Client: Domestic
Our client, a homeowner in Bridge of Weir, requested Timberwise to carry out a pre-purchase property survey for problems associated with woodworm. This property was a semi-detached house of cavity brick construction, and was both occupied and furnished at the time of our inspection. The weather conditions were overcast but dry.
Challenges
As the property was furnished and occupied by the current owners, there were some challenges present in navigating and conducting the survey, ensuring we caused little disturbance. Access was further restricted by floored areas and there was a significant amount of loft insulation in the attic which restricted the assessment of the roof void.
When it came to remediation works, it required the removal of fixtures, fittings, and stored items from all areas marked for treatment prior to the technician’s arrival. Removal and protection of the loft insulation and covering of the exposed water tanks had to be completed by the client under a separate contract prior to treatment.
Observations
A brief external inspection from ground level was completed, with no obvious defects noted at the time of inspection.
Our surveyor’s internal survey of the property found an active woodworm infestation in the roof void of the main attic.
An internal survey identified an active woodworm infestation in the main attic roof void. The infestation was identified as a slight, common furniture beetle (Anobium punctatum) infestation. Much of the infestation appeared to be old, but there was no assurance or warranty from previous treatment that it was completely inactive, which meant that remedial treatment was necessary. As it was clear that treatment had been performed at one point, our surveyor advised the client to verify if a valid guarantee did exist.
Solutions
For the preparatory works, our technicians will clean down and prepare the timbers marked for treatment. The client will remove fixtures, fittings, and stored items from the work area prior to the arrival of our technicians. The client is also required to arrange for the removal and protection of loft insulation and the covering of exposed water tanks prior to treatment.
In our specification to the client, we proposed our technicians apply a spray treatment of Timberwise Insecticidal Fluid to the main roof void timbers. This chemical treatment prevents the development of further insect eggs to ensure the infestation eventually dies out and prevents recurrence of an infestation.
Results
Timberwise completed a thorough, specialist woodworm survey and successful identification of active common furniture beetle infestation within the roof void. We provided the client with a specification of a targeted chemical insecticide fluid spray treatment to control the infestation. This comes with a provision of a 20-year Timber Treatment long-term guarantee following completion of works and settlement of the final account, along with the added benefit of an optional Guarantee Protection Insurance (GPI) Limited 10-year backup fully insured guarantee.
Do You Want Help with a Woodworm Solution?
Our dedicated and experienced team in Glasgow are ready to talk to you about your options for property preservation. Don’t hesitate to call us on 0141 308 8559, or you can request a survey online.
