Cornwall & Devon 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.

The main settlements in Devon are the cities of Plymouth, a historic port, Exeter and Torbay. Devon's coast is lined with tourist resorts, many of which grew rapidly with the arrival of the railways in the 19th century. These include Dawlish, Exmouth and Georgian Sidmouth on the south coast, along with Ilfracombe and Lynmouth on the north. Ancient rural market towns include places such as Barnstaple, Bideford, Honiton, Newton Abbot, Okehampton, and Tiverton. Cornwall's only city is Truro. Nearby Falmouth is notable as a port, whilst Redruth and Camborne together form the largest urban area in Cornwall. Both towns were significant as centres of the global tin mining industry in the 19th century.

The range of rural, coastal and urban areas throughout Devon and Cornwall, offer a varied mix of properties, from fisherman’s cottages and thatched cob cottages to Georgian town houses and modern apartments. Properties of any age, size or historic value can be exposed to the risks of damage from woodworm rot and damp. However, problems such as these tend be more prevalent in older properties, such as Medieval, Georgian, Victorian and early 20^th Century buildings.

Devon has a mild climate, heavily influenced by the North Atlantic Drift, whilst Cornwall is exposed to the full force of the prevailing winds that blow in from the Atlantic Ocean. The south coast, dubbed the "Cornish Riviera", is more sheltered. Cornwall and Devon have a temperate Oceanic climate and the mildest and sunniest climate in the country. The surrounding sea and its southwesterly position mean that the Cornish weather in particular can be relatively changeable and extreme weather in the form of storms and floods is common.

The excess moisture provided by the Atlantic depressions can lead to structural damage and timber decay if the damp is absorbed through the floors or walls into the fabric of a property.

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.

 The lofts, garages, cellars and garden sheds throughout Plymouth, Newquay, Taunton, Falmouth, Devon and Cornwall, could unknowingly be home to powder post or common furniture beetles (wood-boring beetles). The larvae (woodworm) of these beetles, if left untreated can cause serious damage to wooden beams, floors and wooden furniture in a property. Our skilled experts know how to accurately identify and effectively treat woodworm problems.

Our professional property care team have the expertise and resources to deal with any property care issues. Our specialists hold the Certificated Surveyors in Remedial Treatment (CSRT) accreditation and have the knowledge and experience to identify the causes, and offer the best solutions for woodworm, damp & rot issues. Expert specialists are on hand throughout Plymouth, Bodmin, Falmouth, Taunton and beyond to respond quickly to help protect your home or business. 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.