Preservation Treatments (Surrey) Ltd.

Timber Preservation

Dry ROT & Wet Rot

There are many species of fungus, many of which will cause timber decay. They vary in the severity of damage they cause. However, none possess the ability like Dry Rot (Serpula Lacrymans) to pass through inert material to spread to other timbers.

Dry Rot affects timbers which are exposed to damp conditions and where there is generally a lack of ventilation. Externally exposed timber, timber in contact with wet soil or masonry, or timber subject to a damp atmosphere can all suffer from fungal attack. The remedial surveyors at PTL will identify the type of fungal infestation and ensure the correct treatment is specified.

Woodworm

All wood boring insects are known under the generic term Woodworm.

COMMON FURNITURE BEETLE (Anobium punctatum)

By far the most common of all insects that attack seasoned timber. The adult beetle lays its eggs, between 20-80, in crevices in the timber. Hatching occurs in 3-4 weeks, the grub burrowing into the timber for between 3-5 years. Normally between May and August the adult beetle emerges through the characteristic flight hole.

HOUSE LONGHORN BEETLE (Hylotrupes bajulus)

Originating on the continent this insect has now become endemic in certain parts of Southern England, mainly in Camberley and Walton-on-Thames. The danger in infestations by this insect lies in its relatively large size, the grub growing to almost an inch in length. As the life cycle can be as long as eight years, it is not long before structural weakening occurs.

DEATH WATCH BEETLE (Xestobium rufovillosum)

Death Watch Beetle normally attacks hardwoods only, being found principally in old oak beams. The name derives from the insects’ partiality for these beams which are often found in churches.

WOOD BORING WEEVIL (Euophryum confine)

The prerequisite for an infestation by these insects is that the timber must to some extent be pre-digested by a wood rotting fungi.