Woodworm & Timber decay

Woodworm & timber decay such as death watch beetle, wet rot, dry rot all come about for one reason. Too much moisture in the affected timber.

Wet rot will develop in timber where moisture content is 50% or greater whereas dry rot will develop at only 20% which could be caused by as small an issue as condensation. Wet rot tends to come about for severe water penetration from outside or an undetected mains water leak.

The type of insect infestation that develops such as common furniture beetle or death watch beetle is normally associated with the type of timber. For instance, death watch beetle will be more common in old structural timber such as Oak and Elm.

Woodworm & timber decay, in every instance of mould, wet and dry rot and insect attack, the first and crucial measure to undertake is to establish the source of moisture and put an end to it. There will be absolutely no point in applying a chemical treatment to resolve the issue if you do not deal with the moisture content.

Most common reasons for the damp will be:

Penetrating damp

Rising damp

Condensation (high humidity)

Water leak

Bridging damp

Failed tanking

Where the timber is too badly damaged the best course of action is to replace it with new, pre-treated timber or sometimes, re-building with bricks in the case of badly decayed timber wall plates.

In respect of applying a chemical treatment, there are a number of chemical types such as Permethrine and Boron and water based, spirit and gel based for injecting or brushing on.

We advise specialist chemical treatments are carried out by suitably experienced contractors who will understand the reason for choosing the correct product or combination of products and the application process in order it is safe and effective.

We are stockists of brands from Wykamol, Triton, Safeguard, Nvirol and ACS Chemicals.

You can order easily from us online here:

https://allianceremedialsupplies.co.uk/product-category/timber-treatments/

Or call us on 01329 235252 for further information and technical advice.