South & West Yorkshire Property Care

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.

South & West Yorkshire has a generally maritime climate, lacking in extremes. The Pennines to the west can create a cool and damp environment, but they also provide some shelter from the prevailing and forceful westerly winds, casting a slight "rain shadow" across some of the area. Excess moisture from  persistently damp environments can eventually be absorbed through walls and floors into the fabric of a property. The problems caused by this are not always immediately obvious. In many cases it can take several months or years before rot or damp problems become visible.

Within the region, including areas such as Wakefield, Worksop and Dewsbury, there are many period and historic listed buildings, as well as a vast array of styles and ages of homes. Our knowledge, experience and innovative solutions are vital in understanding how to rid these premises of any property care issues, such as woodworm, damp or dry rot, with as little disruption as possible. We ensure that your family and pets are kept safe during any treatment and provide advice to help prevent any future problems.

Woodworm is the common name for larvae of wood-boring beetles. Adult beetles lay eggs in cracks in wood and the larvae (woodworm) burrow deep into the wood to 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 South & West Yorkshire (like Earlsheaton Park in Dewsbury or Elscar Park in Barnsley), could offer harbourage to wood-boring beetles. Lofts, cellars, garages and garden sheds in Hepworth, Castleford, Pontefract and Wakefield 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 team are professional Certificated Surveyors in Remedial Treatment (CSRT) and have the knowledge, expertise and resources to deal with any property care problems. Specialist technicians are on hand across Yorkshire to respond quickly to help keep your home free from woodworm, rot and damp. We have over 60 years of practical expertise in treating rising damp, fungal decay and woodworm, with all our treatments for these issues carrying a 30 year, peace of mind guarantee.