Derby RICS Chartered Surveyors Timber Decay and Damp Survey

Woodworm infested timbers in an un-ventilated cellar. Lack of ventilation has encouraged dampness and caused extensive beetle infestation. The timber has also formed cubes probably indicative of dry rot decay although no spores were apparent. Note the condensation mould on the ceiling.

The floor bounces when walked on as the spacing of the joists is too wide, the spans too long and they have no criss cross (herring bone) struts to stop the floor twisting. Unfortunately as it is likely to have been a repair to an existing floor the need for Building Regulation consent can be avoided. The lack of knowledge that led to the placing of the joists at too wide an interval meant that those replacing the floor failed to resolve the lack of ventilation which is likely to have caused the previous floor to decay

Damp in a chimney breast probably due to condensation but diagnosis can be difficult. Damp in chimney breasts often allows contaminates to migrate from within the flue. The plaster is best removed and replaced with a sand and cement render to contain the contaminates. A vent appears to have been installed to try and keep one of the flues dry.

 

The white mould has formed on timbers damp with condensation. The solution is to provide additional ventilation to the roof.