evidence of woodworm burrows in floorboards

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moonboots
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evidence of woodworm burrows in floorboards

Post by moonboots »

We're in the process of sanding floorboards and have uncovered evidence of woodworm (the squiggly burrow marks) in floorboards previously covered in thick black paint.

What is the likelihood that this is recent activity? The house is just over 100 years old, some people have said that its probably old activity, but I'm a bit concerned.

Should I have it checked before finishing the floor? Will a wood surveyor have to take up the floor?
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ultimatehandyman
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Post by ultimatehandyman »

It's very unlikely that it is recent activity.

As a precaution you can treat the area with cuprinol 5 star wood treatment or similar to put your mind at rest.
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Hoovie
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Re: evidence of woodworm burrows in floorboards

Post by Hoovie »

moonboots wrote: What is the likelihood that this is recent activity? The house is just over 100 years old, some people have said that its probably old activity, but I'm a bit concerned.
If the holes are new, they are bright and clean and quite often some wood dust is visible in the holes.
I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman, "Where's the self-help section?"
She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.
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Post by moonboots »

Thanks for the tips.
I guess I'm more worried that it could be elsewhere in the house and not only in visible places.

Do you think not having it professionally treated could mean problems when we come to sell?
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Hoovie
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Post by Hoovie »

Moonboots, my reply here is based from buying a house two years ago ....

The surveyors report reported evidence of woodworm and recommended that proof of treatment be provided. The sellers did have that with a 15/20 year guarantee.
My house had evidence on woodworm in garage and loft so obviously spread a lot or affected woodwork moved between areas.

I think if that guarantee was not provided, I would have asked for cost of professional treatment be taken from house cost (think it was only £200 or something, so in context of house price, peanuts).
If you are contemplating selling in the nearish future, it may not be a bad idea to get that 'professional certification'
I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman, "Where's the self-help section?"
She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.
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Post by joiner_uk »

Some useful information on woodworm here
moonboots
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Post by moonboots »

Thanks to all.
Just had the surveyor round.
Found evidence of woodworm (recent or dormant) in every room and no evidence of treatment in the loft (which showed up in the survey as having some woodworm)

He suggested treatment mostly for guarantee purposes, should we want to sell in the near future.

The treatment will cost £400-£600 for a large three bed, two reception semi.

sob!
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