Hampshire & Berkshire Property Care

Damp proofing is a general term covering several different methods used to keep excess moisture out of a building. Damp proofing treatments help to prevent water being absorbed through walls or floors and entering interior spaces of a property. If damp were to pass through the fabric of walls or floors it could lead to structural damage and timber decay (such as dry or wet rot) within the building. We provide an extensive inspection by a qualified surveyor who will diagnose the extent and type of dampness - providing recommendations on the most effective ways to treat the damp problem affecting a property.

Medieval houses, manors and barns survive in the area include: Littleton, Ewell, Horsley, Cobham, Ewhurst Dockenfield/Frensham, Chobham, albeit with considerable later modifications. A number of smaller houses and pubs of the 16th century are also still standing, whilst 17th century buildings proliferates much further including West Horsley Place and Slyfield Manor. In the late 18^th century towns like Farnham grew rapidly as commuter towns, while Victorian towns such as Reading and Fleet evolved around the railway lines.

Hampshire's county town Winchester is a historic city that was once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Wessex. Many Tudor buildings survive within the medieval town centre and close to Winchester Cathedral (which remains the longest Cathedral in Europe). The northeast of the county houses the Blackwater Valley conurbation, which includes the towns of Farnborough, Aldershot, Blackwater and Yateley, all of which cater for the commuter populations of the south.

The range of rural and urban areas throughout Hampshire and Berkshire, offer a variety of differing age properties, from medieval houses to modern apartments. Any property can be exposed to the risks of damage from woodworm rot and damp, whatever its age, size or history.  However, these kinds of problems can be more prevalent in older buildings, such as Georgian, Victorian and early 20^th Century properties.

The vital difference between dry rot and wet rot is the amount of moisture needed within the timber to allow growth. The term ‘Dry Rot’ would suggest no moisture, but in fact a minimum moisture content of about 20% is needed for dry rot to flourish. It’s often found in hidden voids such as the underside of wooden floors, beneath stairs & roof trusses – as it likes warm, damp unventilated areas. Wet rot is limited to very damp wood or plaster with a moisture content of at least 50% and will remain confined to that wet area. The high moisture content required for wet rot is often a result of defective plumbing, gutters or downpipes. We offer professional diagnosis of the type of rot affecting a property, and will tailor a solution to protect it from further damage. All our rot treatments carry a 30 year guarantee.

Woodworm is the every-day name for hungry larvae of wood-boring beetles. Adults lay eggs in cracks in wood and the larvae (woodworm) burrow deep into it and feed, making a maze of tunnels over several years. They will happily eat away at wooden floors, furniture and timbers and if left untreated, can seriously weakens wooden beams in a property which can lead to structural failure of the timbers.

Spotting the early signs of woodworm is important; allowing a qualified surveyor to complete a woodworm survey assessing the extent of any problem, the type of woodworm involved and recommending the most effective, targeted treatment to eliminate the pest before it can spread any further through the property.

Parks and open spaces across Berkshire and Hampshire, could offer harbourage to wood-boring beetles. Lofts, cellars, garages and garden sheds in Aldershot, Southampton, Bracknell and Winchester could also unknowingly, shelter powder post or common furniture beetles. The larvae (woodworm) of these insects can cause serious damage to wooden timbers in properties if left untreated. However our skilled, experts know how to identify and effective treat any woodworm problems.

Our professional property care team have the knowledge, expertise and resources to deal with any property care issues. Our specialists are Certificated Surveyors in Remedial Treatment (CSRT) accreditation and have the expertise and experience to identify the causes, and offer solutions for woodworm, damp and rot issues. Expert specialists are on hand to respond quickly to help protect your home or business from the damaging problems of woodworm, rot and damp. Our effective treatments offer minimal disruption to your property and family, with the peace of mind of 30 year guarantees on our rising damp, fungal decay and woodworm treatments.