The damp & timber pages

Electronic moisture meters and non-invasive testing profile the damp in a property. You get a detailed written report: the probable causes, recommendations and, where needed, a quotation. A report can be a deciding factor when buying or selling a house.

Not always visible: it’s often hidden by decoration. Treated with a cream-based chemical damp-proof course, injected into small holes at low pressure, to BS 6576. Salt-contaminated plaster usually needs renewing as well.

Damp can show on inside and outside walls for many reasons. The survey finds which one it is, so the right thing gets fixed.

A family of four or five puts around 15 litres of water vapour into the air a day. When it cools on a cold surface it condenses, and mould follows, with a musty smell. Homeguard looks at ventilation, heating and insulation, and can arrange extraction or whole-house ventilation, fitted by a qualified electrician.

Common furniture beetle leaves slightly oval exit holes of 1.5–2mm. Treated with a water-based spray at low pressure; it’s normally safe to return home the same day. Deathwatch beetle attacks hardwoods, mainly oak.

Spreads quickly through brickwork and plaster as well as timber. In an established outbreak, red dust (spores) settles on furnishings and floors. Treat it as soon as it’s diagnosed.

Timber decay caused by long contact with damp masonry or poor ventilation. Affected timber is renewed or preserved, depending on how far it has gone.

A multi-coat render system (tanking) or a cavity drain membrane, chosen by what the basement will be used for.