Damp and Timber Reports

Damp and Timber reports for homeowners and pre-purchase clients

A frequent request from clients is a damp and timber report which is one of the most common specialist reports for older buildings and is often requested as part of the home buying process. Mortgage lenders / building surveyors often ask for a damp and timber report so that you and they can be satisfied that the structure of the building is free from excessive moisture, wood boring insects or wood rotting fungi that can attack the walls and timber within the building.

A majority of building surveyors will recommend a damp and timber report as soon as their moisture meter highlights that moisture is present in the fabric of the building or there is evidence of a woodworm attack. Don’t panic though! This is common practice and as Timberwise are full members of the Property Care Association (PCA – formerly known as the BWPDA) you can be confident that you will receive a report that gives an accurate picture of the damp and timber within the property.

What goes into a damp and timber survey?

It takes a qualified expert to spot potential problems with damp and timber infestation in a building and to ensure that any problems are diagnosed correctly. Our surveyor will survey the exterior of the property identifying any potential defects that may lead to damp ingress or timber decay in the future. From the chimney pot, roof and rain water goods through to the external ground levels and the sub-floor ventilation of the property.

Next the surveyor will establish if the property already has  an existing damp proof course of any description and if so what type. The surveyor will also look out for high ground levels which may lead to a bridging of the damp proof course and potentially cause decay in any adjacent timbers. Internally, ground floor walls are profiled for signs of dampness. Where carpets can easily be pulled back timbers beneath will be inspected. Where we have permission floor boards may also be lifted where possible to examine the sub floor void and the condition of the timbers.

Timbers on the first floor of the building will be examined for signs of fungal decay (such as dry rot) or wood boring beetle infestation (such as woodworm). Once again where possible carpets will be pulled back for floor boards (and where possible the voids and timbers beneath) to be examined. The surveyor will also look into the roof void for signs of dampness, fungal decay or beetle infestation.

The surveyor will then compile a full written report (including where necessary a sketch plan detailing work that needs to be carried out). Should you have any questions about the report you will have the contact details for our surveyor who will answer any questions you may have.

Contacting the damp and timber specialists

To arrange a damp and timber survey through Timberwise is easy. Simply call your local Timberwise office on 0800 288 8660 or complete our on-line survey request form and your local Timberwise team will get in touch to arrange the survey for you.