Timber Survey Service

Timber Survey

Timber is a remarkable building material; strong, warm to the touch and natural too. It is very durable with many timbers still strong and sound after hundreds of years in service.

However, add excess moisture to the house and timber can quickly become prone to rot and insect attack.

Our surveyors are qualified experts who know their rots – and their insects too. We’ll get to the bottom of any infestation, identifying the species and ……most importantly, getting to the underlying cause. Only then can the correct treatment – if any, be chosen.

The majority of important structural timbers in a building are hidden from view, so problems can be present in even the smartest looking buildings. That is why many building surveyors recommend that purchasers (domestic and commercial), obtain advice from a PCA member specialist like BT Preservation.

A standard timber survey cannot include any opening up – such as cutting access into floors, though we’ll try to lift any previously disturbed floor boards where these are found. You’d be surprised how much can be gleaned from a survey, by a qualified and experienced professional. “Our down to earth and knowledgeable surveyors make sure you find out what you need to know and get what you need to have – not what we want to sell you”

Whilst there is a chance of a one-off infestation being present, hidden behind anything; there are usually visible pointers, which put an experienced surveyor ‘on notice’. Sources of moisture, such as rising damp, poor ventilation and external defects often lead to these hidden problems.

In cases where opening up is needed, we’ll recommend this, and for a small fee, additional investigations can be done, using fibre-optics, moisture probes, humidity sensors, or just a good old torch, claw hammer and saw.

Dry rot, many species of wet rots and numerous wood boring insects have evolved over millions of years, to consume dead wood, which of course is what timber is. “The difference between building timber and dead wood on the forest floor is a few percent of moisture content; add water and the microclimate needed for nature to kick in, and start recycling your valuable wood, is already there.”

We can help you with Dry Rot – wet rots – wood boring insect attack and all the dampness issues which promote their growth. Domestic and commercial Surveys start from only £60.00 and always include a written report, detailing our findings.

Our reports can be issued electronically – just supply your email address.

Did you know that for a small fee we can actually prepare an electronic report the same day that we survey your property? The details are transmitted to our office from site, so that the report can be typed and emailed immediately.

“Fungus, insects and even microbes do all the work which keeps our forests healthy and wood is a valuable resource – so it is essential for our future, that we preserve the timber we already have in our buildings”.

And remember – we have passed national examinations in timber infestation surveying (CSRT& CTIS), our knowledge has been independently verified.