Trucare

Potentially one of the most damaging of all building problems, both to the fabric itself and to the contents and decorations.
Timber treatments have to be applied diligently and correctly if a successful and effective treatment is to result.
TRUCARE employs skilled technicians to administer the insecticidal and fungicidal treatments required to cure such timber problems.

WET & DRY ROT

Timber in contact with damp walls becomes vulnerable to fungal attack.
The fungal decay, usually starting in timber with a high moisture content, spreads rapidly through the exposed wood, removing the integral strength of the timber, leading to floor movement and eventual failure.
Dry Rot type infections can spread easily through masonry in search of fresh timber.
The usual fungal activity found in homes below the floor are

• Wet Rot (Coniophora puteana)
• several forms of Cellar Fungus
• Brown Rot and/or Dry Rot (Surpula lacrymans)

Accurate identification and treatments are essential as incorrect action can result in 'stress flushes' of rapidly increased activity.

Dry rot identification

The following are symptoms of dry rot:

• the wood shrinks and cracks in a distinctive pattern
• a grey skin tinged with lilac and yellow forms under dryer conditions
• cotton wool-like structures develop under more humid conditions, often with 'teardrops'
• fruiting bodies appear as bracket or pancake shapes with a distinct orange colour; rust coloured spores seen nearby
• active decay gives rise to a musty, damp odour

INSECT INFESTATIONS

Insect attack i.e. woodworm, Death Watch Beetle, House Longhorn and wood boring weevils causes destruction of timber by burrowing or laying eggs/larvae in fresh timber. The formation of a tunnel network in the inner timber results in eventual failure and collapse.
The most common infestation is from Woodworm (Anobium punctatum). The ability of sustained flight and the laying of up to 60 eggs in any unprotected timbers of your property, makes early treatment vital for the protection of your home.