Hull Property Care

Tourists flock to the seaside attractions of Scarborough, Bridlington, Cleethorpes, and the quay side museums of Hull (such as The Deep) but the temperate maritime climate (which is dominated by the passage of mid-latitude depressions) can bring driving onshore storms. The weather is very changeable and the warming influence of the Gulf Stream makes the region mild for its latitude. The excess water from this wet and windy climate may eventually lead to property damage as moisture can be absorbed through the walls or floors of a building.

Flooding can be another issue, particularly in coastal towns, where high tides combined with storm surges can raise water levels significantly. The tidal surge of 1953 along this east coast remains the worst recorded civil disaster in the UK. In recent years Scarborough and Whitby have suffered costal flooding. Immimgham, Cleethorpes, Barton-on-Humber and Hull are also susceptible to storm surges, as most of the Lincolnshire coastline is below mean sea level up to 10km in land. Several months after flood waters have receded, damp may not be visible, yet moisture levels (particularly in timbers in hidden voids or cavities) may still be high enough for damage to occur through wood decay from wet or dry rot.

The east coast, from Lincolnshire to East Riding is a varied mix of coastal towns and cities sat alongside lively country market towns and rural villages. It is a diverse landscape, from medieval Lincoln with its Castle, Cathedral and infamous Roman Road (aptly named 'Steep Hill' in part); to the long established docks on both sides of the Humber (Grimsby on the south shore and Kingston-upon-Hull to the north). There are urban, suburban, coastal and rural locations with a wide mix of property styles and ages from Tudor Manors and barn conversions, Georgian and Victorian terraces to modern apartments and new build homes. Buildings of any age or size can be exposed to the risks of wood boring insects, wood rotting fungi or rising damp. Unfortunately, the damage caused by these problems is not always immediately obvious. 

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.

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.

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 gardens  such as Lincoln's Arboretum and Hubbard's Hills in Louth can offer wood-boring beetles a safe haven. Many attics, cellars, garages, wooden sheds and lofts across Brigg, Beverley, Horncastle, Ferriby and Grismby could also unknowingly, shelter powder post or common furniture beetles, whose larvae (woodworm) can cause serious damage to wooden beams, floors and furniture in a property if left untreated.

Our team's experience and knowledge of how pests like woodworm behave and rising damp and dry rot affect different properties, enables them to quickly and effectively resolve problems within homes and businesses. Our Certificated Surveyors in Remedial Treatment (CSRT) have the expertise and resources to deal with any property care issues. Specialist technicians can 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 problems carry a 30 year peace of mind guarantee.