Common Problems

Insect Attack

Wood boring insects affecting properties in the United Kingdom are confined to approximately six main species, the most common being (not surprisingly) the Common Furniture Beetle (Anobium Punctatum) and referred to by most people as "woodworm". Structurally, this is not usually a serious problem if treated at an early stage. The Death Watch Beetle (Xestobium Rufovillosum), it’s name perhaps instilling fear in some people’s minds, is usually confined to the hardwoods of timber framed buildings. Timbers are normally affected by decay before Death Watch attack is evident.

Woodworm and Death Watch Beetle

Various forms of chemical treatment, as well as repairs if necessary, can be specified to eradicate insect attack. Death Watch Beetle can be more difficult to eradicate and long term structural damage can occur with this particular insect. However, in recent years more environmentally friendly, sophisticated, safe and effective chemicals and forms of treatment have become available.

Wet and Dry Rots

Wet Rot There are many forms of fungal decay affecting timbers in properties, the majority coming under the heading of wet rots. As the name suggests, high levels of moisture are usually required to instigate and sustain wet rot decay. If the moisture source is eliminated, the decay is arrested and remedial repairs, treatments and reinstatement works can be attended to.

Dry Rot
Although decay in timbers to buildings is often described as "dry rot", technically the true Dry Rot Fungus is a decay called Serpula Lacrymans (weeping fungus). It should be noted that outbreaks of the true dry rot fungus are far more serious and difficult to eradicate than any other fungi. Due to its sophisticated ability to adjust moisture levels by a network of conducting strands and it’s tendency to grow away from the light, behind plaster and between brick joints in search of further timbers; extensive exploratory "opening up" works are usually required to eradicate this virulent fungus. Once the extent of the outbreak has been determined, a comprehensive programme of chemical treatments and reinstatement works can be specified.

Dampness in Buildings

Penetrating Damp
Through neglect or lack of maintenance, buildings are prone to problems brought about by penetration of moisture. Before any remedial measures internally are contemplated, it is essential to make the building "watertight", with particular regard to roof coverings, rainwater goods, window and door frames, and the main external fabric of the building.

Rising Damp
The absence of an effective damp proof course or break down to the existing damp proof course can create numerous problems internally to a property. Contamination of lower internal wall plaster by ground salts and decay to timber joinery and floors being the most common. Once the full extent of the problem has been determined, appropriate remedial measures can be specified and estimated for. Chemical damproofing has now established itself as one of the most effective solutions, and is covered by a 30-year guarantee.

Damp and Defective Wall Plaster
Our own experienced workforce are also able to carry out the removal and reinstatement of defective internal wall plaster in association with the damp proof course, and an additional estimate can be provided for this work.

Atmospheric Condensation
This is a particular problem in this country during the winter months, due to our climate, lifestyle and the structure of our buildings. If emigrating is not an option on offer, some basic measures can be taken to reduce levels of moisture in your home by improving ventilation and heating levels. There is a comprehensive leaflet available from the Department of the Environment outlining the causes and remedies for condensation in the home.

Replacement Cavity Wall Tie Installations

A problem that has been identified in buildings fairly recently is that of failure of cavity wall ties. It has been established that in some instances the original steel or galvanised steel wall ties that were installed in the building when being built to "tie" the two skins of brickwork together in cavity construction, have failed. Corrosion and rusting being the main problems. Wall tie failure can allow movement in the brickwork, particularly where corroding ties expand, forcing open the mortar joints.

After a thorough inspection of the cavity wall ties using a boroscope, an accurate assessment and specification can be prepared for installing the necessary amount of new stainless steel wall ties and isolating the old ones. The systems used are unobtrusive, using either mechanical or epoxy resin bonding systems. As an approved contractor to "Wallfast", the manufacturer of cavity wall ties, complete technical support is offered as well as a 20-year guarantee.