PCA News - Climate Change increasing Woodworm & Dry Rot problems
May 6, 2009
They've revealed woodworm could become more prevalent without professional treatment - and timbers could come under attack due to bursts of heavy rain followed by periods of dry, warm weather.
Stephen Hodgson, Deputy Director of the Property Care Association (PCA) - formerly the British Wood Preserving and Damp-proofing Association (BWPDA), said: "Different climate models are forecasting different changes to future weather in the UK, so it is difficult to give an accurate assessment as to how properties will be affected.
Climate, woodworm and dry Rot problems to get worse
"Nothing is definite, but many climate change models predict that our weather will become more unsettled, with bursts of heavy rain interspersed with periods of very dry weather.
"Warm moist weather can provide the right conditions for dry rot. Heavy rainfall sees more water enter buildings and then the warmth can help it establish and take hold in timbers.
"If left untreated, dry rot destroys timbers - causing them to deteriorate and crumble - creating severe problems to a building's structure. In extreme cases, the PCA has encountered collapsed floors, staircases and even internal walls.
"Typically, cold snaps can be a control on its spread, but as the temperatures stay higher, this control factor is reduced.
"Depending on how the climate changes in Scotland, increases in the number of timber destroying insects such as woodworm would also give more cause for concern.
Warm Moist Air - perfect for Woodworm
"Warm moist summers provide good conditions for insects including woodworm, death watch and long horn beetles, which in turn could blight timber in the home. Again, bursts of cold temperatures can control their numbers."
Mr Hodgson of the PCA added: "As the weather becomes more unpredictable, the need to get expert help in building preservation is more important than ever.
"We would urge people to be aware of ‘cowboy contractors' offering a quick fix solution.
"PCA members, such as Wise Property Care, are well versed in the latest technology to counteract such problems and offer solutions which are designed to be as non-invasive as possible."
The Association's list of contractor members are all carefully vetted before being awarded membership - and are then subject to rigorous auditing procedures once admitted to the Association.
Members can also offer the choice of a long-term FSA regulated specialist insurance policy.
Need to speak to a Woodworm or Dry Rot Expert
If you are concerned regarding any potential timber problems in your property, visit our woodworm treatment and dry rot treatment web pages to learn more. Alternatively, call Wise Property Care today or click to request our Property Repair Survey and we'll arrange for one of our specialists to call or visit you at a time convenient for yourself. With our 20 year Property Repair Guarantee and our Wise Credit facility, you can have peace of mind your property problems will soon be over.