Concealed cavity activity
Further investigationWhat you may see: Thermal anomalies, hollow skirtings, soft architraves, unexplained buckling.
Risk: Framing damage may be advanced before it is obvious visually.
Termites & timber pests
Termites in walls & framing
Termites can travel inside wall cavities and along framing with little surface evidence until paint blisters, skirtings soften, or doors stick for no obvious reason.
Why it matters
Concealed wall activity is why thermal imaging, moisture checks, and experienced sounding matter. A cosmetic “looks fine” finish can hide serious framing loss.
How a Sitescop inspector helps protect you
Expert inspection is how buyers and owners catch timber pest risk while they still have options.
- We do not open every wall — we use experienced, non-invasive methods first and report when further investigation is wise.
- Findings are written so you can brief a builder or pest manager without decoding jargon.
- We link wall clues back to subfloor and landscaping causes where relevant.
What we look for
Rated the way we discuss findings in reports — Major, Minor, Safety, or Further investigation.
Entry at weep holes, cracks, or abutments
MajorWhat you may see: Mud trails or damaged timber near openings and junctions.
Risk: Direct routes from exterior soil into wall systems.
Garden beds and paving bridging the damp course
MajorWhat you may see: Soil or paving above DPC; render bridging protective details.
Risk: Moisture and pest pathways against the wall base.
Protection checklist
What lower-risk conditions tend to look like.
- Perimeter landscaping kept clear of bridging the DPC where practical
- No mud tubes on accessible wall bases and junctions
- Skirtings and architraves sound where checked
- External cracks and openings noted and assessed in context
How Sitescop inspects
- Walk elevations and internal perimeters looking for tubes, damage, and moisture
- Pay attention to wet areas, laundry walls, and garage abutments
- Use thermal and moisture tools to prioritise closer visual checks
- Recommend invasive investigation only when justified by findings
Technology & knowledge
- Thermal imaging as a screening aid for anomalous patterns
- Moisture assessment at suspect skirtings and wet-area junctions
- Photo documentation with location notes
Photo examples
Educational imagery for this topic. We will swap in anonymised on-site timber pest photos as you supply them — never publishing client-identifying details.
External walls and service runs — perimeter pathways into the building
Masonry cracking — movement and junctions can create entry points
Internal linings conceal framing — inspectors use clues, not guesswork alone
FAQ
Will you cut open my walls?
Pre-purchase inspections are typically non-invasive. If findings justify invasive work, we recommend it clearly for you to arrange with appropriate trades.