Client: Domestic
Our client, a homeowner in Abergavenny, tasked Timberwise with carrying out a pre-purchase survey for problems associated with woodworm and wet rot fungal decay. This property was a mid-terraced house of solid stone construction and was both occupied and furnished at the time of our inspection. The property was constructed circa 1900. The weather conditions were overcast but dry.
Challenges
Our inspection was restricted to the cellar of the property only, meaning that the property’s conditions elsewhere could not be assessed. Access to the floor timbers in the cellar were restricted to exposed and accessible surfaces, as the timbers could not be fully inspected without ripping up the floor structure.
The property was fully occupied and furnished at the time of inspection and subsequent remedial works, restricting access. It required the client to clear all furniture and stored items prior to the works commencing.
We assessed almost right away that the cellar had inadequate sub-floor ventilation, which present on both the front and rear elevations. Simultaneous active outbreaks of common furniture beetle woodworm and cellar fungus wet rot required coordinated remedial work.
It was not possible to establish the presence of an existing damp proof course at the property.
Observations
Our ground-level external inspection showed no obvious defects to roof coverings, flashings, guttering, external gullies, pointing, structural or facing masonry, external render, paint, external joinery, abutting structures, or external ground levels.
Moving inside the property, our surveyors noted inadequate ventilation to the timber floors at the front and rear elevations, which was reducing airflow and creating a risk of fungal decay.
An active, moderate to severe infestation of common furniture beetle (Anobium punctatum) was identified in the basement timbers.
We found an active wet rot outbreak of Cellar Fungus (Coniophora puteana) in the basement. The cause of the wet rot attack was identified as condensation combined with the lack of sub-floor ventilation. It had affected a significant portion of the cellar’s timber, with a lot of the joists needing complete replacement.
Solutions
To prepare the area for treatment, our team taped down dust sheets and hardboard to the floor of the cellar to reduce dust settling. All furniture, stored items, and the water tank insulation was removed prior to our technicians’ arrival.
To remediate the condensation and ventilation problem, we installed new sub-floor air vents to areas marked on a sketch plan we provided to the client. This was to improve airflow and reduce humidity.
For the timber repairs, four floor joists had to be cut back to sound timber. We then fitted new pre-treated joists, to be bolted back in place, where not spanning wall-to-wall or bearing on a beam. All cut ends of these joists were coated with a specialist fungicidal treatment prior to being put in place. Any joist ends in contact with the masonry were isolated using a damp-proof membrane.
To treat the woodworm infestation, our team cleaned down and prepared all cellar timbers as necessary for treatment. These were then sprayed with an insecticidal fluid to fully eradicate the infestation, with a guarantee of 20 years.
All remaining waste was removed and properly disposed, to prevent the wet rot outbreak from causing any further infections.
Results
Our team successfully eradicated an active common furniture beetle infestation in the property’s basement timbers, with the treatment becoming fully effective after the final emergence of the deep-seated larvae.
We also were able to control the cellar fungus (Coniophora puteana) wet rot attack by removing affected timber, treating remaining structures, and correcting environmental condensation and ventilation issues.
The structural integrity of the basement timber floor joists were also restored. The improved sub-floor ventilation system was also effective in mitigating condensation and preventing future outbreaks of fungal decay.
Do You Want Help with a Wet Rot Solution?
Our dedicated and experienced team in Abergavenny are ready to talk to you about your options for property preservation. Don’t hesitate to call us on 02920 290 558, or you can request a survey online.
