Manchester is full of beautiful Victorian homes, but many of them share a hidden vulnerability: timber that's over a century old. If you're a homeowner in one of these properties, it's vital to know the signs of woodworm and act early before infestations threaten your roof structure or floor joists.
Why Older Homes Are at Risk
Victorian-era timbers were often untreated and installed during times when ventilation and moisture control were poorly understood. This makes them more likely to suffer from wood-boring beetle attacks, especially in lofts, subfloors and unused spaces where humidity can build up unnoticed.
Common Signs of Woodworm
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Small round holes (2–5mm) in the wood surface
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Powdery dust known as frass around timber
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Weak, crumbling wood or floorboards
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Visible tunnels within the timber cross-section
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Beetles or larvae, especially during warmer months
If you're seeing any of these, it could indicate an active or historic infestation. Left untreated, woodworm can cause significant structural issues.
Safe and Effective Treatment
At Weather Wise Solutions Limited, we use industry-leading timber treatment products from PAM Ties to control and prevent wood-boring beetle activity. The process involves:
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Professional assessment to confirm the species and extent of infestation
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Targeted application of woodworm treatment solution
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Optional re-timbering if structural damage has occurred
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Advice on ventilation to reduce the risk of recurrence
Our team is CPD qualified in timber preservation through the Federation of Damp, giving you full confidence in our expertise.
Prevention and Long-Term Care
Once treated, timber can often be preserved with minimal disruption. We’ll also recommend improvements like improved roof ventilation, soffit upgrades or PIV units if moisture is contributing to the issue.