Timber Decay Testing
What is a Sibert Decay Testing Drill?
The Decay Testing Drill is a scientific instrument that is used to non-invasively test timbers for hidden decay, softness, beetle damage and other defects.
The timbers are tested with a Sibert Decay Detecting Drill to a depth of 200mm. This is a large scientific instrument whose operation can be limited by the site of the proposed drilling. Where practical, each timber is drilled twice at about 100mm from their exposed ends and again near their centres. Efforts are made to avoid mortices, nails, nail holes and any evident shakes. The timbers that are visibly rotted are not tested.
Decay testing St Pauls Cathedral, Belfry
St Pauls Catheral, Belfry
A Sibert Decay Testing Drill is not a drill. It has a 2mm wire spoon bit.
Sibert say: ‘Although we call this a drill, it is in fact a very thin probe which rotates at high speed but does not cut into wood the familiar way that a drill does.’
When you operate the DDD200, you are gently pushing the rapidly rotating wire probe into the wood and the amount of resistance met indicates the density of the wood.
It produces a paper trace. The density of the timber is calculated from the number of rings per centimetre.
Decay testing Eastbridge Hospital Canterbury Bridge Floor. This was tested by drilling into the under-side of the timbers by standing in the river.
Canterbury Cathedral: Decay Testing rafters and tie-beam truss
Chatham Dockyard Fitted Rigging House
11 High Street, Chelmsford
Lullingstone Castle Roof Structure
Canterbury Cathedral
Chatham Dockyard Sawmill
Thaxted Guild Hall
Black Chapel North End
St Marys at the Hill, Fenchurch Street
St Marys Church Spire, Great Baddow
Please get in touch if you require Timber Decay Testing for your project.