TIMBER TREATMENT
We already know that timber is vulnerable to rot and insect infestations. But how do we extend its working life while ensuring it stays protected from all of these problems? What are the common signs you need to beware of when it comes to timber problems such as dry rot, wet rot, and infestations? Here, we share the information you’ve been looking for. Let’s take a closer look at these problems, one by one.
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Dry Rot
Dry rot is a kind of timber decay that’s caused by fungi, which can affect any wooden structures or furniture present inside or outside your home. The fungi start breaking down cellulose and hemicelluloses in the timber and renders it weakened and brittle as the infestation spreads across the wooden structure.
Timber affected by dry rot shows one or more of these signs:
- Flaking and cracking
- Crumbling readily into a fine powder
- Fungus development on the surface, usually looking like a white coloured cotton wool
Since dry rot would only affect timber that’s damp (having a moisture content of over 20 per cent) removing the source of dampness or moisture is the first step towards eradicating dry rot.
Wet Rot
Wet rot is another severe form of timber decay that’s caused by fungal growth. It’s easier for wet rot to establish in homes that have high moisture levels or functional issues/damages, such as leaky pipes or gutters, sub-standard insulation, or inadequate ventilation. Plus, it’s rarely visible clearly in the property, since most of the wet rot occurs in between the walls.
Unlike dry rot, wet rot usually doesn’t spread to the unaffected parts of the property and is, therefore, considered less destructive. However, it still has the potential to affect the overall structural integrity and longevity of your property, if left untreated.
Woodworm Infestation
Even though it takes plenty of time for woodworm to infest timber, it’s always a safe strategy to treat it well in time, before timber loses its structural integrity. The extent and severity of timber damage caused by woodworm typically depend on factors like how long the woodworm has been present and active, what kind of insects have infested the timber, how weak is the timber in its current form after an infestation has occurred, etc.
Here are some common telltale signs of a woodworm infestation:
- Tiny, round exit holes or tunnels in timber
- Fine, powdery bore dust
- Dead beetles or other similar insects
- Crumbling or damaged timber – in the most severe cases
What’s the Most Effective Type of Timber Treatment?
When it comes to timber treatment, it’s very important to correctly identify the type and cause of the timber problem, before any corrective action or treatment can be considered. It’s for this specific reason that it’s advisable to get a detailed inspection carried out by a timber specialist.
At Damp Proof, we offer a comprehensive range of professional timber treatments to not just help protect timber, but also make it last longer. We employ wood preservatives, timber fungicides, and other forms of woodworm treatment, apart from fixing the functional defects and working on damp proofing the affected parts of the property, if required.
We’re Timber Treatment Specialists of London
Damp Proof is a reputed, family-owned business with 10+ successful years in business, and running. With timber decay and infestation being a common problem in London’s residential properties, our team has clearly identified the top causes for it and their most effective solutions as well. Apart from timber treatment, we offer professional damp surveys, damp treatment, and damp proofing services in the area.
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