What is a Damp and Timber Report?

A damp and timber report is a summary of a survey being carried out to identify damp issues or timber defects, such as woodworm, wet rot or dry rot in a property. This is usually carried out when you are thinking of purchasing a property - in order to fully understand what you are buying.

Timber issues such as fungal decay, and some types of woodworm, require a source of moisture, so the surveyor will check for any problems. This can be rising damp where there are inadequate or bridged damp proof courses, or from building defects or high ground levels causing penetrating damp. Condensation can also allow timber problems to occur, from excess moisture saturating timber in areas with little or no ventilation.

If a Homebuyers Report has indicated that there could be a damp, woodworm, wet rot or dry rot problem in a property you are thinking about purchasing - a damp and timber survey can provide in-depth answers in order to fully understand the problem.

For concerns around condensation or mould, Rentokil Property Care can provide thorough surveys to assess and understand the condition of the property - and what might be causing the issue.

Our PCA qualified surveyors are equipped with tools that calculate internal conditions such as humidity, temperature and dew point. A thermal imaging camera will also be used during a survey to identify cold spots and cold bridging in the property, which might be causing condensation to form. These work by detecting differences in surface temperatures, making it possible to see the pattern of cold and condensation in properties, and what might be causing it.

Whether it’s a domestic home or a number of housing stock undergoing regeneration for a housing association or local council, Rentokil Property Care maintain the highest quality standards in surveying and report writing, provided to you in a clear and concise manner.

A woodworm survey is carried out by a PCA qualified surveyor who is able to identify signs of active woodworm infestations in timber. The surveyor will look for signs of woodworm such as exit holes, frass (fine wood powder) and damaged timber. These observations help determine whether the infestation is active, identify the species involved, and assess the extent of the damage.

All findings will be detailed in a damp and timber report, along with recommendations for treatments if required.

Both wet rot and dry rot require moisture, so the first step is to identify the source of moisture fueling the fungal decay. It can be difficult to differentiate between dry rot and wet rot due to the fact that both types of rot share a number of tell-tale signs.

Wet rot is typically isolated at the source of moisture, but dry rot mycelium and strands are capable of spreading throughout a property. This means dry rot can spread under floors and through masonry in order to find new timber to attack. Both cause severe damage over time if left, so thorough inspection to understand the extent of the damage is necessary.

If you think you have fungal decay in your property you should arrange for a timber survey to fully assess the problem as soon as possible. All findings will be detailed in the damp and timber report - along with recommendations for fungal treatments. Typically wet rot and dry rot work carried out by Rentokil Property Care is backed by our long term guarantee.

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  What is a timber survey?

  A timber survey is part of a damp and timber report used to assess the condition of structural timber within a building or home. A qualified surveyor will look for signs of timber decay - such as woodworm, wet rot or dry rot. These problems are often caused by moisture ingress so the surveyor will identify the source of moisture fuelling the decay. All findings will be detailed in a full survey report with recommendations for timber treatments, where required.

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  How much does a timber survey cost?

  The cost of a timber survey depends on the size of the property. To find out how much a survey will cost for your property you can use our online book a survey form.

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  How would you inspect wood for rot?

  In order to carry out a timber survey a surveyor will first start with an inspection, looking for the source of moisture which has caused the fungal spores to germinate. The surveyor will then identify visual signs of fungal decay, typically discoloured, warped or cracked timber or any fungal growth. The surveyor will then use a sharp tool such as a screwdriver to probe the timber to see its condition - if it's soft and crumbly it is likely to be rotten, and has lost all structural integrity. All findings will be detailed in a survey report.

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  Is it okay to buy a house with woodworm?

  Yes, it is fine to purchase a house with woodworm - but it is worth carrying out a damp and timber survey to understand if the infestation is still active, and the extent of any potential damage. A survey report will provide details on the species of woodworm involved, and if treatments are required, including a quote for costs. This can be used to negotiate the purchase price, and Rentokil Property Care woodworm treatments typically come with a 30 year guarantee - providing peace of mind long term. 

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  How to tell if wood has woodworm?

  The best way to identify an active woodworm problem is to look for small, round or oval flight holes in timber, usually paired with a fine powdery dust (known as frass) near these holes. This frass indicates the infestation is active. If the flight holes seem to be dusty they could be from a previous infestation that is no longer active. If the infestation is severe you may also notice tunnelling and crumbling timber.