Client: Domestic
Our client, a homeowner in Chislehurst, tasked Timberwise with applying woodworm treatment within the roof void of their property. This property was a flat of solid brick and external render construction, and was both occupied and furnished at the time of our inspection. The weather conditions were sunny.
Challenges
Due to the property being in a block of flats, only an internal inspection was possible. This can prevent the identification of defects that may be contributing to the internal condition of a property.
As an additional challenge, the infestation was believed to be within the roof void of the property, where insulation was present. This can potentially obscure an infestation, especially if the woodworm emerged beneath the insulation.
These are regular concerns that our surveyors face in properties of this type, and they act upon their years of experience to ensure the correct and thorough identification of issues prior to treatment.
Observations
Our surveyor began by investigating the roof void above the property, accessible through a hatch in the ceiling. Upon entering, our surveyor identified several timber joists with bore holes, as well as small piles of frass (bore dust) around or below these holes. These are the likely signs of a woodworm infestation.
Woodworm is a collective term for a series of wood-boring beetles and weevils. Though they often differ in look and life cycle, they share one characteristic: Living their lives deep-seated in timbers and feeding on the timber from the inside. The larvae will feed on wood, then emerge as fully formed beetles, ready to mate and continue the cycle.
Upon confirming the infestation, our surveyor conducted an internal investigation of the room below the roof to confirm the spread of the infestation. After assessing the entire flat beneath the roof void, our surveyor found no signs of woodworm within it.
Solutions
After concluding that the spread of woodworm was limited to the roof void only, our surveyor created a treatment plan to remedy the affected areas.
Prior to our arrival, our surveyor recommended the removal of the insulation and boarding within the roof void. This would ensure that our treatment would penetrate all the affected areas of the roof without leaving an opportunity for reinfestation later down the line.
Once on site, our technicians prepared the roof area for treatment. This involved cleaning down the timbers of any dust and debris, which would provide a clean surface from which the treatment could adhere to and penetrate the timber.
Once readied, our technician applied an insecticidal fluid spray throughout the roof void. This coating kills any woodworm beetles on the surface of the timber, but also kills any larvae near the surface. For any deep-seated larvae, these would die upon emerging over the next several years, preventing a recurrence of the infestation.
Results
Our surveyor and technician successfully identified and treated the specific timber defects within the building’s structural roof void. Our client was pleased with the quality and results of our work, and was satisfied that their flat was protected from reinfestation for the foreseeable future.
Do You Want Help with a Woodworm Solution?
Our dedicated and experienced team in South London are ready to talk to you about your options for property preservation. Don’t hesitate to call us on 0208 226 4168, or you can request a survey online.
