Part of Ward Property Services UK LtdTimber in a dry, well-ventilated building looks after itself. Problems begin when moisture content rises: fungal decay becomes possible above about 20%, and wood-boring insects such as the common furniture beetle prefer damp timber too. Treatment therefore protects an asset that is usually only at risk because of a moisture defect somewhere else.
We carry out woodworm identification and treatment, preservative application to roof and floor timbers, and pre-treatment of replacement structural members. Crucially, we assess whether an infestation is active before recommending treatment — old flight holes in dry timber often need nothing more than monitoring.
Common signs
- ✓ Small round flight holes with fresh, pale bore dust below
- ✓ Weak or crumbling joist ends and roof timbers
- ✓ Tunnelling visible where timber has been cut or damaged
- ✓ Beetles found on window sills in early summer
- ✓ Historic treatment records that need reviewing before a sale
Likely causes
- • Elevated timber moisture content from leaks or condensation
- • Poor loft and sub-floor ventilation
- • Untreated timber in contact with damp masonry
- • Infested timber introduced during previous works
- • Long-term neglect of external joinery maintenance