Dry rot, wet rot and woodworm identified, treated and repaired, with the moisture source fixed so it doesn't come back. Covering Teddington & Hampton, Ealing and Hounslow and across Middlesex.
Book a surveyTimber decay in Middlesex 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.
In Middlesex, the 1930s semis and Victorian terraces that make up most of the housing stock nearly all have suspended timber ground floors. Extensions, patios and raised paths often block the air bricks that keep those floors ventilated, and wet rot and dry rot in joists and floorboards are the result.
Much of Middlesex was built up in the 1920s and 1930s, so interwar semis and terraces are everywhere, alongside Victorian terraces in Twickenham, Hounslow and Ealing and older riverside cottages. Interwar cavity walls were often built with mild steel wall ties that are now corroding, and suspended timber floors with blocked air bricks are a frequent cause of rot.
Densely built suburban streets, extensions and loft conversions often reduce ventilation, so condensation and mould are common, particularly in kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms of 1930s homes.
Riverside cottages and period homes just across the river from our office, including lock keepers' cottages we have worked on at Teddington.
Edwardian family homes, many converted into flats, alongside 1930s semis with corroding wall ties.
Victorian terraces and interwar suburbs where bridged damp proof courses and condensation in extended homes 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 Middlesex 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.
Middlesex is on our doorstep: Twickenham, Teddington, Hampton and Sunbury are just across the river from our Thames Ditton office. We regularly work in Ashford, Ealing, Twickenham, Hampton, Harrow and Wealdstone, and throughout Hounslow, Hillingdon, Harrow, Ealing, Enfield and Spelthorne.
Towns and areas we cover in Middlesex
One recent example of our dry rot & timber treatment work in Middlesex: Teddington Lock keeper's cottage.
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 Middlesex 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.
Twickenham, Teddington, Hampton and Sunbury are just across the river from our Thames Ditton office, so we can usually offer surveys at short notice.
Yes. We regularly dry and repair flood-affected homes in Shepperton, Sunbury, Staines and Twickenham, and can design waterproofing to help protect below-ground rooms.
Middlesex is on our doorstep: Twickenham, Teddington, Hampton and Sunbury are just across the river from our Thames Ditton office. Towns we visit regularly include Ashford, Ealing, Twickenham, Hampton, Harrow, Wealdstone, West Drayton and Bedfont. If yours isn't listed, give us a call and we'll confirm.
Also in Middlesex
Our other specialist services for Middlesex homes, landlords and businesses.
Rising damp, penetrating damp and damp proof courses. Most common around Teddington & Hampton and Twickenham & St Margarets.
Basement damp proofing, tanking and conversions. Most common around Twickenham & St Margarets and Teddington & Hampton.
Black mould, streaming windows and ventilation. Most common around Ealing and Hounslow.
Pre-purchase and mortgage surveys. Especially worthwhile for older homes around Teddington & Hampton and Ealing.
Wall tie replacement and crack stitching. Most common around Harrow & Pinner and Enfield.
Leaks, floods and burst pipes. Most common around Twickenham & St Margarets and Teddington & Hampton.
Client testimonials
Tapco have just completed damp proofing my house and I can't fault the quality of their work and professionalism of their operatives. A great job from start to finish, I highly recommend them.
Live just outside Middlesex? We cover the neighbouring counties too.
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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.
