Timber Decay
Damp patches on the ceiling or on walls can be a warning sign that your property is affected by timber decay. If you’re faced with the problem of timber decay, whether in a residential or commercial property, you should contact H+R for expert advice and effective, environmentally friendly treatment for timber decay.
Our team of experts have been involved in surveying older buildings since 1985 and we take pride in providing specialised solutions for the treatment of timber decay and other forms of fungal and insect decay. By offering environmentally friendly control of fungal decay and insect attack, as well as building monitoring systems, we can help to treat any immediate problems and ensure long-term protection.
Symptoms of Timber Decay
There are several signs of timber decay to be watchful of. The first is dry rot which is a fungal infestation that occurs when damp timber comes into contact with airborne spores. This can result in rust-red fruiting bodies, with a lighter-coloured outer edge, or grey cotton wool-like substances. There may also be cuboidal cracking across the timber which looks as though the wood has dried out. Timber decay may be accompanied by a distinctive musty or damp smell.
Wet rot can also cause timber decay. This is a fungal infestation which results in the timber being covered in a soft, spongy texture and a black fungus which results in a darker appearance of the affected timber. Decorative finishes to internal components of the wood might also look as though they have deteriorated.
Which Properties May Be Prone to Timber Decay?
Timber decay occurs in damp, dark conditions so any area of your property where there’s a leak or water ingress can be susceptible. The following areas are commonly where decay occurs:
- Roof – Blocked or broken gutters, missing roof tiles, as well as damaged chimneys or flashing, can result in wet timbers and ultimately timber decay.
- Exterior walls – Damaged mortar, damp proofing or leaks from plumbing can all increase the risk of timber decay. Damaged flashing around window frames also make a property prone to decay.
- Any wooden areas beneath baths or basins can be affected by excess moisture
We have worked on numerous properties over the years to treat timber decay, such as churches, commercial properties and historic buildings. For example, our survey of St John the Baptist church found structural timber decay, caused by moisture build-up and fungal growth. We recommended repair works for the defects and general recommendations to prevent future decay and ensure the structural health of the building.
Older properties are also more at risk, as was the case with our investigation of the condition of timber in a historic timber-framed barn in Oxford. We identified significant decay caused by inappropriate cladding and exposed masonry plinth heads, and advised a full schedule of repair to treat the issue.
Treating Timber Decay with Environmentally Friendly Techniques
Initially, we can carry out non-destructive surveys of your property using our Rothounds® (search dogs trained to detect active timber decay), fibre optics, and a range of other electronic measurement and monitoring techniques. Our rates for treating timber decay are very competitive, and because our recommendations do not include chemical treatment, you will save money on remedial work.
Following the survey, we will provide a report containing information on the extent and causes of timber decay in your building. With our recommendations for simple environmental control measures, you can rid your building of timber decay problems for now and the future.
The recommendations are normally for building techniques of a kind that can be carried out by a local builder or put out for competitive tender to non-specialist contractors. They deal with the ingress and distribution of moisture and ventilation levels in your building in such a way as to eliminate the conditions that timber decay organisms need to flourish to create timber decay and other fungal problems.
Monitoring the Building Once Timber Decay Has Been Treated
Once timber decay treatment has been implemented, we recommend installing our H+R Curator® system. This enables parameters such as the moisture content of timber and other materials to be remotely monitored to allow building failures or defects to be detected and diagnosed at an early stage.
These systems are a new and powerful tool for the maintenance and management of buildings and their contents. The information they make available reduces risks for insurance and provides a basis for maintenance planning thus enabling the building professional and property owner to save time, materials and money.
What to Do If You Spot Signs of Timber Decay
Timber decay needs to be treated as soon as possible, so if you suspect you may have signs of decay on your property, you need to contact specialists to investigate the problem further. H+R can also offer the in-house Resurgam® conservation consultancy, which is based on over 25 years of practical and technical experience in the study and conservation of historic buildings and sites.
The services available to architects, surveyors, contractors and building owners include liaison with statutory and heritage bodies, conservation plans, consultancy on the restoration of historic buildings and their fixtures and fittings and historical research, together with remedial specifications, bills of quantities and tender procurement.
Contact Us
T: 01483 203 221
E: ei@handr.co.uk
Main Office:
Netley House, Gomshall, Guildford, Surrey, GU5 9QA
For any marketing enquiries please contact
marketing@handr.co.uk.
Monday – Friday: 09:00 – 17:30
Saturday – Sunday: Closed
Timber Decay FAQs
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What is Timber Decay?
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Timber decay is the process of deterioration or decomposition of wood, typically caused by fungi or insects, leading to its structural weakness and eventual breakdown.
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What Decays Wood Fast?
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Can You Restore Rotten Wood?
Get in Touch with H+R
For more information contact our team on 01483 203221 or request a call back by clicking on the button below.
Testimonials
I have known and seen work undertaken by Hutton+Rostron for over 20 years. I have always been impressed by their professional approach and depth of knowledge in the field of building surveys and pathology.
When it comes to seeking expert advice on the condition of the timber in an old building we turn to Hutton+Rostron whom we know we can rely upon to give a thorough and efficient appraisal which we can then use to develop the scope of the repairs.
We have worked with Hutton + Rostron over many years now, and find them knowledgeable, professional, helpful and practical. They understand both the needs of historic buildings and the forces driving their alteration, which means that their expert advice is always framed in a suitable way. We greatly enjoy our relationship with them, and look forward to many more years of collaboration.
H+R have provided a great service; I’m particularly happy with the high level of technical knowledge of their staff and willingness to take time to explain what they are doing and why. I thoroughly recommend them.
Squire and Partners have worked closely with Hutton + Rostron on a number of projects, including the UNISON Headquarters and 74 St James’s Street.
We have been impressed by their depth of knowledge of historic buildings and look forward to working with them again in the future.
Having worked as Project Manager on a number of high-value, listed houses, there is in my opinion clear benefit and value to a project in having H+R on board at the earliest stage possible.
Understanding the hidden condition of a historic building is crucial in making accurate budget and programme estimations. Hutton + Rostron provide an unrivalled service in this sector allowing us to make informed decisions and mitigate the risks of historic building fabric before they materialise. Hutton + Rostron have provided input on a number of Walton Wanger projects, providing us with a range of environmental investigations, which have enabled the design process and contract negotiations to be more accurate and more robust.
Hutton + Rostron and Sandberg have enjoyed a long standing and valued professional relationship and expect this to continue and develop in the future. Our work together ranges from the routine to the quirky, with the latter often being the most fascinating and therefore enjoyable!
Now that we have reached the end of the works at Great Portland Street, I would like to thank you and your team for all your efforts. The reports on existing condition provided by the team at Hutton + Rostron were invaluable and helped us de-risk the project for GPE. Equally your assistance throughout the project where unforeseen issues arose was gratefully received.
A full service through pre-construction, construction and early occupation.