Timber Repair FAQ's
We’re on hand to help you learn more about common timber problems and provide an introduction to the key phrases and basic principles that underpin our range of related services. We hope that our list of frequently asked questions will help make the process of beginning to deal with structural repair problems as simple as possible.- What are the principal causes of timber decay?
- Providing it is kept relatively dry, structural timber should be resistant to most biological degradation. As with most building materials however, prolonged exposure to damp increases the risk of decay and the fungal degradation (predominantly wet / dry rot). As most agents of decay rely on damp and moisture, you should look to keep your property dry and well ventilated. It is important to note that timber is usually only vulnerable to fungal attack where moisture levels are consistently above a 20% threshold. Before embarking on a timber repair strategy to deal with wet or dry rot, it is imperative to address the original source of dampness to prevent reoccurrence. Check for general leaks, cracked down-pipes / escaping water and signs of rising damp / penetrating dampness and poorly maintained lead work.
- What about insect infestation?
- Whilst wet rot and dry rot cause decay and weakening, insects disfigure and destroy structural integrity by boring holes or consuming timber.
- Death Watch Beetle: this large insect naturally inhabits the dead wood of several hardwoods that have been the subject of fungal decay. Dark red or grayish brown in colour, the ‘Deathwatch’ Beetle partly derives its name from the adult beetle’s habit of tapping its head or jaw against the walls of its tunnels (sounding like an old watch ticking away towards the end of the timber’s life). Structural damage occurs over many years or even decades and is more likely to be found in historic properties rather than new buildings. As the lifecycle of the beetle is dependent upon sufficient moisture content (usually above 14%), eradication is achieved through a combination of improved environmental factors (heat and ventilation) and the microinjection of chemical treatments.
- Bark Beetle: usually present on wood where the bark has been retained. The larvae feed on the sapwood and bark. It is good practice to remove any bark from timber as once the bark has been fully consumed the beetles move on or dies out.
- Common Furniture Beetle: 3-5mm long and usually dark brown in colour, the furniture beetle is the most common wood boring insect. It is most active in summer months when it lays its eggs in cracks, joints and crevices. It cannot typically penetrate deeply into oak and as long as problems are not ignored in other timber, infestation can be easily addressed.
- Wood Boring Weevil: typically having a long snout, short legs and measuring between 2.5 and 5mm in length, wood weevils will attack wood that is damp and partially decayed. Infestation can be directly addressed by removing the source of dampness to prevent further fungal decay, in effect eradicating the beetle’s food source. Timber which is structurally damaged can then be replaced
This page belongs to our Timber Treatment & Restoration section.
