woodworm

If a property survey has flagged possible woodworm, a specialist woodworm survey can help confirm the extent of the issue and whether treatment or repairs are needed. If you require a broader assessment before buying, a pre-purchase damp and timber survey may be more suitable.
Yes. If woodworm treatment is required, Shield Waterproofing & Preservation can provide professional treatment for affected and vulnerable timbers, along with advice on any associated damp, ventilation or timber repair issues.
After the survey, you will receive clear advice on whether treatment is required. If work is recommended, this may include specialist woodworm treatment, timber repairs, improved ventilation or replacement of severely damaged timber.
Woodworm is often associated with timber that has a higher moisture content. Damp, leaks, condensation and poor ventilation can make timber more vulnerable to insect attack, so a woodworm survey will often consider whether moisture problems are contributing to the issue.
Yes. Active woodworm can weaken structural timber over time, particularly joists, beams, rafters and floorboards. The risk depends on the extent of the infestation, the condition of the timber and whether damp or poor ventilation is also present.
No. Not every sign of woodworm means the infestation is still active. If the evidence suggests the infestation is historic, treatment may not be necessary. If there are signs of current activity or vulnerable timber, appropriate treatment will be recommended.
Where accessible, a surveyor will inspect timber areas such as floorboards, joists, beams, rafters, roof timbers, skirting boards, staircases, cellars, loft spaces and outbuildings. The exact areas inspected will depend on safe access and the layout of the property.
Possible signs of active woodworm include fresh-looking exit holes, new powdery dust known as frass, beetles emerging during warmer months and timber that appears weakened or crumbly. However, old exit holes can remain visible for many years, so a professional survey is the best way to assess whether treatment is needed.
You should book a woodworm survey if you have noticed small round holes in timber, fine powdery dust, damaged floorboards, weakened joists, beetles in the property or concerns raised in a homebuyer or building survey. Early inspection can help prevent further timber damage if the infestation is active.
A woodworm survey is a professional inspection of accessible timber within a property to look for signs of wood-boring insect activity. The survey helps establish whether the infestation appears active or historic, how widespread the problem may be and whether treatment or repairs are required.