8 Jasmin Road Epsom
Surrey
KT19 9DZ
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Phone: 07809 207461

Damp Proofing

Rising damp can arise for various reasons - the failure of an existing damp proof course (dpc), bridging due to the raising of external ground or internal floor levels, or in older buildings, the complete absence of a damp proof course. Brick, stone and mortar are porous allowing damp from the ground to rise by capillary action, carrying with it ground salts including chlorides and nitrates. These salts from the ground can absorb moisture from the atmosphere leading to wall dampness in conditions of high relative humidity. Also they can ruin decorations and break down internal plaster.

 

 

Timber Infestations

Woodworm is the commonly used term for a number of wood boring insects which lay their eggs on or in timber and whose larvae bore through the wood leaving a network of tunnels, damaging and weakening the structure.

Woodworm attack is varied - both in the type of timber which different species infest and their larval life-span which can range from ten months to 11 years. This means that accurate identification by the surveyor is the first essential step because not all infestations need treatment.

The 4 main woodworm species are-

Common Furniture Beetle
This beetle is responsible for about 75% of damage to property.

House Longhorn Beetle
The largest and most damaging but restricted mainly to the southern
Home Counties.

Wood Boring Weevil
Normally associated with damp timber and wet rot decay.

Death Watch Beetle
Attacks hardwood and a damaging borer in old buildings such as churches.