Our Property Preservation Services
Castle Preservation Services offers comprehensive solutions for damp, timber decay, and waterproofing problems affecting West London properties. From initial diagnosis through to completion, we provide expert treatment backed by industry-leading 25-year guarantees.
Damp Proofing
Damp problems are among the most common issues affecting properties in West London. Left untreated, damp causes structural damage, health problems, and significant loss of property value. Castle Preservation Services provides comprehensive damp proofing solutions for all types of damp, backed by our 25-year guarantee.
Rising Damp Treatment
Rising damp occurs when groundwater travels up through walls via capillary action due to a failed or absent damp proof course (DPC). We treat rising damp by injecting a chemical DPC into the mortar course at the base of affected walls, creating a permanent barrier against moisture. Following treatment, we remove contaminated plaster and apply specialist replastering systems to ensure walls dry out completely.
Penetrating Damp Solutions
Penetrating damp results from water entering through external walls due to defects such as damaged pointing, cracked render, faulty guttering, or defective flashings. We identify and address the source of water ingress, then carry out necessary repairs to prevent recurrence. Where walls have become saturated, we apply appropriate treatments to restore them to a dry, healthy condition.
Condensation Management
Condensation occurs when warm, moist air meets cold surfaces, causing water droplets to form. This can lead to black mould growth and an unhealthy indoor environment. We assess the causes of condensation and recommend appropriate solutions, including improved ventilation systems such as positive input ventilation (PIV) units, extractor fans, and humidity-controlled vents.
Professional Damp Surveys
Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. Our comprehensive damp surveys use professional moisture meters, thermal imaging where appropriate, and decades of experience to identify the true cause of your damp problems. We provide detailed reports explaining our findings and recommendations, with no obligation to proceed.
Timber Treatment
Timber decay problems—whether caused by wood-boring insects or fungal attack—can compromise the structural integrity of your property if left untreated. Castle Preservation Services provides expert diagnosis and treatment for all timber problems, with work guaranteed for 25 years.
Woodworm Treatment
Woodworm is the common name for wood-boring beetle larvae that tunnel through timber, weakening its structural integrity. Common furniture beetle (Anobium punctatum) is the most frequently encountered species in UK properties. We treat woodworm infestations by spraying or brushing professional-grade insecticides onto affected timbers, killing active larvae and preventing future infestation.
Dry Rot Treatment
Dry rot (Serpula lacrymans) is a serious fungal decay that can spread rapidly through buildings, destroying timber and even penetrating masonry. It requires immediate professional treatment. We remove all affected timber, treat surrounding areas with fungicide, and replace damaged sections with pre-treated timber. Addressing the moisture source is essential to prevent recurrence.
Wet Rot Repair
Wet rot occurs in timber exposed to persistent moisture and, while less aggressive than dry rot, still causes significant damage. We identify and eliminate the moisture source, remove decayed timber, treat surrounding wood with fungicide, and replace affected sections. Unlike dry rot, wet rot does not spread through masonry.
⚠️ Dry rot is a notifiable problem that can affect neighbouring properties. If you suspect dry rot, contact us immediately for urgent assessment.
Basement Tanking & Structural Waterproofing
Below-ground spaces present unique waterproofing challenges. Whether you have a damp cellar you would like to use for storage or you are planning a full basement conversion, Castle Preservation Services provides expert structural waterproofing solutions designed to keep water out permanently.
Tanking Systems
Cementite tanking slurries are applied directly to basement walls and floors, creating a waterproof barrier that keeps water out. This method is ideal for basements where water pressure is low to moderate and works by blocking water at the wall surface.
Cavity Drainage Systems
For below-ground spaces with significant water ingress, cavity drainage (Type C waterproofing) allows water to enter a controlled cavity behind membranes, channelling it to a sump pump for removal. This method manages water rather than excluding it, providing reliable protection even in challenging conditions.
Cellar Conversion Preparation
If you are planning to convert your basement or cellar into usable living space, proper waterproofing is essential. We prepare below-ground spaces to comply with Building Regulations, creating a dry environment suitable for habitation or storage.
French Drains & External Waterproofing
In some cases, the most effective solution is to address water externally before it reaches your basement. French drains and external waterproofing membranes divert groundwater away from your property, reducing hydrostatic pressure on basement walls.
Transform damp cellars into valuable dry spaces
Waterproofed to Building Regulations standards
Signs of Condensation Problems
- Water droplets on windows and cold surfaces
- Black mould on walls, ceilings, or around windows
- Musty, damp smell despite no visible leaks
- Peeling wallpaper or bubbling paint
- Damp patches on cold external walls
Condensation Control & Ventilation
Condensation is the most common form of dampness in UK homes. Modern energy-efficient improvements such as double glazing and draught-proofing can reduce natural ventilation to the point where moisture from cooking, bathing, and even breathing accumulates on cold surfaces, leading to mould growth and an unhealthy indoor environment.
Positive Input Ventilation (PIV)
PIV units are installed in loft spaces and gently introduce filtered, tempered fresh air into your home, creating positive pressure that displaces stale, moisture-laden air. This is the most effective solution for whole-house condensation problems.
Extractor Fans
Moisture-producing rooms like kitchens and bathrooms benefit from properly specified extractor fans that remove humid air at source. We install fans with appropriate extraction rates for your room sizes.
Humidity-Controlled Vents
Automatic vents that open when humidity levels rise provide targeted ventilation without constant heat loss. These are particularly effective in bedrooms and living spaces.
Mould Treatment
Where black mould has developed, we treat affected areas with specialist fungicides before addressing the underlying condensation problem. This ensures mould is eliminated and prevented from returning.
Structural Repairs & Making Good
Damp and timber treatments often require associated repair work to restore affected areas. Castle Preservation Services provides comprehensive making good services, ensuring your property is not only protected from moisture damage but also restored to a high standard of finish.
By handling both treatment and repairs, we provide a complete service that eliminates the need to coordinate multiple contractors. This streamlined approach ensures consistent quality and allows us to stand behind the entire job with our guarantee.
Complete Service, Single Point of Contact
From diagnosis through treatment to final decoration, Castle Preservation Services handles everything. No need for multiple contractors—we deliver a complete solution backed by our comprehensive guarantee.
Need Expert Property Preservation?
Contact Simon Cosgrove today for a free survey and honest assessment. Whatever your damp, timber, or waterproofing problem, Castle Preservation Services has the expertise to solve it.