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If you have noticed signs of timber damage or decay in your property, you may require a timber survey to fully assess and understand the problem.
A timber survey is carried out by a professional surveyor to check the condition of structural and decorative timber within a building or property.
They will carry out a thorough inspection and look for signs of fungal decay, woodworm infestations or structural concerns that may affect the structural integrity, stability or durability of timber.
You may have already noticed some signs of timber decay, but a thorough survey is crucial to identify the extent of any damage, with surveyors using specialist tools and equipment to make sure nothing is missed.
Damp is often the main cause of timber decay, which is why it's important to fully inspect the exterior and interior of a property in order to find any sources of moisture.
If you're concerned about timber problems in your property, arranging a comprehensive damp and timber survey will mean you get a professional surveyor to inspect the issue, and provide a comprehensive report detailing their findings with recommendations.
Our surveyors are typically CSTDB (Certificated Surveyor of Timber & Dampness in Buildings) or CSRT (Certified Surveyor in Remedial Treatments) qualified, and our methods for surveying are accredited by numerous trade bodies.
If the surveyor has noticed any signs of timber problems in your property, they will provide a thorough survey report outlining their findings and any underlying causes to any apparent damp and timber problems.
The report will contain drawings and images to support these observations. The report will describe the scale and scope of the preservation issues in the property, along with a proposed treatment plan to rectify them, if necessary.
If left untreated timber problems can get worse over time and cause severe structural damage, especially if fungal decay is found.
Our timber treatments deliver long-term protection, and Peter Cox has decades of experience with trained and experienced surveyors and technicians.
Our treatments focus on stopping the source of moisture and repairing or replacing affected wood to prevent the problem from returning.
Wet rot is a form of timber decay caused by fungal growth in persistently damp wood or timber. Unlike dry rot, it remains localised to the source of moisture and won't spread through masonry. Treatments involve removing the source of moisture and replacing structurally damaged timber.
Dry rot is a severe form of fungal decay that attacks timber in buildings and can compromise its structural integrity over time. Unlike wet rot, it can spread through various materials including masonry in search of more timber to feed upon. Dry rot strands can transport moisture allowing it to spread to dry timbers throughout a building. Treatments include removing the source of moisture, removing structurally unsound timber and using an application of fungicides to prevent future outbreaks.
Woodworm is the common name given to the larvae of various wood-boring beetles that can infest and damage your property. They feed on timber which over time can cause structural damage if not addressed properly. If an active infestation is found we will normally apply targeted insecticidal treatments that penetrate the timber and stop larvae from emerging.
No matter the type of timber solution or treatments required, we can provide expert timber repair within your property.
Our highly experienced and trained technicians can not only carry out insecticidal and fungicidal treatments but can also provide repairs to fit in with the architectural style of the property, this can range from basic repairs to specialist joinery.
These include:
If you choose to go ahead with Peter Cox for specialist timber treatments, the full scope of work will be detailed in your survey report carried out by a professional surveyor. This will include details and drawings for the repairs and if any plastering is required. If applicable the report will have information around long term guarantees, typically 20 years for woodworm or fungal decay treatments.
When carrying out timber repairs or inspecting timber in a property, it's important to understand the different classes of timber, especially when selecting new timbers to ensure it is adequate for the repair and the environment.
BS EN 335:2013 - It is a European standard that defines five Use Classes for wood and wood-based products, based on the differing levels of biological attack (fungi, insects, and marine borers) they may encounter in service.
UC1 (Interior, dry) - For timbers used indoors, not exposed to weather or wetting. Examples include upper floor joists and internal flooring.
UC2 (Interior, risk of wetting) - For timbers used indoors, or under cover, not exposed to the weather (e.g., rain), but where occasional wetting (e.g., from condensation) may occur. Examples include tiling battens, external timber frame walls.
UC3 (Exterior, above ground, exposed to the weather) - For timbers used outdoors and above ground, exposed to the elements (e.g., rain). This class is further subdivided into:
UC4 (Exterior, in ground or fresh water contact) - For timbers in direct contact with the ground and/or fresh water. Examples include fence posts and decking posts.
UC5 (Exterior, in salt water contact) - For timbers permanently or regularly submerged in salt water (e.g., sea water, brackish water). Examples include harbor piles and sea defenses.
The cost of timber treatment will vary depending on the size and type of property, and the extent of the issue. The issue may be caused by moisture ingress or building defects which may also require attention. A damp and timber survey will be carried out to fully understand the problem by investigating both external and internally, and will provide a comprehensive report with recommendations and advice for general defects if required.
The type of treatment required depends on the problem affecting the timber. The treatment process for wet rot differs from dry rot, which differs from woodworm treatments. A trained surveyor will be able to provide you with an explanation on what is affecting timber, and the treatment solutions required.
A timber specialist is typically someone who is CSRT or CSTDB qualified and is experienced in inspecting the condition of both decorative and structural timber within a building. They will take time to assess timber and identify any issues found, and provide advice and recommendations for any treatments, if required. All their findings will be detailed in a survey report along with any remedial work required.
The cost of a survey will depend on the size of a property and the extent of the issue. A Timber survey by a damp and timber specialist involves a thorough inspection which can take time. They are not just quoting for damp proofing or timber treatments, but fully investigating the root cause of the problem, and will inspect the property externally and internally.
The length of time a timber treatment will last depends on the environmental conditions, type of timber and the specific treatment. A good quality preservation company will be able to correctly identify timber problems and carry out remedial work, which is often backed by long term guarantees. Peter Cox have been carrying out timber treatments for decades since its founding in 1951, and our treatments for woodworm and fungal decay typically come with a 20 year guarantee.
Find out more about our range of timber treatments
*Survey enquiries for your local branch will be directed to our dedicated central survey control teams across the UK. Calls to 0800 and 0808 numbers are free unless you are calling from a business phone, in which case the rate will be set by your provider.