Charting client change toll on the home

Climate change could be dealing a blow to properties across the UK according to a leading UK trade body.

The Property Care Association (PCA) has been investigating how global warming could cause an increase in the cases of dry rot and wood-boring insects in homes across the country.

They've revealed woodworm could become more prevalent without professional treatment – and timbers could come under attack due to bursts of heavy rain followed by periods of dry, warm weather.

Stephen Hodgson, Deputy Director of the Property Care Association – formerly the British Wood Preserving and Damp-proofing Association (BWPDA), said: "Different climate models are forecasting different changes to future weather in the UK, so it is difficult to give an accurate assessment as to how properties will be affected."

"Nothing is definite, but many climate change models predict that our weather will become more unsettled, with bursts of heavy rain interspersed with periods of very dry weather."

"Warm moist weather can provide the right conditions for dry rot. Heavy rainfall sees more water enter buildings and then the warmth can help it establish and take hold in timbers."

"If left untreated, dry rot destroys timbers – causing them to deteriorate and crumble – creating severe problems to a building’s structure. In extreme cases, the PCA has encountered collapsed floors, staircases and even internal walls."

"Typically, cold snaps can be a control on its spread, but as the temperatures stay higher, this control factor is reduced."

"Depending on how the climate changes in the UK, increases in the number of timber destroying insects would also give more cause for concern. "

"Warm moist summers provide good conditions for insects including woodworm, death watch and long horn beetles, which in turn could blight timber in the home. Again, bursts of cold temperatures can control their numbers."

With its headquarters in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, the PCA represents professionals in the damp proofing, timber preservation, structural waterproofing and structural maintenance industries.

It is a member of TrustMark, the scheme supported by government to help property owners find reliable and trustworthy tradespeople to make home improvements. Mr Hodgson added: “As the weather becomes more unpredictable, the need to get expert help in building preservation is more important than ever.

"We would urge people to be aware of 'cowboy contractors' offering a quick fix solution."

"PCA members are well-versed in the latest technology to counteract such problems and offer solutions which are designed to be as non-invasive as possible."

The Association's UK-wide list of contractor members are all carefully vetted before being awarded membership - and are then subject to rigorous auditing procedures once admitted to the Association.

Members can also offer the choice of a long-term FSA regulated specialist insurance policy.