Common Furniture Beetle \'Woodworm\' (Anobium punctatum)
The Common Furniture Beetle, also known as Woodworm, will be found attacking softwood construction timbers also European hardwoods, very rarely found in tropical hardwoods. Frequently found in older furniture hence the name "Common Furniture Beetle". The flight holes which can be seen on the surface of the timber are where the adult beetle will usually emerge between late March and early August.

"This is the 2nd time I have used Alliance, Lived up to the speed and quality as the last time!"
Mr Finnie, Dunshalt, Fife

Any masonry structure, unprotected by a properly installed damp proof course, is susceptible to natural rising damp. Moisture will rise by capillary action (a suction phenomenon arising at the boundary between moisture and a small tube, crack or other tiny, enclosed passageway known as a capillary) through the pores of the masonry, seeking a means of evaporation. The moisture will continue to rise until it reaches a height where, unless no evaporation is possible, gravity takes over and pulls it down again. This height is seldom more than 1.20m, although deposits of ‘salts’ may be found higher in the wall, often driven there by the use of non-breathing plasters, renders, ‘tanking’, paints or vinyl wall papers.

Thanks for a job well done! hopefully that will be the last of the rising damp in my house. Please thank your technicians for the care they took of my home

Mrs Goodwillie, Perth 

Wet rot is basically the timber decaying naturally in the presence of high levels of moisture. There is almost always a structural defect causing the problem, it may be that the wall adjacent to the timber is suffering from damp, or water collecting on the timber.

Thanks for the advice, report and quality of workmanship.  Its a pity your competitors were not able to tell the difference between wet and dry rot!

Regards

Mr Laing, St Andrews, Fife

Dry rot fungus is often thought of as a building cancer, rampaging through buildings and rapidly destroying any timber in its path. The fungus, which thrives in moist unventilated conditions, will penetrate brickwork to get to more timber and can cause widespread destruction of structural timbers, skirting boards, door frames, and wood flooring.

"It is always a nasty blow to discover dry rot, however you have softened the blow by being consistently pleasant and efficient to deal with. Many thanks to you and your team for a job well done!"

Mrs E Mackenzie
Baledmund House Pitlochry

Over recent years a homeowner has seen the storage space of a basement being an area they can expand.  Given the huge rise in house prices it is very easy to see the financial reward that can be gained by considering basement waterproofing and conversion.  Developing your basement not only adds more value to the property, but increases the space and opportunity to create new rooms to fit your lifestyle or commercial opportunities.

"I know its not the biggest basement you have waterproofed, but what a fantastic job your lads have done! I now can get away from the kids and get my paperwork done."

All the best, J.S Phillips

This is the most common form of dampness in the UK. Our houses become more and more ‘sealed’ with better insulation and double glazing. Fire places are blocked, draughty windows and doors are replaced, leaving moisture no way to escape.

"The system is working great, the windows have no more condensation! The quality of the air in the house has made a big difference to us. We will be recommending you to our neighbours"

Mr & Mrs Holbein-Neville

After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first:
Is it safe to stay in the house?
Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

a

What not to do after flooding.
Do not leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
Do not leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
Do not use your household vacuum to remove water.
Do not use television or other household appliances.
Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging

Dear Garry,

Many thanks for your prompt response in dealing with our burst pipe incident.  The insurance company where very happy with the detailed report, I think this may have speeded up the process. 

Regards

Peter Gilmour