Dry rot, wet rot and woodworm identified, treated and repaired, with the moisture source fixed so it doesn't come back. Covering Sevenoaks, the Kent countryside and Tunbridge Wells and across Kent.
Book a surveyTimber decay in Kent 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.
Oast houses, barns and weatherboarded cottages give Kent a huge amount of exposed and structural timber. Wherever rain gets in or ventilation is poor, wet rot and woodworm follow, and we treat both regularly.
Our work on an oast house at Hollingbourne shows the care these buildings need.
Kent's character comes from its oast houses, weatherboarded and tile-hung cottages, Kentish ragstone churches and farmhouses, alongside Victorian terraces in the Medway towns and handsome Regency and Victorian villas in Tunbridge Wells. Older buildings built with ragstone, soft brick and lime mortar need breathable repairs to avoid trapping moisture.
Exposed rural buildings take the brunt of wind-driven rain, and weatherboarding, tile hanging and timber frames are vulnerable to wet rot and woodworm wherever water gets in or ventilation is poor.
Period houses and Wealden cottages, many in conservation areas, which need breathable, sympathetic damp and timber treatments.
Oast houses, weatherboarded cottages and ragstone farmhouses, where wet rot and woodworm follow wherever water gets into the frame.
Regency and Victorian villas and terraces, where ageing damp proof courses and penetrating damp in stuccoed walls are frequent findings.
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 Kent 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.
Our surveyors cover west and mid Kent regularly, including Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone and the Medway towns. We regularly work in Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Dartford, Cowden and East Malling, and throughout Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge & Malling, Maidstone, Dartford and Gravesham.
Towns and areas we cover in Kent
One recent example of our dry rot & timber treatment work in Kent: Oast house, Hollingbourne.
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 Kent 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. We have treated oast houses, weatherboarded cottages and ragstone farmhouses across Kent, including an oast house in Hollingbourne, using methods that suit traditional construction.
We cover west and mid Kent regularly, including Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Maidstone, Dartford and the Medway towns. Call us to check further afield.
Our surveyors cover west and mid Kent regularly, including Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone and the Medway towns. Towns we visit regularly include Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Dartford, Cowden, East Malling, Gravesend and Halstead. If yours isn't listed, give us a call and we'll confirm.
Also in Kent
Our other specialist services for Kent homes, landlords and businesses.
Rising damp, penetrating damp and damp proof courses. Most common around Maidstone and the Medway towns.
Basement damp proofing, tanking and conversions. Most common around the Medway towns and Maidstone.
Black mould, streaming windows and ventilation. Most common around Dartford & Gravesend and the Medway towns.
Pre-purchase and mortgage surveys. Especially worthwhile for older homes around Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells.
Wall tie replacement and crack stitching. Most common around Dartford & Gravesend and Tunbridge Wells.
Leaks, floods and burst pipes. Most common around Maidstone and Tonbridge.
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 Kent? We cover the neighbouring counties too.
Find the right service / 1 minute
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.
