Client: Domestic
Our client, a homeowner in Swadlincote, contacted Timberwise to treat a woodworm infestation in the roof void of their property. This property was a detached house of solid brick construction, and was both unoccupied and unfurnished at the time of our visit. The weather conditions were sunny.
Challenges
As there was limited access due to brickwork within the roof void, the deep eaves at one end of the roof would be difficult to treat adequately. It is imperative that woodworm treatments are as thorough as possible to prevent reinfestation. Our surveyor discussed these concerns with our client prior to treatment to provide the ideal solution for their infestation while also identifying potentially concerns in future.
Observations
Our surveyor first began with a brief investigation of the external roof to confirm its condition. During this, our surveyor noted that there were some misaligned tiles that may require attention, but there was no evidence of this defect causing penetrating damp into the roof void.
Visual algae growth was also noted around the chimney, indicating high moisture exposure through the presence of historic hygroscopic salt deposits drawing moisture back into the masonry. Our surveyor also noted that the downpipe was disconnected from the gutter, which would likely leak at times of heavy rainfall. Barring these minor defects and some moisture staining on the face of one wall, our surveyor confirmed the external condition of the property to be in well-maintained condition.
Internally, our surveyor accessed the roof void to take humidity readings with a hygrometer. These readings revealed a relative humidity of 57-58%, indicating a significant amount of moisture in the air of the roof void. This could present a risk of condensation in cooler weathers. Adequate ventilation (both passive and mechanical) was present in the property, as well as central heating.
Our surveyor conducted a further inspection of some areas showing moisture staining and slight mould growth. However, these areas were dry during the inspection and not considered a risk for wet rot decay. Our surveyor also concluded that the risk of further condensation was minimal, and should be rechecked if signs of condensation damage such as the slight mould spread were beginning to worsen.
Checking the rafters, our surveyor identified a slight infestation of Common Furniture Beetle (Anobium Punctatum) through the presence of flight holes and inspecting frass (bore dust) on the surrounding timbers. This is a type of woodworm, a wood-boring beetle, and is responsible for around 75% of all woodworm damage within the UK.
Woodworm can be difficult to treat, as the larvae can remain feasting deep inside structural timbers for several years before emerging as fully developed beetles. In long-standing infestations, woodworm’s feasting can significantly reduce the structural integrity of timber, leading to sinking or even the collapse of timber floors or roof joists. Assessing the current infestation, our surveyor concluded that the timbers remained structurally sound, and were not in danger of collapse in their current condition.
Solutions
Having discussed the findings with our client, our surveyor conducted a treatment plan to ensure the woodworm infestation was treated before it could grow larger and risk structural damage to the roof or spreading to other areas of the property.
Our technician first cleaned down and prepared all the timbers in the roof void to ensure the treatment could penetrate adequately into the wood. They then sprayed each of the timbers with an insecticidal solution intending to eradicate the infestation. This solution remains on the surface of timbers and mildly penetrates them, ensuring that any woodworm that had evaded the treatment would become infertile or die upon emerging.
In the deep eaves, access had been restricted due to a section of wall. Our technician used a long lance to spray any accessible timbers, ensuring they could treat as much of the roof void as possible without having to deconstruct the property.
Results
Our client was satisfied with both our surveyor and our technician for their professionalism and conduct during the work on their property. They were happy to have their issues resolved with little disruption, ensuring their property was structurally safe as well as free from future woodworm infestations.
Do You Want Help with a Woodworm Solution?
Our dedicated and experienced team in Leicester are ready to talk to you about your options for property preservation. Don’t hesitate to call us on 0116 201 8146, or you can request a survey online.
