Hampton is a lovely suburban area on the north bank of the River Thames in the London Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames. Hampton and its neighbours Hampton Hill, Hampton Court and Hampton Wick is made up of Bushy Park facing streets and mews buildings of Hampton Court with its World famous Hampton Court Palace, the Palace of King Henry V111 and two of his unfortunate Queens who lost their heads.

Because a lot of Hampton’s property is very old and historic, unfortunately they are not without their problems, such as rising and penetrating damp and dry rot (Serpula lacrymans). If your property or a property you are considering purchasing is affected by timber or damp problems there is no need to ‘lose your head’ because your local timber and damp specialist, Tapco HomeDry, will take care of it for you and prevent it reoccurring.

We have been established in the local area for over 44 years (1971) and have a wealth of experience in property restoration. We have been proud members of the Property Care Association (PCA) and Trustmark for many years and all of our remedial work is covered by our 20 year guarantee and protected by Guarantee Protection Insurance (GPI).
The Tapco Survey.

Recently Tapco HomeDry were fortunate enough to be instructed by the purchaser to carry out a full damp and timber survey on the grand historic Garrick’s House in Hampton. Our fully qualified PCA timber and damp proofing surveyor carried out a thorough survey which included lifting floorboards to expose sub-floor timbers, taking moisture readings using a calibrated electronic damp meter and Thermal imaging camera and carrying out an external inspection on defects that could cause damaging rain penetration.

Not surprisingly on a very old property like Garrick’s House, one of the widespread problems was ‘Woodworm’. Because many of the timbers were oak and old, they were found to be infested by Death Watch Beetle (Xestobium rufovillosum). This particular wood boring insect will only affect old hardwood which is damp. There was also a very scattered infestation of Common Furniture Beetle (‘Woodworm’ Anobium punctatum) throughout.

Some of the ground floor timbers were affected by Wet Rot Fungus (Coniophora Puteana) but to the delight of our client the property was free of any sign of the dreaded Dry Rot Fungus (Serpula lacrymans)

High levels of moisture were recorded to several ground floor walls which was being caused by rising and penetrating damp. Because of the age of this property it wasn’t built with a damp proof course so the damp was extensive.

Our very detailed report, together with images and floor plans, explain exactly what timber preservation, timber replacement and damp proofing works were required. Because this magnificent house is a listed building our recommendations had to be approved by English Heritage and the work had to be carried out strictly in accordance with their instructions.

Whatever your property in The Hamptons your local company, Tapco HomeDry, will advise you on exactly what is required to protect and preserve it for many years ahead. Do it Once do it Right and call us first. 020 8398 6663.