Client: Domestic
Our client, a homeowner in Nottingham, tasked Timberwise with surveying the property for problems associated with dampness and woodworm and to assist with damp-proofing the building. This property was a detached house comprised of cavity brick construction and was both occupied and furnished at the time of our inspection. The weather conditions were sunny.
Challenges
Challenges presented for our inspection included restrictions from fitted units, furniture, stored items, and fitted floor coverings. Access for the internal inspection was restricted to the property’s ground floor rear reception room and the dining room.
Observations
A brief external inspection of the property noted a number of defects that were attributing to the property’s problems with damp and woodworm. Defective flashings were noted to the front chimney stack, which was interfering with the roof’s function and creating a risk of damp penetration. Facing bricks were spalled to the rear and right elevations and there was cracked and defective render on the front elevation, both of which can cause damp penetration.
External ground levels were also high in relation to the property’s finished internal floor levels at the rear elevation, which was creating a risk of lateral penetration of ground moisture. Inadequate ventilation was noted to the timber floors at both the front and rear elevations, which was reducing airflow to the floor timbers and increasing the risk of attack by fungal decay. There was also no visible damp proof course at the property.
Wet rot decay was also noted on the garage door frame but did not pose a threat to the house itself.
Inside the property our team took moisture readings from the lower sections of the plaster in the lounge and dining room, which indicated inadequate sub-floor ventilation below the timber floors. Moisture profilers were plotted with an electronic conductivity meter, which confirmed an ongoing rising damp issue in the dining room.
A moderate to severe active common furniture beetle (Anobium punctatum) infestation was noted on the ground floor to the front left reception room and rear left reception room. Dead woodworm were also found on the windowsill in the lounge.
Solutions
We outlined an action plan which was provided to the client within their written report that also contained all of our findings during the survey. For preparatory work, we will begin by taping down dust sheets and hardboard to the floor of the designated work area to reduce settlement from dust. Any large free-standing personal items left behind in the area after the client has cleared everything else out will be covered with polythene sheeting.
All existing wall plaster from designated areas will be removed and discarded for site removal. Skirting boards will also be removed from specified walls to prepare for treatment but will be placed to one side for reinstatement by the client after works are completed. The client is also to remove all floor coverings, furniture, fixtures, fittings, and stored items from the area of work prior to our technician’s arrival.
To tackle the issues with damp penetration, we will install a DryTek chemical damp proof course (DPC) System to designated walls in accordance with PCA Code of Practice and British Standard 6576. We will do this by drilling holes in the building’s mortar joints at pre-determined centres and injecting the DryTek DPC System into it. We will then drill and inject vertical barriers to prevent damp abridgement from the adjoining masonry.
For the woodworm problem, all affected areas in the living room and dining area will be cleaned down and have the timber prepared as needed for treatment. It will be then sprayed with an insecticidal fluid which will kill the woodworm as they emerge from the timber.
Finally, to improve ventilation in the property, we will insulate the underfloor air bricks and replace them where necessary. We will also install vents to help address the property’s inadequate sub-floor ventilation.
The area will be finished off with a replastering with a DryTek salt retardant coating specification using specialist salt-inhibiting additives to a height of at least 1 metre. We will also remove and dispose of all resulting waste and debris from the property carefully, to prevent the spread of woodworm.
Results
We successfully completed a thorough survey for the aforementioned issues and provided the client with an actionable plan to solve both the damp and woodworm problems.
We will install a horizontal damp proof course which will reduce rising damp in the walls to a low and acceptable level. The DryTek DPC and finishing system will fully remediate rising damp within the wall and prevent further migration of residual salts and moisture to the decorative surface.
The insecticidal fluid treatment we use will prevent the development of any further woodworm eggs, causing the active common furniture beetle infestation to eventually die out completely.
Do You Want Help with a Woodworm Solution?
Our dedicated and experienced team in Nottingham are ready to talk to you about your options for property preservation. Don’t hesitate to call us on 0800 288 8660, or you can request a survey online.
