Just renovating an 18th century cottage. There are lots of woodworm holes in the beams but not sure if it is active - unless dust on the window sill is frass. Is it too early in the year to spot any beetles? The surveyor who went into the loft thinks there may be some activity there 'due to the neat holes'. but nothing else observed. I note his report says things like evidence of slight to moderate infestation - the word 'active' is not used. Is this a red flag?
That said I thought a treatment with guarantee would at least help with future saleability. Plus now's the time to do something like this - before I actually move in and discover that it is actually active!
The bedroom above the kitchen has had a new floor at some point which has been hardboarded over. The exposed joists in the kitchen below look perfect. But to get a proper look at the floorboards or carry out any treatment would need removal of the hardboard.
The loft is insulated and the insulation is in good condition. I was told they could either treat and leave the insulation in situ or I would have to get someone to remove the insulation. Actually I was surprised he even suggested leaving the insulation in situ. Apart from only doing half a job, wouldn't the insulation become contaminated? (water based permethrin).
I still need to read through the guarantee carefully but as I understand it, it only applies to the treated wood. What would you do about the insulation and the bedroom floor? Is doing 'most' of the house better than nothing?
That said I thought a treatment with guarantee would at least help with future saleability. Plus now's the time to do something like this - before I actually move in and discover that it is actually active!
The bedroom above the kitchen has had a new floor at some point which has been hardboarded over. The exposed joists in the kitchen below look perfect. But to get a proper look at the floorboards or carry out any treatment would need removal of the hardboard.
The loft is insulated and the insulation is in good condition. I was told they could either treat and leave the insulation in situ or I would have to get someone to remove the insulation. Actually I was surprised he even suggested leaving the insulation in situ. Apart from only doing half a job, wouldn't the insulation become contaminated? (water based permethrin).
I still need to read through the guarantee carefully but as I understand it, it only applies to the treated wood. What would you do about the insulation and the bedroom floor? Is doing 'most' of the house better than nothing?
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