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 condensationspecialists 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 controlsection 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 Envirowisekitchen 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
Some pictures today from one of our remedial surveyors who was called out to a case of Dry Rot that had taken hold in a property in Peterborough.
Dry Rot under a radiator
Close up of Dry Rot beneath a radiator
This Victorian property had at some point had a leaking down pipe that had led to water ingress creating the ideal breeding conditions for Dry Rot fungus.
What should I do if I suspect Dry Rot in my property?
Dry Rot outbreaks are normally accompanied with some of the following symptoms:
1) Any affected wood shrinks, darkens and cracks in a ‘cuboidal’ manner
2) A silky grey to mushroom coloured skin frequently tinged with patches of lilac and yellow tends to develop in less humid conditions.
3) White, fluffy ‘cottonwool’ like mycelium develops under humid conditions. ‘Teardrops’ may develop on the growth.
4) Strands develop within the mycelium growth; these are brittle and when dry crack when bent.
5) Fruiting bodies are a soft, fleshy pancake or bracket with an orange-ochre surface. The surface has wide pores.
Rust red coloured spore dust is frequently seen around fruiting bodies.
6) Active wood rot decay produces a musty, damp odour.
Get a Dry Rot experts opinion!
If you suspect an outbreak of Dry Rot in your property don’t panic! Call Timberwise on 0800 288 8660and request a Dry Rot survey - alternatively complete our Dry Rot on-line survey request form
Dry Rot – a name that normally strikes fear into property owners!
This photo taken by a Timberwise surveyor shows a wooden floor that has been attacked by True Dry Rot – or to give it its correct name Serpula Lacrymans.
Clearly visible on the floor boards are Rhizomorphs. Rhizomorphs and cords of mycelium growth that conduct nutrients and water back to the body of the Dry Rot outbreak - basically Rhizomorphs feed the Dry Rot growth when it has run out of a food source.
Rhizomorphs can be up to 6mm in diameter and can be relatively brittle when dry.
Also visible in the photo is the red spore dust from the Dry Rot fruiting body (Sporophore). The fruiting body is created when the Dry Rot becomes stressed due to temperature, humidity or a lack of nutrients.
What should you do if you suspect Dry Rot in your property?
Dry Rot adapts well to to the environment within buildings. As such Dry Rot is one of the fastest forms of decay and one of the most difficult to eradicate. If you suspect you have a Dry Rot outbreak in a property you need a Dry Rot specialist to survey the problem and recommend the best cause of action to treat the Dry Rot problem.
Dry Rot treatment from the experts
Timberwise have been treating Dry Rot problems for over 40 years and our team of experienced surveyors are experts in their field. To contact Timberwise to arrange a Dry Rot survey call 0800 288 8660 or complete our on-line Dry Rot survey request form.
Today’s surveyor photo shows the tell tale signs of a woodworm infestation. It was taken by a Timberwise surveyor whilst surveying the loft of a property in Chester that was having a positive pressure ventilation system installed. Our eagle eyed surveyor spotted the tell tale signs of frass (a fine powdery like material that is the waste product of the woodworm) on some of the owners belongings that were stored in the loft space. This gave an indication of a possible woodworm infestation.
Although it is common to see holes left behind by woodworm from previous infestations it is always worth seeking the opinion of a woodworm specialist to see if the infestation is current and needs treatment or not. In this case the surveyor also found some live woodworm indicating that the infestation was active.
The photo above shows one of the purlins in the roof where exit holes from the woodworm are clearly visible. We are now in the woodworm flight season (this runs roughly in the warmer months say May to September) and it is now that the woodworm are “coming out of the wood work” so to speak! For people who are interested in further information about woodworm we have a document written by our “Woodworm Expert” available for free as well as a woodworm video podcast looking in detail at the life cycle of woodworm.
What to do if you have a woodworm problem in your property
Timberwise have been treating woodworm problems for over 40 years and our highly skilled surveyors will be able to advise you on the nature of the woodworm infestation within the property. To arrange a woodworm survey call 0800 288 8660 or complete our woodworm survey request form.
Time and time again Timberwise are called upon to provide waterproofing solutions for clients wishing to turn cold, dark basement spaces into warm, dry habitable living space. One of the waterproofing systems that we utilise is cavity drain membrane systems. Cavity drain membrane is by far the most popular method of basement waterproofing as it is a clean, dry system that gives guaranteed results. Cavity drain membrane as well as been tough is also very flexible as our photos below demonstrate when it came to waterproofing a vaulted arch in a basement we were recently working on.
The first step in the basement waterproofing process was to membrane the wall and floor surfaces within the basement. This would then allow any moisture to still enter the basement (as opposed to cementitious tanking systems that “stop” the moisture). The moisture is controlled in the air gap which diverts any moisture to a convenient drain off point via a perimeter drainage channel. The air gap behind the membrane also allows the structure of the building to “dry out”. Cavity drain membrane is fixed to the walls via special fixing plugs (the blue fixing plugs can be seen within the window arch) and sealing tapes to make the entire space water tight. The membrane can then be plastered on directly to allow decorative finishing.
Here we can see the first coat of plaster going onto the membrane. Ultimately there will be several skims of plaster going onto the waterproof membrane.
Now that plasterboard is in place and a 3rd coat of plaster has been applied the finished basement is beginning to take shape.
Finally, the plastering in the basement is complete and ready for decorative finishes to be applied. The client is now left with a totally dry basement that utilises a Timberwise cavity drain membrane to the walls and floor along with a perimeter drainage channel that takes any moisture to a convenient drain off point.
To explain how cavity drain membrane waterproofing systems work we have an easy to understand video below that looks at the various parts of the waterproofing system. Further videos looking at basement waterproofing can be found on the PropertyCare Expert channel on YouTube.
Basement waterproofing from the basement waterproofing specialists
As experts in our field you can trust Timberwise to find a basement waterproofing solution suitable for the trickiest of damp basement areas. With a variety of specialist waterproofing solutions at our disposal your damp basement could soon be a thing of the past! To arrange a basement survey call 0800 288 8660 or complete our on-line basement waterproofing survey request form.
Following on from our recently launched Dry Rot video podcast today we look at Dry Rot Mycelium growth.
This fantastic picture clearly shows the Mycelium spreading across the floor of the uninhabited basement. The Mycelium is spreading to find a new source of food and looks to be feeding on the rotting timber that is visible. Mycelium can travel great distances to find new sources of food and it is this ability to grow over great distances (it can can even go through bricks and mortar!) that allows a Dry Rot outbreak to progressively destroy timbers throughout an entire property. The Mycelium is also showing signs of moisture, possibly from removing the water from the timber it has been feeding on.
Dry Rot treatment
Dry Rot has many different stages in its life cycle. Dry Rot treatment starts initially with identifying where the Dry Rot is in its life cycle. Timberwise have over 4 decades experience in treating Dry Rot problems and our trained surveyors are experts in their field. If you require advice on Dry Rot or a Dry Rot survey simply call 0800 288 8660 or complete our on-line Dry Rot survey form.
Today’s photo looks at damage caused by one of the least common types of woodworm found in the UK – House Longhorn beetle.
House Longhorn beetle is seldom found outside of north west Surrey although it has been found to a much lesser extent in parts of London. Isolated outbreaks of House Longhorn have been found in other parts of the UK as a result of infested packing cases. Principally the House Longhorn beetle is is found in roof timbers where it can cause structural damage by feeding on the sapwood of softwood species of timber. To control the spread of the House Longhorn beetle local Building Regulations require that new roof timbers are pre-treated with an appropriate preservative.
What does the House Longhorn beetle look like?
The larvae of the House Longhorn beetle usually mature in the spring months. The mature House Longhorn beetles eat their way out of the timber, in the process creating a hole between 6-10 mm in diameter. These holes resemble the holes left by the most common form of woodworm, Common Furniture Beetle, with the exception that the holes are significantly larger. The head and body are covered with greyish coloured hairs and two shiney black spots that resemble eyes. To learn more about the life cycle of woodworm view check out of woodworm life cycle animation.
What should I do if I suspect I have a House Longhorn beetle infestation?
Timberwise are experts in treating woodworm of all kinds. With over 4 decades experience in treating woodworm you can be sure that Timberwise can treat your House Longhorn beetle problem quickly and effectivley. To arrange a woodworm survey couldn’t be easier simply call 0800 288 8660 or complete our on-line Woodworm Survey Request form.
Todays picture shows one of the most common complaints in properties – dampness and in particular rising damp. To the right of the picture salts can be seen appearing as a result of damp rising up the wall. The dampness in this property has led to other property care issues forming as well. The skirting board is showing signs of cuboidal cracking which is a sign of dry rot forming and black spot mould (normally associated with condensation) has also appeared on the wall as a result of moisture and very little air movement on the cool external wall.
What is rising damp?
Rising damp is caused by water from the ground spreading through the brickwork by means of capillary action. This means the water travels upwards through the small cracks in the masonry. No matter how well constructed a property is rising damp could still be a problem. If the damp protection (damp proof course) in place is bridged in some way (for example a raised flowerbed) then rising damp could raise its ugly head. As can be seen above rising damp initially causes damp patches and staining to the affected wall but only up to a height of approximately 1 meter. It can also, if left untreated, be the cause of other property care issues such as dry rot.
The solution for rising damp and dampness
Timberwise are experts in damp proofing with over 4 decades experience in providing specialist damp proofing solutions to home owners. If you suspect you have a rising damp problem in your property Timberwise have a variety of damp proofing solutions to solve your damp issues for good. Firstly it is important to clarify the type of dampness in the property (it could be rising damp, penetrating damp or condensation). Only after correctly determining the type of dampness can the correct damp proofing solution be determined. For rising damp our solutions range from DriWise damp proofing injection through to electro osmotic damp proofing systems. Solutions to condensation vary from our range of ventilation products (positive pressure units and a range of kitchen and bathroom fans) through to dehumidifier units. To learn more about rising damp and dampness our “Damp Expert” has written an article that looks at damp in detail and is packed with interesting damp information. Why not also check out our rising damp video to learn more about our range of damp solutions.
Arranging for a damp survey of your property from Timberwise couldn’t be easier – simply click here and complete our on line damp survey request form and we’ll contact you to arrange a convenient time for our damp surveyor to inspect your damp problem and provide you with the perfect damp solution for your home.
For solving your damp problems there is only one name you need to know – Timberwise – the experts in damp control.
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 surveyor photo shows the tell tale signs of a woodworm infestation. It was taken by a Timberwise surveyor whilst surveying the loft of a property in Chester that was having a 
The larvae of the House Longhorn beetle usually mature in the spring months. The mature House Longhorn beetles eat their way out of the timber, in the process creating a hole between 6-10 mm in diameter. These holes resemble the holes left by the most common form of woodworm, 
