Woodworm and wood rot are destructive timber defects triggered by excess moisture in a property. If left untreated, they weaken structural joists, floorboards, and roof timbers. 

HomeFix Damp Proofing eradicates these issues by permanently cutting off the moisture source and restoring the structural integrity of the timber.

 

 

Woodworm: Identification & Eradication​

Woodworm is the generic term for the larval stage of wood-boring beetles. The larvae tunnel through internal timber, feeding on the wood structure for years before emerging. 

• Telltale Signs: Tiny round exit holes (approx. 1.5mm), fine powdery dust around the holes, and weakened or crumbling timber edges.

• The Root Cause: Woodworm larvae require a high-humidity microclimate to survive; they rarely thrive in dry, well-ventilated timber. 

 

How HomeFix Damp Proofing Eradicates Woodworm​

1. Moisture Control: We install sub-floor ventilation and replacement air bricks to lower the relative humidity, naturally disrupting the beetles' life cycle.

2. Targeted Insecticide: We apply professional-grade, low-odour insecticidal surface treatments to kill active larvae and prevent future beetle lifecycle infestations.

3. Timber Replacement: Severely compromised or structurally unsafe timbers are cut away and replaced with pre-treated wood. 

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 Wood Rot: Wet Rot vs. Dry Rot​

Wood rot occurs when fungal spores land on timber with a high moisture content, germinating into destructive fungal networks. 

 

Wet Rot (Coniophora puteana) 

• Need's Very high moisture (50%+), usually right at the leak source.

• Appearance is darkened, cracked wood that shrinks or crumbles easily.

• Stays localized to the wet area; wood feels soft/spongy.

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Dry Rot (Serpula lacrymans)

• Lower moisture (around 20%+); it can survive in drier timber.​

• ​White/grey fungal growth, deep cuboidal cracking, orange spore dust.

• Highly aggressive; spreads through masonry to find new wood.

 

How HomeFix Damp Proofing Eradicates Wood Rot

1. Halting Moisture Ingress: Fungi cannot survive without water. HomeFix addresses the source via chemically injected Damp Proof Courses (DPC), external pointing, structural basement tanking or a simple plumbing repair.

2. Fungicidal Sterilisation: For dry rot outbreaks, they apply specialist fungicidal solutions to sterilise nearby affected masonry and prevent the fungal strands from traveling.

3. Timber Isolation: New structural timbers are installed and physically isolated from damp masonry using physical damp-proof membranes to ensure long-term protection. 

 

 

Why Use a Professional Service?​

HomeFix Damp Proofing uses BBA-approved products and provides a 10 to 20-year guarantee on their damp and timber remedial treatments. This protection is essential because improper dry rot or woodworm eradication can lead to rapid structural failure hidden behind plasterboards or under floorboards. 

If you suspect an active outbreak, let me know if you would like me to draft a checklist of signs to look for in your loft or floorboards, or if you need the direct contact details to book an inspection.