Booking an Independent Damp Survey: Do I Need To Include Timber?

When you’re booking an independent damp survey, many surveyors will also offer a timber survey for a small increase in price. If the signs of damp you noticed were found in plaster or brickwork, you might be wondering whether it’s worth paying up for this. Below, we explain what timber checks are for and how to tell if you need one.

What Timber Surveys Look For

Often, when we think about damp, we think about dark patches and mould on the walls. But bricks and plaster aren’t the only construction materials that are susceptible to moisture. Timber is too, and it’s found all over houses, from floors and skirting boards to doorframes and beams. When moisture creeps in, timber rots and weakens. In severe cases, it can compromise the safety of a building.

Timber surveys assess these moisture problems and propose repairs.

Common Issues Found in Timber Surveys

There are three main problems which affect timber: wet rot, dry rot, and woodworm. Wet rot is a type of fungus that feeds on wood, usually rendering it soft and crumbly, while dry rot is also caused by fungi, but it typically causes wood to crack and turn to powder. Woodworms are bugs that eat wood. These problems are not always easy to see and may be overlooked until the damage is extensive.

When an Independent Damp and Timber Survey is Essential

If you own an older property, especially one from the Victoria or Georgian era, it’s wise to get a full independent damp and timber survey. Important parts of many older buildings’ structures are made from timber, and they’ve had decades to let moisture in. You should also get a timber check if your property has flooded or had any leaks. While you may have solved the problem, water may have already got into the wood.

How Surveyors Inspect Timber

Like a damp survey, timber inspections typically begin with a visual inspection. The surveyor will note any instances of decay, staining or insect activity that they find. They’ll then proceed to look for issues that can’t yet be seen. At this stage, they might take moisture meter readings or test the strength of the timber. They’ll summarise their findings and evidence in a report, and suggest some remedial actions.

How Much More Does an Independent Damp and Timber Survey Cost?

Since the surveyor will already be at your property for your damp survey, the additional cost to check your timber is often modest. You’d usually be looking at an extra £100-200. However, costs can vary based on factors like the location, the size of the property and the surveyor. For example, a PCA independent damp surveyor may charge higher prices, but being a PCA member ensures their work is of a high standard.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it’s often worth including a timber check with your independent damp survey if you’ve noticed timber problems, if you own an older property, or if there have been leaks or flooding in the past. To find out more about damp and timber surveys, call London Damp Specialists on 020 7523 5882.