At Olympic Surveyors, we pride ourselves on offering expert timber surveying services, ensuring that your property remains in the best possible condition. Our independent chartered building and timber surveyors possess a wealth of experience, backed by nationally recognised qualifications.
Our Qualifications
Our timber surveyors are fully accredited, holding the following qualifications:
Timber Issues and Causes
Wooden structures in buildings can suffer from a variety of issues, often linked to moisture content. Typically, timber is affected by fungal decay (wet rot and dry rot) or woodworm/insect infestations when it has been exposed to moisture levels of 20% or higher over an extended period. These conditions can lead to structural weaknesses, which is why early detection by expert surveyors is essential.
Advanced Surveying Techniques
While most timber surveyors rely on visual inspections using simple tools like a spike and moisture meter, Olympic Surveyors goes further, employing the most up to date timber inspection and recording equipment to ensure a comprehensive assessment.
Our surveyors are equipped with IML Micro Resistance Drills, which offer a far more in-depth analysis of timber conditions.
The Micro Resistance Drill allows us to assess the condition of timber throughout its full depth, including in wall pockets where timbers take their bearings. This is especially valuable in pinpointing hidden decay or infestations that could compromise the structure of your property.
Diagnostic Precision
The Micro Resistance Drill provides a printed diagnostic profile, giving a precise report on the location and extent of any decay or infestation within the timber. This data is essential for understanding the structural condition of your timbers and planning appropriate remediation treatments.
Historic and Listed Properties
When surveying historic or listed properties with large-section timbers, it is often a requirement from heritage or conservation offices to use advanced, non-invasive
Fungal decay is one of the most common and serious issues affecting timber in buildings, leading to structural damage if left unchecked. It occurs when timber is exposed to prolonged moisture, which creates the perfect environment for fungi to thrive. The most severe type of fungal decay is dry rot, but wet rot and brown rot can also cause significant damage.
Timber, especially untreated wood, is highly vulnerable to decay when the moisture content exceeds 20%. Once timber has been compromised by decay, the structural integrity of beams, joists, and other vital components can be severely weakened, leading to potential safety hazards.
Detecting fungal decay early can save you from costly repairs. Signs that your timber may be affected by fungal decay include:
✔ Shrunken, cracked, or darkened timber: Timber affected by fungal growth will often shrink or crack, and it will take on a darker hue, especially near the areas of infestation.
✔ Distinctive musty, damp odour: A persistent, damp smell is a tell tale sign of fungal activity, indicating the presence of fungal decay.
✔ Cotton wool-like fungal growth: As fungal decay spreads, it can create visible cotton wool-like growth, which is often white, grey, or yellowish in appearance.
✔ Rust-coloured fruiting bodies (sporophores): These fruiting bodies are the reproductive parts of the fungus and are often seen protruding from affected timber, releasing spores into the air, which can spread the decay further.
✔ Cuboidal cracking pattern: Timber with fungal decay will often develop a distinct cuboidal cracking pattern, which is characteristic of dry rot.
✔ Spore dust deposits: Near areas of active fungal decay, you might find orange or reddish-brown spore dust accumulating, particularly around cracks in the wood.
Fungal decay spreads when the conditions are right for fungal spores to develop. The process typically requires:
Once the fungal spores have settled on timber, they produce hyphae (fine fungal strands) that begin to break down the wood, weakening its structure. Over time, this can lead to the formation of mycelial growth, which can extend beyond timber to affect masonry, plaster, and other building materials.
The Risks of Fungal Decay
Unchecked fungal decay can cause severe structural damage. The risks associated with timber decay include:
If you're dealing with fungal decay or woodworm, or need a pre-purchase survey, contact Olympic Surveyors today.
Our expertise ensures an accurate diagnosis and effective long-term solutions to protect your property and prevent further damage.
Specialist Surveyors with expertise in cavity wall assessments.
Multi-award-winning PCA members , regulated by RICS.
State-of-the-art diagnostic tools ensuring accurate results.
Tailored remedial solutions for long-term property protection.
If you suspect wall tie failure or structural movement, contact Olympic Construction Ltd for a professional wall tie inspection.Early detection and expert remediation ensure the stability and longevity of your
