Timber
Timber preservation
Assessment and treatment of structural timbers affected by moisture, decay or insect attack.
What the issue is
Timber decay and insect attack are moisture-driven. Effective preservation therefore begins with controlling moisture, followed by proportionate treatment or repair of affected timbers.
Common symptoms
- Soft, crumbling or darkened timber
- Fungal growth or strands on timber
- Exit holes and frass
- Springy floors
- Musty smell
Likely contributing factors
- Persistent leaks or penetrating damp
- Poor subfloor ventilation
- Timber built into damp masonry
- Blocked rainwater goods
Conditions that may be mistaken for it
- Old, inactive insect damage
- Surface staining without decay
- Mechanical damage
How the issue should be investigated
- Inspect accessible timbers and voids
- Test suspect timber condition
- Record moisture content where appropriate
- Establish the moisture source
Potential treatment or repair options
- Removing the moisture source
- Cutting out and replacing decayed timber
- Localised preservative treatment where justified
- Improved ventilation to voids
When treatment may not be appropriate
- Where insect damage is historic and inactive
- Where drying alone will halt further decay
Factors affecting the cost
- Extent of timber replacement
- Access and floor lifting
- Structural support requirements
- Waste disposal
What to expect during an inspection
An inspection of accessible timbers, voids and roof spaces with photographs of findings.
Final recommendations always depend on the property, the inspection findings and the confirmed cause. Elevated readings alone do not confirm rising damp, not every mould problem requires extensive treatment, and damp-affected plaster does not always need replacing.
Frequently asked questions
Next step
Not sure which inspection you need? Start with a few questions.
Tell us what you are seeing and we will set out what is likely, what is uncertain and which inspection would answer the question. Speak to us on 0333 335 6152 if you would rather talk it through.