Dry rot, wet rot and woodworm identified, treated and repaired, with the moisture source fixed so it doesn't come back. Covering the Cotswold villages, Oxford and Henley-on-Thames and across Oxfordshire.
Book a surveyTimber decay in Oxfordshire properties is usually hidden: under floorboards, behind skirting and panelling, in roof voids and at the ends of joists built into damp walls.
By the time it is visible, it has often been active for some time. Our PCA-qualified surveyors identify exactly which fungus or insect is present, how far it has spread and what is feeding it, then carry out treatment and timber repairs in one programme.
Oxfordshire's historic buildings, from timber-framed cottages to college-era townhouses, contain old oak and pine beams, floors and roof timbers that have often been attacked by woodworm over the centuries.
We confirm whether infestations are still active and treat only what needs treating, preserving as much original timber as possible.
Oxfordshire is full of historic buildings: Cotswold limestone cottages, ironstone houses around Banbury, timber-framed and thatched properties, and Georgian and Victorian townhouses in Oxford, Henley and Abingdon. Many are listed or in conservation areas, built with lime mortars and solid stone walls that need breathable, sympathetic treatments rather than impermeable modern materials.
Thatched roofs, timber frames and solid stone walls are vulnerable wherever rainwater goods fail or ground levels rise against walls, and old timber floors and beams are often affected by woodworm and rot.
Limestone cottages and thatched houses around Burford, Chipping Norton and Witney that need breathable, lime-compatible repairs.
Georgian and Victorian townhouses, college buildings and riverside homes, many listed, in a city with a long history of flooding from the Thames and Cherwell.
Period riverside properties on low-lying ground, where damp cellars and flood damage are common.
Dry rot (Serpula lacrymans) is the most serious form of timber decay because it can spread through masonry to reach new timber. Treatment starts by finding and stopping the source of moisture. Affected timber is then cut out well beyond the last visible signs of decay, surrounding masonry is sterilised where needed, and retained timber is treated with professional fungicide before new, pre-treated timber is fitted.
Wet rot is more common and stays where the timber is wet. Once the leak, damp wall or poor ventilation is fixed, decayed timber is replaced or repaired and sound timber is treated. We often find wet rot in window frames, skirting boards, joist ends and sub-floors with blocked air bricks.
Woodworm treatment begins with confirming whether an infestation is active. Old flight holes are common in period properties and don't always need treatment. Where beetles are active, we apply a targeted insecticide treatment to the affected timbers and advise on any structural repairs.
A PCA-qualified, commission-free surveyor visits your Oxfordshire property, investigates with calibrated equipment and identifies the cause.
You receive a clear written report explaining what we found and what we recommend, with a fixed quotation and no hidden extras.
Our own trained team carries out the work, protecting your home, keeping dust down and leaving everything clean.
You receive a written guarantee, which can be protected by an Insurance Backed Guarantee for a single premium.
We survey properties across Oxfordshire, with Henley, Abingdon, Wallingford and Oxford among the areas we visit most. We regularly work in Oxford, Henley-on-Thames, Thame, Faringdon, Witney and Bicester, and throughout Oxford, South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse, West Oxfordshire and Cherwell.
Towns and areas we cover in Oxfordshire
One recent example of our dry rot & timber treatment work in Oxfordshire: Damp proofing at Old Rose Cottage, Abingdon.
Find out more about our dry rot & timber treatment service.
Book a survey
If you’ve noticed any of these issues, arranging a professional survey is the best way to identify the cause and prevent further damage.
In the right conditions dry rot can spread surprisingly quickly, sending strands through walls and behind plaster to reach new timber. That is why any suspected outbreak in Oxfordshire should be inspected promptly rather than left until it is visible elsewhere.
They look different under inspection and are treated differently. Dry rot produces cube-shaped cracking, white mycelium and grey strands and can travel through masonry. Wet rot stays where the timber is wet. A timber survey confirms which you have before any work is priced.
Not always. Many period properties have historic flight holes from an infestation that died out long ago. We check for fresh bore dust and clean, sharp-edged holes to decide whether treatment is actually needed.
Yes. Our timber treatments carry a written guarantee, which can be protected by an Insurance Backed Guarantee (IBG) for a single premium.
Yes. Much of our Oxfordshire work is on listed limestone, ironstone and timber-framed buildings. We use breathable, lime-compatible materials and fix causes such as raised ground levels and failed rainwater goods before considering anything invasive.
We visit Henley, Abingdon, Wallingford and Oxford most often, and cover the rest of the county on request. Call us to check your area.
We survey properties across Oxfordshire, with Henley, Abingdon, Wallingford and Oxford among the areas we visit most. Towns we visit regularly include Oxford, Henley-on-Thames, Thame, Faringdon, Witney, Bicester, Burford and Carterton. If yours isn't listed, give us a call and we'll confirm.
Also in Oxfordshire
Our other specialist services for Oxfordshire homes, landlords and businesses.
Rising damp, penetrating damp and damp proof courses. Most common around Oxford and Henley-on-Thames.
Basement damp proofing, tanking and conversions. Most common around Oxford and Henley-on-Thames.
Black mould, streaming windows and ventilation. Most common around Didcot & Thame and Banbury.
Pre-purchase and mortgage surveys. Especially worthwhile for older homes around the Cotswold villages and Oxford.
Wall tie replacement and crack stitching. Most common around Banbury and Didcot & Thame.
Leaks, floods and burst pipes. Most common around Oxford and Henley-on-Thames.
Client testimonials
We have used Tapco on various sites in central London over the last two years and they have provided a thoroughly professional and effective service. They are reliable, cost effective and they do what it says on the box! Rare indeed!
Live just outside Oxfordshire? We cover the neighbouring counties too.
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Tell us what you’re seeing and we’ll point you to the right treatment. Four quick questions.
From our offices in Thames Ditton and Esher, our surveyors cover London and the surrounding counties, providing fast response times for residential and commercial properties alike.
We regularly work with:
Whether your property requires a damp survey, timber inspection or basement waterproofing system, our experienced team is ready to help.
Our certifications reflect our commitment to the highest standards of work and quality.
Why Tapco
Established in 1971
Choosing Tapco HomeDry means choosing a company with a proven history of protecting properties across the South East.
We believe every property deserves an individual assessment. That’s why our recommendations are based on what your building genuinely needs, not unnecessary treatments.
Tapco (Preservation) Ltd is an Introducer Appointed Representative (Financial Services Register No. 423558) of Phoenix Financial Consultants Limited (Phoenix). Phoenix is a credit broker, not a lender. Phoenix is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 539195), and offers finance from its panel of lenders. All finance subject to status and credit checks.
