Essex 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 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.

Over 14,000 buildings have listed status across Essex and around 1000 of those are recognised as Grade I or II importance. The buildings range from the 7th century Saxon church of St Peter-on-the-Wall, to the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club which was the United Kingdom's entry in the "International Exhibition of Modern Architecture" held at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City in 1932.

The county includes urban areas such as the Lakeside Shopping Centre, London Stansted Airport and the new towns of Basildon and Harlow, as well as rural towns, villages and hamlets largely built in the traditional materials of timber and brick, with clay tile or thatched roofs. Buildings of any age, style, period or size can be exposed to the risks of wood boring insects, wood rotting fungi or rising damp. These types of problems can affect the structure of the property and tend be more prevalent in older buildings, or those that have been refurbished or redeveloped over time. Problems of this nature are not always immediately obvious, and in many cases can take months or years before an issue is brought to light.

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 regions parks and open spaces such as Brook End Gardens or Admirals Park in Chelmsford, could offer harbourage to wood-boring beetles. Garages, garden sheds and lofts across Basildon, Braintree, Harwich and Romford could also unknowingly, shelter powder post or common furniture beetles. The larvae (woodworm) of these insects can cause serious damage to wooden timbers if left untreated. However our skilled, experts know how to identify and effective treat any woodworm problems.

Our team of professionals are Certificated Surveyors in Remedial Treatment (CSRT) and have the knowledge, expertise and resources to deal with any property care issues. Specialist technicians are on hand to respond quickly to help keep your home free from woodworm, rot and damp. With over 60 years of experience in treating rising damp, fungal decay and woodworm, all our treatments for these issues carry a 30 year peace of mind guarantee.