Rot had spread from the basement through to the second floor.

The pictures below give an indication of the extent of the Dry Rot outbreak. The first one shows the extent of the Dry Rot outbreak in the basement area. Mycelium growth can be seen in abundance.

The second picture shows how Dry Rot spores can spread. As part of the Dry Rot life cycle ,when stressed the Dry Rot produces a sporophore or fruiting body which is a self reproduction organ. This allows the spore bearing surface of the sporophore to shed spores  into the atmosphere so that the new spores can land again, hopefully in the right environment to carry on germinating and extending the growth of the Dry Rot.

Here the orange coloured spores can be seen on the lavatory as well as the basin and grab rails.

To learn more about the life cycle of Dry Rot check out our Dry Rot podcast or our dedicated Dry Rot web page. For more pictures of Dry Rot have a look at our photo library on the Timberwise Facebook page.

What to do if you suspect Dry Rot in your property

First and foremost don’t panic! Timberwise are experts in identifying the source of the Dry Rot as well as providing the necessary remedial treatments to resolve the problem. Simply call 0800 288 8660 or complete the on-line Dry Rot survey request form.

A couple of photos today from one of our Manchester surveyors that show an attack of Wet Rot. Typically Wet Rot is is not as difficult to eradicate as Dry Rot it can cause major damage within a property if it is allowed to go unchecked – this then can result in structural defects. In the case of the property below a leak from a sink  lead to water spreading between the hardboard sheeting floor  and the original timber floor in the utility room. The resulting conditions of moisture and the presence of wood provide the ideal breeding ground for Wet Rot spores to germinate.

The tell tale signs of Wet Rot

Typical signs of Wet Rot are white or fern like growths (Mycelium). Where there are no obvious signs of Mycelium growth Wet Rot can be identified and differentiated from other funagl decay (such as Dry Rot) by the different colour of the decayed timber as well as by the size and type of cracking of the timber as a result of the Wet Rot.

The damage to the timbers and the still wet walls are clearly visible

Close up of timbers infected by Wet Rot

Treating Wet Rot

It is vital that a specialist in timber decay is used to identify the type of fungal decay and to specify the the correct Wet Rot treatment forthe property. In the case of this property the source of the water ingress was identified and the leak rectified. The area was then dried out and the infected flooring  (timber that has lost it’s strength) was then removed. The floor and joists were also replaced with timbers in the immediate area also chemically treated to ensure the Wet Rot was truly eradicated. Further information about Wet Rot can be found on our Wet Rot page or you can speak direct to your local Timberwise office for specialist Wet Rot advice on 0800 288 8660.

At Timberwise our surveyors are experts in identifying various forms of fungal decay from well know rots such as Dry Rot and Wet Rot through to less well known varieties.

The photographs below are from one of our Timberwise London surveyors were taken during a survey of an establishment in South London where we were called in to survey and identify the cause of a dampness problem. 

The photo above shows some salt contamination on a wall which is normally a tell tale sign of a damp problem – in this case a penetrating damp problem caused by a leaky down pipe. For any form of damp proofing to be a success the source of the penetrating damp has to be located and stopped.

In another part of the building our surveyor discovered another problem related to the penetrating damp problem – fungal decay, in this case Plaster fungi. The surveyor identified the plaster fungi to be of the Peziza species – these tend to be found on damp brick work or plaster. This type of plaster fungi feeds on surface detritus or on organic material that is part of the walls – for example hair within old types of plaster.

This close up of Peziza ssp shows clearly the flesh coloured fungi. It has a cup shaped fruiting body that when fresh is very flexible but over time can harden and become brittle.

What should I do if I find fungal decay in my property?

The most important thing is to correctly identify the type of fungal decay and only then can the correct remedial action be taken to ensure the problem does not come back. Timberwise are experts in fungal decay identification and have been treating properties for over 4 decades.

To arrange a survey call 0800 288 8660 or complete our on-line fungal decay survey request form.

Some pictures today from one of our Timberwise Manchester Dry Rot specialists – a great example of what can happen when you combine moisture and poor ventilation in a mothballed cellar environment – You can create the perfect breeding ground for Dry Rot!  Timberwise were called upon to survey this unused basement at the bottom of a store in St Helens, Merseyside as it was apparent to the owner that there was a problem with Dry Rot. Only when our surveyor inspected the basement fully was the true extent of the Dry Rot outbreak known.

The pictures below show the Dry Rot outbreak in a little more detail

Upon initial inspection the basement appears dark and damp but looking carefully you can see mycelium growth associated with Dry Rot behind the suspended ceiling.

Having removed some of the suspended ceiling it soon became clear  that the Dry Rot had spread throughout the basement covering in total approx. 35% of the basement area.

The Dry Rot was feeding on the timbers that held the suspended ceiling in place and left unchecked would continue to feed on the rest of the timber in the basement.

Our solution to this Dry Rot problem

To prevent a further attack of Dry Rot our solution involved the installation on an in-line fan system to increase ventilation to the basement area as well as removing and replacing all the infected timbers and sterilising any intact timbers to make sure there is no reappearance of the fungal decay.

What should I do if I suspect Dry Rot in my property?

Dry Rot is one of the most feared fungal decays and if found in a property needs expert treatment to ensure the out break is contained and not allowed to spread. Timberwise are experts in treating Dry Rot and have been for over 45 years. To arrange a survey from one of our Dry Rot experts simply pick up the phone and call 0800 288 8660 or complete our on-line dry rot survey request form.

A well known store recently contacted our Timberwise Manchester team to have a look at a fan in a laundry room that did not appear to be working. As the room was used mainly for ironing it was subjected to high humidity (as a result of the steam) and without the ventilation unit working the threat of mould and loss of decoration was looming.

Our ventilation expert took a look at the unit – which externally appeared fine. Power was running to the unit and externally nothing appeared to be wrong so he decide to turn the power off to the unit and look a little closer.

What he saw next explained the reason for the failure of the fan in an instant! Having removed the external cover he found a vine growing into the unit! This creeper had grown through the external shutters into the motor housing and strangled the motor – and as a result stopping the fan turning and removing the moist air from the room.

The solution to get this fan working again was simple – the vine was removed from the unit and trimmed back externally. It was also apparent that the unit had not been maintained for some time so the unit was cleaned out thoroughly.

As a result the fan is now working fine and the threat of mould through high humidity is now reduced.

Ventilation solutions from Timberwise

Timberwise are not just experts in damp proofing, we have a range of ventilation products to suit a variety of different needs – from kitchen and bathroom fans through to positive pressure units and whole house ventilation packages  we have a solution for almost all requirements.

If you have a ventilation problem contact your local office on 0800 288 8660 or complete our on-line survey request form and we will contact you to arrange for one of our surveyors to help you further.

These photos show the dangers of not drying out a property after it has been subjected to flooding. Flooding doesn’t necessarily happen as a result of living near a river – in this example, from one of our Manchester timber and damp surveyors, the water tank in the property had burst whilst the property was vacant and for sale. When the leak was eventually discovered the water to the property was turned off and the excess water within the property removed. It was then that a mistake was made in the clean up process. The property was not dried out correctly and the property was left closed up. Due to the amount of moisture held within the property and lack of ventilation the perfect breeding ground for mould and fungal decay was created. As a result of the extent of mould and fungal growth within the property all timbers within the property had to be spray treated to protect against fungal attack.

Our pictures below show mould growing across the floor area in the lounge. In the kitchen area standing water can still be seen on the floor. The second photo shows more mould growth on the ceiling (possibly the early stages of dry rot) along with black spot mould formations.

What should I do if my property is subjected to flooding?

The best plan of attack if your property has been subjected to flooding is call in the professionals at an early stage.  A reputable company experienced with flood damaged properties, such as Timberwise, would be able to diagnose the best way to ensure the property is dried out fully to avoid future problems.

There are various ways to dry a flooded property – these include:

Speed drying: This uses heaters and hot air to force the moisture out.

Dehumidification: Desiccant and heat exchange types are commonly used by flood drying companies.  Desiccant dehumidifiers operate by absorbing moisture from the air. Heat exchange dehumidifiers work by drawing air over a cold surface were water is condensed out of the atmosphere. These dehumidifiers are most effective where the air is warm and relative humidity can be held at a high level. Timberwise can also provide smaller dehumidifiers for home usage should you need one,

Fresh air:  When conditions are right large volumes of relatively dry warm air over a damp surface will be enough to achieve very effective drying. Sometimes at certain times of the year the best way to achieve drying is to open all the doors and windows and simply let the air blow through the property!

If you have a property that has been subjected to flooding give Timberwise a call to see if we can help you. Call 0800 288 8660 or complete our on-line survey request form.

A fantastic example today of mould growth in a roof void from one of our Manchester surveyors. The mould growth was caused by over insulating the roof void and as a result causing a lack of ventilation. Insulation was found to have been pushed into the eves of the building as well as between the rafters. The roof timbers and insulation had become saturated resulting initially in the mould growth that you can see growing on the timbers. There was also a potential danger of a Dry Rot outbreak – Dry Rot  can occur when conditions are still and humid and the moisture content of the wood is in excess of 30%.

Our solution to the mould growth problem was to remove the mould, treat the timbers with a fungicidal wash to protect from any future growth and increase the ventilation in the roof space by removing excess insulation from the eves.

What should I do if I discover mould in my roof space?

Timberwise are experts in the treatments of moulds and can offer specialist, specific advice and supply complete solutions as to the control and elimination of condensation and persistent problems of high humidities and associated mould growth, thereby reducing the potential health hazards associated with such growth. To arrange a survey call 0800 288 8660 of complete our on-line survey request form.

A great photo today from our London surveyor of the dreaded Dry Rot.  Our team in London recieved a call from a distressed home owner following the discovery of what looked like Dry Rot spores in a utility room. Our surveyor tracked down the source of the Dry Rot outbreak to the sub-floor where he took the photo.

From the picture you can clearly see that the Dry Rot is growing on what appears to be new timbers. It then came to light that the owner had previously had a problem with Dry Rot that she thought had been treated which resulted in the fitting of new joists to replace decayed timbers. It would appear though that the previous Dry Rot outbreak was not treated correctly, hence the return of the Dry Rot problem. Here the Dry Rot can be seen travelling over over the new timbers and previously treated areas in search of new timbers to colonise.

The moral to this tale: If you suspect a problem with Dry Rot or any other type of fungal decay call in an expert to identify the problem and provide a solution to make sure that the problem does not come back!

Do you have a Dry Rot problem?

If you suspect you have a problem with Dry Rot don’t panic! Our team of surveyors are experts in diagnosing Dry Rot and tracking down the source of the problem. To arrange a survey with one of our Dry Rot experts simply call 0800 288 8660 or complete our on-line Dry Rot survey request form.

Today’s photo is from one of our condensation specialists in the Manchester area and shows that condensation is not just a problem associated with older buildings. This relatively new building has a clear case of condensation as can be seen by the excess moisture on the windows.  Traditionally housing up until the late part of the twentieth century had high levels of  natural ventilation as home insulation levels were quite low. The problem with modern housing is that they have effectively become sealed boxes, keeping any moisture trapped within the house and providing the ideal conditions for condensation to thrive. Ways we reduce ventilation include double glazing, draught excluders, fitted carpets and the removal of traditional open fire places. Our modern lifestyles also mean that many properties remain unoccupied and unheated for the majority of the day, thus allowing the fabric of the building to cool. It is then in short concentrated times (morning and evening) that activities that cause condensation take place when the structure is relatively cool and the building is still in the process of warming up. If left unchecked the condensation can lead to other dampness issues and issues with mould growth.

Condensation in a new build property

What is condensation ?

Condensation occurs when warm moist air comes into contact with cooler air.

What causes condensation?

Moisture in the air is caused by normal everyday activities – such as breathing, cooking, washing,washing and drying clothing and heating. All things that you can not avoid doing!

How can I cure condensation?

There is no cure for condensation, but there are ways to help control the levels of condensation in the property. Further advice can be found within our condensation control section of this website. We also have a range of dehumidification and ventilation products designed to help control condensation.

Timberwise Property Care Shop – helping you control condensation

To help you control condensation with are able to offer you a range of ventilation and dehumidification products. From our range of Envirowise kitchen and bathroom fans through to our positive pressure systems we are sure to have a ventilation solution to help with your condensation problem. Through our Property Care Shop we have a range of dehumidifiers that you can purchase securely on-line. From small dehumidifiers designed for wardrobes and small areas through to larger units capable of removing 20 litres a day there is something to suit all budgets.

Need further condensation help and advice?

To arrange a survey of the property by one of our condensation specialists simply call 0800 288 8660 or complete the on-line condensation survey request form.

Another great photograph of Dry Rot taken in a basement from one of our Dry Rot specialists! This great picture shows the key elements of Dry Rot – the fruiting body, mycelium growth, hyphae and at the ends of the hyphae tear like droplets of water appear (this is the Dry Rots way of controlling moisture) hence the term Lacrymans meaning tears.

The solution to a Dry Rot problem

Dry Rot has many different stages in its lifecycle. Dry Rot treatment initially starts with correctly identifying which stage your Dry Rot problem has reached within the dry rot lifecycle.  At Timberwise our fully qualified and specialist surveyors are experts at identifying the extent of the decay and will arrange for a suitable solution to the treatment of your dry rot problem. To arrange a Dry Rot survey call 0800 288 8660 of complete our Dry Rot survey request form