Damp 

When looking at damp and its causes, it is important to take the age and construction type of the house into account. Damp in period properties is often the result of the equilibrium between water ingress and evaporation becoming unbalanced, whereas in newer properties, any water ingress can lead to damp because these buildings were not designed to allow moisture to enter and exit.

Poor drainage, inadequate rainwater goods, leaking plumbing and raised ground levels can lead to damp in properties of any age.

In older properties, inappropriate use of modern, non-breathable materials can lead to water damage by trapping moisture. 

In new builds, condensation can often cause damp-related issues. Lack of ventilation and using radiators to dry clothes is a common cause of this problem.

Wood Boring Insects (Woodworm)

Woodworm manifests in a variety of wood, and needs moist conditions to survive. Eggs are laid on or in the timber and the larvae that hatch feed and bore into the timber, resulting in weakened timbers and risking the structural integrity of the property.

Treatment of active woodworm involves applying insecticides to the timbers. If the timber’s structural integrity is compromised by the attack, replacing the wood may be the only solution.

Fungal Decay (Dry Rot and Wet Rot)

Moist and damp conditions provide an ideal environment for a fungal attack. When the moisture content is over 20%, this is classified as ‘dry rot’. Fine grey strands of fungus spread through wood and other materials, developing into sporophores which expel and spread the fungus further. Timber suffering from dry rot becomes dry, brittle, and begins to fracture to such an extent that it can be broken and crumbled by hand.

When the moisture content is higher than 30% – 50%, this is classified as ‘wet rot’. The presence of wet rot in timber is recognised by a dark brown staining colour and splitting of longitudinal cracking.

Treatment of fungal decay is initially used to remove the source of the dampness which is enabling the fungus to ‘feed’ and develop. Exposure works will then be necessary to determine the full extent of the damage caused. Following any repairs or replacement works, it will be important to treat the timbers with an approved fungicide to safeguard against recurrence.