Tapco HomeDry Services are qualified timber infestation surveyors (CTIS) and have many years experience diagnosing wood rot and insect damage in buildings.

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Information

A number of insects, mainly beetles, are able to use wood as a food source and some of them can cause serious damage to building timbers. These insects all have fairly similar life cycles, although there are variations in the length of each stage in the life cycle, the type of wood attacked and the extent of damage caused.

Some insects are able to cause serious damage and these require immediate preservative treatment. With the exception of Death Watch Beetle they all attack softwood. House Longhorn Beetle is without doubt the most destructive often causing considerable weakening of the timber and great expense to the property owner.

The most common of infestations found in buildings is that of the Common Furniture Beetle (Anobium punctatum) known as Woodworm. This is often found in older properties and if left unattended, can spread to other parts of the building and furniture and over a period of time can result in loss of strength and disintegration of the wood.

Correct identification and the state of activity is very important to prevent long term structural damage. Any treatment recommended by us should be carried out without delay.

Survey

Tapco HomeDry Services are qualified timber infestation surveyors (CTIS) and have many years experience diagnosing wood rot and insect damage in buildings. We will advise you of our findings in our written detailed report and submit our recommendations for the preservative treatment that is required and an estimate for such work.

Most cases of wood rot arise as a result of rainwater ingress or rising damp so an external survey will be carried out as a priority. As most properties are occupied our internal survey could be restricted but, where practical we will lift the floor coverings and any short ends of floorboards and be as thorough as the conditions allow. Where moisture content exceeds 20% there is a high risk of fungal attack. The level of moisture will be measured using an electronic moisture meter and the risk will be recorded.

Treatment

Our experienced operatives also have many years experience and the preservatives we use are classed as ‘non hazardous’ and have a one hour re-entry time. Any heavily affected timbers will be replaced using new pre-treated timber in accordance with building regulations.

Guarantee

Our work is covered by our Twenty Year Guarantee. Protection by The Guarantee Protection Insurance is available.

Procedure