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Dry Rot Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire

All forms of wood rotting fungi like dry rot (surplus Lacrymans) break down wood cells as a source of food, this causes loss of strength in the wood. To do this the timber must be damp. Moisture content is critical in the germination and development of the fungi. In a well maintained property the risk of fungal attacks is minimized.

This fungus is often described as the cancer of buildings, rapidly destroying timbers in its path. While this may well be an exaggeration, dry rot is probably the most destructive and costly of all the wood destroying fungi affecting buildings.

Wet Rot

Wet rot is the common name given to all wood rotting fungi other than the true dry rot fungus. As with dry rot, wet rot is simply natural decay within timber, in the presence of high moisture exposure. Generally there is a structural or design fault causing the timbers to become damp.

Our Answer

We will start off by identifying the water which is causing the rot - dry wood will not rot! To start with the work involved will be good building practice, this includes fixing any defects, whilst maintaining as much of the original structure and materials as we can, this is especially important when the work is being carried out on listed and historic buildings.

The materials we use in re-instatement are all of high quality. Timber is kept away from any potential dampness and treated with damp proof preservatives when deemed necessary in accordance with good practice. Taking this approach lessens any disruptions and loss of original materials. In most situations our work is covered by a 20 year guarantee which can be further backed up by a GPT Insured Guarantee.

Woodworm

Wood-Boring Insects

'Woodworm' is the common used term when discussing Common Furniture Beetle damage, (Anobium Punctatum). This beetle is the most common wood boring insect found in properties.

Deathwatch beetle, Xestobium rufovillosum, is almost always encountered in old building where it is mostly found attacking oak.

There are many forms of woodworm but not all need treatment, most can be found just using the holes created by beetles when emerging from the wood.

Our Answer

To start with we need to diagnose if an attack is active, dead or simply the result of an innocuous wood boring insects that will not require any treatment. We will also check all structural timbers to make sure they are secure.

If an attack is active we will then carry out the most appropriate and low risk preservative applications to eradicate any infestation. All of this is done whilst trying to retain as much of the original timber as we can. Our professional approach will ensure minimal disruption to occupants, hopefully with quick re-occupancy and into a safe environment. We provide our dry rot and woodworm services to the Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire regions.

In most situations our work is covered by a 20 year guarantee which can be further backed up by a GPT Insured Guarantee.

If you would like to speak to a member of our expert team, you can find details on contacting us on our contact page.