Historic Timbers Preserved around the Globe

Our leading timber pathologist and wood scientist, Mr Huw Lloyd and world renowned building mycologist and building pathologist, Dr Jagjit Singh, proudly save historic timbers around the globe for future generations to appreciate these remarkable structures.

We follow the principles of continuous research and development in this sector, together with our European and international partners Dr Ingo Nuss, based in Botamynus, Germany and Dr Bech Andersen of Denmark and our heritage consultant from India.  

EBS Ltd is continuing research and development work into the origin and spread of dry rot from the Himalayas.  Our searches for the dry rot fungus in the Himalayas has enabled us to understand more fully the biology, ecology and physiology of this unique fungus.  In particular how the dry rot fungus manages to cope with the ever changing environmental conditions in the western hemisphere, compared to the agreeable environment in the Himalayas.

Please click on the links below for more information.

http://www.ebssurvey.co.uk/docs/Search%20for%20Dry%20Rot%20Fungus%20in%20the%20Himalayas,%20May%2009.pdf

http://www.ebssurvey.co.uk/docs/Dry%20Rot%20and%20other%20wood%20destroying%20fungi.pdf

 

Inspections for damp, infestation and timber decay

We are currently carrying out inspections for damp, infestation and timber decay at Alexandra Palace using state of the art Resistograph technology and non-destructive investigations.  This enables us to provide precise recommendations for the environmental conservation of the historic timbers.

We have recently inspected historic timber trusses at Kings College Chapel, Cambridge and Christ Church at Oxford.  We also surveyed the historic timber joists in the roof at Westminster Abbey and the roof structure at The Tower of London.

 

Non-destructive inspections

Our philosophy is for non-destructive inspection.  We use up-to-the-minute instrumentation and Resistograph technology.  Together with environmental management of infestation and decay (without the use of chemicals and pesticides) we have saved destruction to the historic fabric and successfully preserved the historic timbers.

Recent detailed investigations of the roofs at Canterbury Cathedral and Chichester Cathedral were challenging. Our in-depth knowledge of wood science and technology, combined with the science of fungal infestation and decay (mycology), allowed us to develop innovative and sustainable holistic conservation solutions.

Our European partner’s worked on interesting projects including Weißenburg Wülzburg Renaissance Fort 1024, Regensburg Church „Dreieinigkeit“ 987,  Salem Castle Salem 1068, Arnschwang Moated Castle 14021, Thyrnau monastery 14082, Schönach Castle 15008, Castle Alteglofsheim, Asamsaal, Castle Mainberg-Schonungen, Castle Schwarzenberg, Art Gallery Munich „Alte Pinakothek“, Monastery Kartäuser Mauerbach, Wien, Austria and currently have several interesting projects in Dublin, West Country and Co Mayo in Ireland.

 

Moth Balling Historic Buildings

Moth balling historic buildings is a proactive approach in preserving historic fabric and managing deterioration and to help owners reduce the risks facing empty buildings, by undertaking a range of precautionary measures and adopting an active management approach. By adopting this approach with our worldwide partners we have been successful in preventing unnecessary damage, dereliction and loss of heritage significance. By adopting our moth balling approach our clients benefitted by maintaining the market value of their assets and increasing the chances of bringing them back into permanent use. Tourism College in Ireland and various Castles and monasteries in Czech Republic, Germany, India, China and Denmark are other challenging projects worldwide, where our moth balling of historic buildings has helped to preserve the historic fabric & timbers.

 

Termite Infestation in Northern India

We continue to work with termite infestation in northern India and this has enabled us to understand this unique insect.  Colloquially known as “white-ants”, termites are renowned for the destruction they cause to wooden structures and furniture. Our Danish and German colleagues, who have studied a termite mound in India and a team of Indian heritage consultants, are visiting our offices for six months in September 2017 to share their knowledge and understanding of wood rotting insects and fungi.

Not all fungal infestations are equally destructive. Correct identification of the fungal infestation and wood species, by an experienced mycologist and stress grading by a knowledgeable wood scientist is essential.  This saves unnecessary destruction of building fabric, results in cost effective solutions and enables us to recommend chemical free treatments.

                       

As one of the UK's leading 'building doctors' in timber treatment, Dr Jagjit Singh took part in two episodes of the BBC's 'Raising the Roof'.  View each entire 30 minute episode by clicking the links below:

 

Episode 1 - wmv file (8.7mb)  Episode 2 - wmv file (8.1mb)

To download the files to your computer, right-click on each link and select 'Save link as'

 

 

 

EBS Ltd environmental approach causes minimal damage to the building fabric.  We provide cost-effective, long-term holistic solutions, using non-destructive technologies. We are independent consultants with no vested interest in selling chemical treatments or carrying out building work, so you can be assured of an honest and unbiased assessment.

 

The search for a Himalayan link to a dry rot cure in buildings;

Multinational team of biologists study wood decay fungi in the Himalayan woodlands

 

Jagjit Singh & Nia White, Building Research & Information Volume 23, 1995 - Issue 4