Is this woodworm / damp?

ian103

We are in the process of buying a property and had a viewing today after the tenant has vacacted and spotted the following issues, can anyone confirm / help

ian103

More photos

evoke

I think that looks more like damp. Probably worth getting a decent survey done.

WestonDave

Picture 1 looks like lack of air circulation in the corners leading to a bit of condensation - by the marks on the carpet in that left corner there has clearly been some form of furniture there which would be enough to cause this.

Picture 2 - not sure - doesn't look like classic woodworm but the sawdust (if thats what it is) would be concerning without an explanation - could be dry rot? But not sure as it could just be where someone has levered that board out for some reason. Woodworm would be more like drill holes about 2mm across - if they are live they'll have sawdust around them, whereas old treated ones wouldn't.

3 and 4 look like they need specialist advice - possibly a single skin construction or basement in 3 and maybe an issue around the window lintel in 4 (could just be transmitting cold and causing condensation).

ian103

Picture 1 I would agree - that seems to be a problem round here. - also there is a nuaire drimaster fitted but may not have been used.

Picture 2 is not the best but there were little holes about 1mm in numerous bits of timber, I need to get a surveyor to have a look.


Picture 3 is in the garage so it could be single skin and its only the garage. Theres also a pile of cr*p outside against the wall.

Picture 4 don't know but cold bridging is a possibily - time for some investigation - blockwork above is bone dry.

budgetdiyer

My take on these..

Picture 1 - looks like classic condensation / lack of ventilation.

Picture 2 - No idea.

Picture 3 - as you mention rubbish piled up, probably the cause - i had 2ft of earth stacked against my garage wall when i moved in, when it rained water used to run through the wall. Dug it away and its bone dry now.

Picture 4 - Looks like penetrating damp - gutter leak perhaps - the thing to remember here is that the cause may already have been cured leaking contamination / salts in the plaster that will absorb moisture from the air. After the cause is found, that area would likely need replastering.

paddyrg

Remember, according to askjeff woodworm are unlikely, but will almost certainly be diagnosed by a 'woodworm specialist survey' who is actually a treatment salesman.

http://www.askjeff.co.uk/woodworm.html

Norman_Castle

The damaged edge of the flooring looks raised and damaged by humans and not worms. Try pushing a screwdriver into it and compare it to other undamaged parts of the floor.

ian103

As an update, it transpires that the woodworm was treated a few years ago and is the subject of a guarantee - so all good there.

The damp is actually condensation - so once the sale goes through the nuaire will be switched on again. Also the front wall will need to be replastered (we'll get this done when the kitchen gets altered)