Damp Proofing Specialists in Feltham & West London
Castle Preservation Services has been diagnosing and treating damp problems in West London homes for nearly 40 years. From rising damp to penetrating damp and condensation, we provide expert solutions backed by comprehensive 25-year guarantees. Our free, no-obligation surveys identify the true cause of your damp problems and recommend the most effective treatment.
Why Damp Is Dangerous for Your Home
Damp is more than an inconvenience—left untreated, it poses serious risks to your property, your health, and your finances.
Don't Ignore the Warning Signs
Damp problems never resolve themselves. What starts as a small patch of discolouration can escalate into extensive damage requiring costly repairs. Early professional intervention is always more effective and economical than waiting until problems become severe.
Structural Damage
Persistent damp weakens building materials over time. Wall plaster becomes damaged and falls away, timber skirting boards and floor joists begin to rot, and in severe cases, the structural integrity of your property can be compromised. The longer damp is left untreated, the more extensive—and expensive—the damage becomes.
Health Risks
Damp environments promote the growth of mould and dust mites, which release spores and allergens into the air. These can trigger or worsen respiratory conditions including asthma, allergies, and bronchitis. Children, the elderly, and those with existing respiratory conditions are particularly vulnerable to the health impacts of living in a damp home.
Property Devaluation
Visible damp and its associated problems are among the most significant deterrents for property buyers. Damp issues can reduce property values by 10-20% or more, and may make your home difficult to sell or mortgage. Professional damp proofing protects your investment and maintains your property's value.
Energy Inefficiency
Wet walls conduct heat far more readily than dry ones, meaning your heating system works harder to maintain comfortable temperatures. Damp properties are significantly more expensive to heat, and addressing damp problems can lead to noticeable reductions in energy bills.
Understanding Different Types of Damp
Effective treatment depends on accurate diagnosis. Here are the three main types of damp that affect UK properties.
Rising Damp
Rising damp occurs when groundwater travels upwards through porous masonry by capillary action. This happens when a damp proof course (DPC) is missing, damaged, or has been bridged. Rising damp typically affects walls up to about 1.2 metres above ground level.
Common Causes
- Missing or failed damp proof course
- DPC bridged by external render, raised ground levels, or internal plaster
- Porous bricks or mortar allowing moisture ingress
Signs to Look For
- Tide marks on walls (horizontal line of discolouration)
- Peeling wallpaper and blistering paint at low levels
- White salt deposits (efflorescence) on walls
- Musty smell near ground level
- Damaged skirting boards
Our Solutions
- Chemical DPC injection to create new damp barrier
- Removal of contaminated plaster
- Specialist salt-resistant replastering
- Addressing any bridging issues
Penetrating Damp
Penetrating damp is caused by water entering through the external fabric of the building. Unlike rising damp, it can occur at any height and is usually associated with defects in the building envelope such as damaged pointing, cracked render, or faulty guttering.
Common Causes
- Defective pointing or cracked mortar joints
- Damaged or missing render
- Leaking gutters, downpipes, or flashings
- Damaged or missing roof tiles
- Failed window seals
Signs to Look For
- Damp patches that appear or worsen during rain
- Localised damp at specific points on walls
- Staining around windows, under windowsills
- Damp patches appearing on upper floors
- Water tracking lines on walls or ceilings
Our Solutions
- Identifying and repairing the source of water ingress
- Repointing damaged mortar joints
- Repairing or replacing guttering and downpipes
- Applying external water-repellent treatments
Condensation
Condensation occurs when warm, moisture-laden air meets cold surfaces, causing water vapour to turn into liquid droplets. It is the most common form of dampness in UK homes and is often exacerbated by modern energy-efficient improvements that reduce natural ventilation.
Common Causes
- Inadequate ventilation in the property
- High moisture production (cooking, bathing, drying clothes indoors)
- Cold spots on walls due to thermal bridging or poor insulation
- Blocked or inadequate extractor fans
Signs to Look For
- Water droplets on windows and cold surfaces
- Black mould growth, especially in corners and around windows
- Musty smell without visible water ingress
- Damp patches on cold external walls
- Peeling wallpaper in bathrooms and kitchens
Our Solutions
- Installing positive input ventilation (PIV) systems
- Upgrading bathroom and kitchen extractor fans
- Installing humidity-controlled vents
- Treating existing mould with specialist fungicides
How We Diagnose Your Damp Problems
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment. Here's our professional survey process.
Professional Equipment, Expert Analysis
Accurate diagnosis ensures effective treatment
Visual Inspection
We begin with a thorough visual inspection of affected areas and potential moisture sources. Our nearly 40 years of experience allows us to quickly identify likely causes and focus our investigation effectively.
Moisture Measurement
Using professional-grade moisture meters, we take readings at multiple points to map the extent and severity of damp. This objective data helps us understand the pattern of moisture distribution and identify its source.
Detailed Report
We provide a comprehensive written report explaining our findings, the identified cause of damp, and our recommended treatment approach. This report includes all relevant readings and photographs.
Honest Recommendations
Based on our diagnosis, we recommend only treatments that are genuinely necessary. We will never upsell unnecessary work or use scare tactics. If treatment is not needed, we will tell you.
Our damp surveys are completely free and without obligation. There is no pressure to proceed with any recommended work.
Our Damp Proofing Solutions
Professional treatments backed by 25-year guarantees
Chemical DPC Injection
For rising damp caused by a failed or absent damp proof course, we inject a silicone-based chemical damp proof course into the mortar course at the base of affected walls. The chemical spreads through the masonry to create a continuous barrier that prevents moisture from rising further.
- Holes drilled at regular intervals along the wall base
- Professional-grade silicone DPC cream injected under pressure
- Creates a permanent barrier against rising moisture
- 25-year written guarantee on all DPC injection work
Specialist Replastering
After DPC injection, contaminated plaster containing hygroscopic salts must be removed and replaced with specialist replastering systems. We use salt-resistant renders and plasters designed for use after damp treatment.
- Removal of contaminated plaster to above the damp line
- Application of salt-inhibiting render
- Specialist tanking slurry or renovating plaster
- Finished with skim coat ready for decoration
External Waterproofing
For penetrating damp, we address the external source of water ingress. This may involve repointing, render repairs, or application of water-repellent treatments to external walls.
- Identification and repair of the water source
- Repointing with appropriate mortar mixes
- Application of breathable water-repellent treatments
- Repairs to guttering, downpipes, and flashings
25-Year Guarantee
All our damp proofing work is backed by a comprehensive 25-year written guarantee. This guarantee is transferable to new owners should you sell your property, adding value and peace of mind.
- Covers all materials and workmanship
- Transferable to future property owners
- Written documentation provided
- Insurance-backed for added security
Why Choose Castle Preservation for Damp Proofing?
The trusted choice for West London homeowners since 1985
Nearly 40 Years Experience
Diagnosing and treating damp since 1985
25-Year Guarantees
Comprehensive written guarantees
Honest Assessments
No pressure, no upselling
Clean Workmanship
Tidy, professional service
Direct Contact
Speak directly with Simon
Local Experts
Based in Feltham, TW13
Family Business
Personal service, not corporate
Fair Pricing
No hidden costs
Damp Proofing FAQs
Common questions about damp proofing and our services
Damp proofing costs vary depending on the type and extent of the problem. Rising damp treatment typically costs from £800-£2,500+ for a typical room, including DPC injection and replastering. We provide detailed written quotations after our free survey, with no hidden costs.
Ready to Solve Your Damp Problems?
Contact Simon Cosgrove today for a free, no-obligation damp survey. With nearly 40 years of experience, Castle Preservation Services has the expertise to diagnose and treat any damp problem affecting your property.
22 Guildford Avenue, Feltham, TW13 4EW
Mon-Fri: 8AM-6PM | Sat: 9AM-4PM