TIMBER PRESERVATION

Dry rot (SERPULA LACRYMANS)

                                                        



A wood destroying fungus causing the most serious timber decay in buildings, often resulting in extensive damage. It has the ability to grow through brickwork, mortar and behind plaster.

Can be difficult to detect in early stages as it may develop out of site. some indications of possible dry rot may be the softening of the wood in some areas,shrinkageand distortion and a diatinctive "mushroom" odour.
Timber decayed by dry rot is characteristically dull brown in colour with deep cracks across and along the grain forming cubes up to 50mm in size; similar in apperance to charred wood but not as dark. the timber becomes lightweight and will crumble.
Sheets of silky, cotton wool like, white mycelium may be present. Where exposed to light these may have a lemon or lilac tinge.
Strands up to 8mm thick may spresd from infested timbers. These transport moisture from the damp areas allowing the fungus to spread to dry wood in other areas not satisfactorily ventilated.
When conditions are suitable the fungus may form a pancake shaped fruiting body, yellow ochre with white edges when young, darking to rust red when mature. The centre portion will then produce a mass of red spores, which often form a red dust cover over the sirroundimg area.


WET ROT

A general term applied to many species of fungus, all of which will cause timber decay.
They can be divided into two groups; brown rot and white rot.
Brown rot, resulting in the darkening of timber, causes cracking leaving cube like shapes which crumble, usually smaller than those associated with dry rot, although this cannot be relied upon alone for identification purposes.
White Rot may bleach the affected timbers leaving them pale in colour. The wood will develop a stringy, fibrous appearance, and although may be easily crushed, does not crumble.
Colours of associated mycelium strands and fruiting bodies will vary depending on which type of fungus causes the damage.
The remedial measures required for both types of rot are the same.

The commonest insect attacking all construction timbers and older furniture in the U.K., the Common Furniture Beetle will attack all softwoods and European hardwoods but are very rare in tropical hardwoods.
Damage is found typically around loft hatches, timbers in contact with solid walls, under stairs and places affected by damp. A severe infestation indicates a dampness problem.



COMMON FURNITURE BEETLE

                                                         


Adult insects are 3-5 mm long, dull brown in colour, with lines of "pits" on the wing covers. The beetle has a " hooded " appearance and may be found near damaged timber or attracted to windows or white surfaces during March and August, particularly during warm weather.
The flight holes of the emerging adult are usually 1.5 - 2.0mm in diameter.
The larva is pale cream in colour with a dark band over the mouth part, has three small pairs of legs and is up to 6mm in length. It may be present in affected timbers for up to 3 years.
Tunnels 1.0 - 2.0mm in diameter are extensive. They will be of random orientation but mainly in the direction of the grain. These maybe exposed on the floor by general wear.
Bore dust, cream in colour, is made up of lemon shaped pellets, gritty when rubbed between the fingers.

DEATH WATCH BEETLE (Xestobium Rufovillosum)

Principally confined to the Southern and Central counties of England , the Death Watch Beetle attacks sapwoods and heartwoods of partially decayed hardwoods, mainly Oak, Elm and Chestnut. It will rarely attack softwoods when in contact with other affected hardwood timbers.
Dampness is essential for establishment and development although slow damage may occur in dryer timbers. Where the ends of timbers are embedded in damp walls, damage may be extreme. If the attack is on timber affected by fungus the entire centre of a large section of the beams may be hollowed out.
Adult insects are 6-9mm long, a chocolate brown colour with patches of yellow hair, and may be found on or under damaged timber in March or June particularly in warm weather, when they may be heard "tapping". This is the sound of both sexes hitting their heads on timbers during the mating season. The flight holes of the emerging adult are usually 3.0mm in diameter.
The larva is pale cream in colour and has a thin dark line above the mouth parts, three small pairs of legs and is covered in gold hairs. It may be found under severely damaged timbers and may be present in affected timbers for up to 5 years.
Tunnels up to 3mm diameter are often extensive and of random orientation, mainly in the direction of the grain.
The bore dust is cream disc or bun shaped pellets, gritty when rubbed between the fingers.

THE SOLUTION

Robinsons have over 35 years of experience in the eradication of wood rotting fungi and woodworm. Our fully trained experience surveyors will identify the type and extend of any outbreaks. A full detailed report with specifications and costs

Robinson's Will

" Identify the nature , type and extend

" Propose the cure with full specification and statement

" Propose what additional steps (if any) are required to safeguard the property

" Offer a fixed price quotation

Fully trained technicians carry out all works.