Timber Treatment

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Woodworm

There are two species of beetle that are invasive and destructive to timber here in the UK, namely the Common Furniture Beetle and the Death Watch Beetle and when in the larvae stage, they are referred to as woodworm. The adult beetles burrow into timber and lay their eggs, which then hatch and turn into larvae that consume wood pulp, destroying timber on a consistent basis.

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Continuous Life Cycle

Woodworm will stay wherever the conditions are right and unless action is taken, the cycle continues and the timber loses its structural integrity. At London Damp Specialists, we are very experienced at eradicating woodworm and should you notice any signs of this destructive insect, contact us for the best long-term solution. It makes complete sense to inspect the building on a regular basis, as early detection saves money.

Tell-Tale Signs of Woodworm

The common signs that indicate the presence of woodworm include the following:

  • Tiny holes in wood – The most obvious sign of woodworm presence is rows of tiny holes, with small mounds of dust by each hole. The beetles burrow into wood to lay their eggs and will continue to do this until something is done to eradicate the insects.
  • Off-white coloured eggs – While most are deposited into the holes, some are left on the surface, which is a sure sign that woodworm are present. 
  • Sighting adult beetles – Although they are generally discreet, you might see adult beetles coming and going and should that be the case, you can assume they are actively reproducing and the best solution is to call in London Damp Specialists.
  • Crumbling wood – Once woodworm are present, it doesn’t take long before timber starts to crack, especially at the edges, as the larvae consume wood pulp, causing the material to split.
  • Dead adult beetles – Of course, the cycle of life continues and if you notice dead black beetles on the floor, this could mean your home is being used by woodworm.

If you notice any of the above, don’t delay, contact London Damp Specialists today and let the woodworm specialists inspect your London home and if woodworm is present, we will find it.

Best Treatments for Woodworm

It is critical that all traces of the insect is eradicated; missing a few eggs will result in a continuation of the infestation. For this reason, we use the highest grade water-based insecticide treatments, which ensures that all wood boring insects and their larvae are exterminated. Once woodworm is detected, we recommend treating all timber in the building, which is the only way to be 100% sure that the issue will be resolved.

Immediate Occupation

The major advantage of using a water-based insecticide is that the property can be occupied within a few hours of treatment and it is very safe for humans and pets too. Our damp-proofing teams have years of hands-on experience in dealing with woodworm, wet and dry rot, so you can rest assured that the issue will be resolved.

Wet and Dry Rot

Certain fungi can destroy timber and wet and dry rot require different treatments, depending on the fungal species and the severity of the infestation. 

Tell-Tale Signs of Timber Rot

Signs of timber rot include:

  • A musty smell in the home
  • Visible fungal growth
  • Timber that is soft to the touch
  • Dark or discoloured wood
  • Crumbling and cracking timber
  • Bubbling paint
  • Rust coloured spore dust

If you notice any of these signs, contact us immediately, as time is of the essence and we can arrange for a qualified damp surveyor to assess the property, which would lead to a free quote and recommended treatment. We issue an unconditional 30-year guarantee on all work undertaken; if any area that we have treated needs remedial work, we will carry it out at no cost to the customer.

Mould and mildew are typically present with both types of fungal growth and if you suspect that timber in your home is under attack from wet or dry rot, contact London Damp Specialists on 020 7458 4864 or fill in the survey booking form on this website and we can arrange for a PCA-certified surveyor to inspect your London home.

Customer Testimonials

"What an absolutely stunning job! … I left for work with an incredibly uneven, cracking, poor attempt at damp proofing my kitchen. I returned to find Paul had already left… and the kitchen walls… well, wow, wow, wow. … Completely re-plastered, now straight, totally even and as smooth as ice. … If you want a truly professional, platinum grade job done at a very reasonable price, hire Paul – you will not be disappointed."
Sarah J
"Paul was quick to respond with a team of proficient, friendly and professional workmen. The job was completed on time as promised. Great stuff. Thank you"
Tom
"As stated in previous reviews, work was carried out very professionally. Paul replied promptly, visited soon afterwards and gave great advice. … I was so impressed I didn't even bother to get other quotes! … Both rooms were spotless when they left. I would strongly recommend this company and wouldn’t hesitate to use them again."
Paula Symons
"Excellent work from Paul and his team. Quote was fair and work was undertaken fairly soon. They protected the floors and tidied up afterwards with barely any sign of them having been in, impressive considering the scope of work done. It's now two months on and no signs of damp. Thanks Paul"
Mike D
"Very professional service from Paul and his team. The quote was reasonable and fair. … His man turned up on time, did exactly what was explained, and left the area clean and tidy. … I would certainly recommend London Damp Specialists and use them again."
Adam
"Paul and Carlton did a very good job to insulate the loft. Carlton was very reliable, hard working with attentive to details. I would highly recommend the service"
Bill
"Super-efficient and speedy job and one of the team came back to do additional tidying up of the replaced skirting boards once it was finished."
Amy
"Paul gave a very competitive quote at a time that suited me. The 30-year guarantee is also a big plus! … He cleaned up thoroughly afterwards, and I’m very happy with the work. He even did a few extra jobs outside, which he didn’t have to. … I’d recommend using London Damp Proofing if you’ve got a damp problem!"
Cait Harvey
"Brilliant and professional job. Paul gave a quote and turned up on time with his assistant. … They paid attention to even the smallest details, and the work was completed to a very high standard. … If you're considering hiring Paul, just go ahead – it's very unlikely you'll be disappointed."
beagooner
"Paul was able to start work that week, and finished the job quickly, sticking to the price he quoted. Would definitely recommend."
Dan
"Excellent work. We got London Damp Specialists to damp proof our basement. It was a pretty big job but they done it to a great standard and they where quick and clean. It has been months now since the work has been completed and its all painted and it looks fantastic and dry :) They are a great friendly bunch of lads. Thank you"
John S
"The work was carried out quickly and efficiently. Very impressed with reliability and work carried out. Talks through and explains all aspect of work before starting. Maintains contact throughout job. Would not hesitate to recommend."
Ebigail H
"Paul was polite, courteous and professional at all times. His work partner Alex came and completed the job. I've dealt with lots of building companies and builders and none have been as efficient, tidy and mindful of the clients surroundings as Alex was. He had a brilliant personality and his attention to detail was spot on. I would recommend Paul and Alex to anyone."
Geoff
"We had a number of large patches of damp… Paul was prompt to respond and quoted very quickly. His team was happy to work around a rewire, which really helped minimise disruption. … They applied damp treatment and even raised a couple of air bricks outside to stop rainwater coming in. I would very much recommend Paul and his team."
Jim Peacock
"Efficient clean service. Came quickly to estimate and came when arranged to do the work."
Julia
"Paul was prompt and pleasant, and helpful in assessing where we needed damp proof course installed. A good, neat job over the course of two days."
Karl
"Paul was very professional and friendly when he came to quote for a damp proof course and roof timber treatment for us."
Dan
"I hired Paul to re-plaster two internal walls due to a penetrating damp issue. He gave a competitive quote and clearly explained the work beforehand. … He performed the job with care and precision, kept me updated, and even worked alone while I was at work. … I have no problem recommending him to others."
Sebastian M
"Clean and tidy, very polite, job done. Very flexible to come and quote at weekend and work conducted very quickly. No complaints! Thanks Paul!"
Vera
"Plasterer turned up on time and completed the job satisfactorily in two days. Work is now painted and looks great"
Nigel
"Really pleased with Paul's work. Fabulous work done, hopefully damp won't return. Honest and efficient."
Mark
"Very happy with the job, straightforward, would highly recommend."
Lauren
FAQs
Can my basement be waterproofed?

The simple answer is yes. Basement tanking in London is a very common requirement due to the moisture in the ground and there are numerous systems for waterproofing a basement/cellar.

Can you treat woodworm and dry rot?

Yes, at London Damp Specialists, we treat all forms of timber rot including woodworm.

Do I need to do any post-damp-treatment care for my house after you finish the work?

Ensuring the success and longevity of damp treatment requires some post-treatment care on your end. Here’s what you should consider:

Ventilation: Keep rooms well-ventilated to prevent moisture buildup.
Heating: Maintain a consistent indoor temperature to prevent condensation.
Regular Cleaning: Clean surfaces to prevent mould and dust buildup.
Humidity Control: Monitor and maintain indoor humidity levels.
Prompt Repairs: Address leaks and plumbing issues promptly.
Landscape Drainage: Ensure proper landscaping for good drainage.
Inspections: Periodically check treated areas for issues.
Follow Advice: Adhere to maintenance recommendations from specialists.
Appliance Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation for appliances.
Check External Factors: Monitor external factors that caused the issue.
Professional Checks: Schedule periodic inspections for ongoing protection.

Do I need to vacate my home during the damp treatment process?

At London Damp Specialists, we prioritise your safety and comfort. For minor treatments, there’s usually no need to vacate your home. However, in cases requiring more extensive or invasive solutions, we might recommend temporary evacuation to ensure effective treatment and your well-being. We’ll communicate clearly about the process and options, keeping you informed every step of the way. Your satisfaction and safety are our utmost concern.

Does damp attract pests?

Yes, any environment that is damp and humid will attract pests such as mice, rats and cockroaches. Not only that, mould is a health hazard that can lead to serious respiratory issues with extended exposure. Call London Damp Specialists on 020 7458 4864 or complete the form on your website.

When is the best time to waterproof a basement?

The best time to waterproof a basement is during initial construction, although we can carry out basement tanking in London at any time. There are numerous ways to waterproof a below- ground structure; the most common is a Type C cavity membrane system that captures and removes water.

Still have a question?
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Our 5 Step Process

01

Initial Consultation

Tell us about your damp issue and we’ll guide you on next steps. It's an opportunity for you to ask questions and gather information.

02

Site Visit

Next, we visit your property to find the root cause of the issue. We’ll also assess the local environment, and take measurements or observations.

03

No Obligation Quote

Then we’ll send a detailed estimate of the costs involved, with no hidden extras, and provided to you without any commitment. You can review the financial aspect before making any decisions.

04

Work Carried Out

Our expert team carries out the work as planned, to the agreed timeline and quality standards, with minimum disruption to you.

05

Payment

The last step is payment, once the work’s complete, your home is dry and you’re satisfied with the results.

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