Serious attack of dry rot in Putney SW London
Two semi-detached properties were attacked by one serious, virulent attack of the True Dry Rot fungus (Serpula lachrymans) causing considerable damage to both.
London a Surrey’s specialist dry rot company, Tapco HomeDry, were first called in by the owners of one of the properties to carry out a thorough dry rot survey to determine the extent of the attack and damage it had caused. Our fully qualified Property Care Association (PCA) timber surveyor fully exposed the affected areas, took moisture readings to the walls and timbers using an electronic moisture meter and traced the extent of the damage and what remedial work and preservation treatment was required to eradicate it.
Our client was issued with a very detailed report together with a floor plan, images and our recommendations for full restoration. They were also advised by us that because the dry rot had been caused by a leaking water pipe it may be covered by their home insurance. They contacted their insurance company and to ease the pain it was insured. Tapco worked closely with the loss adjuster to complete the work as quickly as possible.
The water leak was repaired and many of the flooring timbers, wall plaster and joinery timbers were removed and disposed of. Considerable timber treatment and masonry sterilization was carried out and many of the flooring and joinery timbers were replaced using new pre-treated timber in accordance with good building practice. The walls were then re-plastered in accordance with our specification all ready for redecoration.
The next door neighbour!
Whilst carrying out the dry rot remedial work we were asked by the owner of the adjoining property to survey his property because he also suspected a serious problem. An appointment was made for our timber surveyor to inspect his problem which had a mirror image attack of dry rot previously attacking his neighbour’s property. Almost exactly the same restoration works and treatment were required which again was covered by insurance.
True Dry Rot does not have any boundaries, not only will it rapidly spread in one property but also into adjoining houses and flats.
Tapco HomeDry has been established since 1971 and are recognised as Putney’s premier dry rot Restoration and Treatment Company. We also specialise in damp proofing and water damage repair.
If you need an urgent damp or dry rot survey call us now on 020 8398 6663.