Damp and Timber Surveys in Leicester

Peter Cox has been a trusted name in property preservation since 1951, supporting homeowners and commercial clients throughout Leicester and Leicestershire with damp and timber surveys.

Our local surveyors and technicians are specialists in diagnosing and resolving issues such as damp, condensation, woodworm, fungal decay and structural faults.

A damp and timber survey is used to check the health of your property and identify any problems that could affect it, both inside and outside.

Whether you are dealing with rising damp, condensation and mould, or have a problem with fungal decay or woodworm, our team delivers expert surveys and professional treatments supported by more than 70 years of experience.

A thorough survey is essential as property preservation issues can be more complex than meets the eye.

Your survey will include an external inspection of your property from a local and qualified surveyor, checking the roof, external walls, drainage, and ground levels.

Internally, the surveyor will examine for damp, condensation, timber decay, and signs of woodworm. Following the inspection, you will receive a comprehensive report detailing all findings, along with supporting photographs and a tailored treatment plan.

Typically our treatments are supported by a guarantee, up to 20 years for some services, providing reassurance and long term peace of mind. Identifying and addressing damp early helps prevent more serious issues and ensures your home or commercial premises remain dry, safe, and structurally sound.

If you’ve noticed tide marks on your walls, damp patches near the skirting boards, or crumbling plaster, your property may be affected by rising damp.

This type of damp occurs when ground moisture travels upwards through porous bricks or stone by capillary action. It is usually caused by a damaged or missing damp proof course.

A damp survey is used to accurately diagnose and confirm whether the issue is rising damp, and offer effective treatment solutions tailored to the specific property if necessary.

Our local Peter Cox team covering Leicester and Leicestershire specialises in identifying and treating all types of damp.

Rising damp is often found in older properties that were built before damp proof courses became standard. In the absence of a working damp proof course, moisture can rise up through walls in a process called capillary action, carrying salts from the ground that damage internal finishes.

Contributing factors that can cause rising damp include:

• Persistent rain and seasonal changes in moisture levels
• Raised external ground levels like patios, driveways or even flower beds that allow moisture to bridge the damp proof course
• Porous building materials
• Ageing or failed damp proof courses in older properties

A noticeable horizontal tide mark around one metre above ground level is a key sign of rising damp. This may be accompanied by salt deposits, flaking paint, or a musty odour.

At Peter Cox Leicester, we deliver effective rising damp treatments that target the source of moisture and prevent further ingress. We always start with a thorough survey to assess the extent of the problem and determine whether a remedial damp proof course is required.

Where appropriate, our solutions include:

• Installing a chemical damp proof course to block moisture movement.
• Salt retardant plastering to prevent hygroscopic salts from damaging interior finishes
• Advising on improvements to airflow such as installing airbricks
• Replacing affected timber where damp has caused rot or decay

Whether you have a damp problem in a historic building, or its a more modern property our Leicester team is ready to help provide you with a long term solution.

At Peter Cox, we are experts in identifying and treating both wet rot and dry rot in properties across Leicestershire.

Our trained surveyors carry out in-depth timber surveys to assess the extent of the problem and offer treatment plans tailored to your property.

Our local surveyors are trained to spot the signs of timber decay, and will investigate thoroughly to find the full extent of the outbreak. You will then receive a detailed survey report with recommendations for treatments, all targeted to eradicate the full outbreak and protect your property long term.

Wet rot and dry rot are caused by timber being exposed to moisture. This is a common problem in properties that may have building defects like leaking plumbing, damaged roofing, or poor ventilation that allows damp conditions to develop.

Wet rot develops in timbers exposed to high moisture levels due to plumbing leaks, rising damp, or condensation. The affected wood may become soft, darker in colour, and spongy to the touch. Unlike dry rot, wet rot is isolated to the source of moisture.

Dry rot is more aggressive, spreading quickly through timber and even through masonry or hidden areas like behind paneling or sub floor voids.

The first step when treating a wet or dry rot outbreak is to remove the source of moisture fuelling the fungal decay. After completing a detailed survey, we will offer guidance on removing the source of moisture and proceed with proven treatments for any damaged timber.

Treatments may include removing decayed timber, and applying fungicidal solutions which will protect nearby areas from future outbreaks.

Where structural integrity has been affected, we will replace timbers. We may also recommend improvements to ventilation such as the installation of airbricks.

At Peter Cox Leicester, our goal is to provide long-lasting protection for your home or business. With every job, we focus on delivering expert service that offers complete peace of mind.

Peter Cox offers expert woodworm treatment for both residential and commercial properties throughout Leicester and Leicestershire. Many buildings in the region, particularly those with original timber features or traditional construction, are vulnerable to woodworm infestations if not properly protected.

Our qualified surveyors carry out detailed inspections to identify signs of active woodworm infestations and recommend targeted treatments that stop further damage.

After conducting a full timber inspection, our team will determine whether the infestation is active, which species is present, and whether any structural repairs are required. If necessary, we apply professional insecticidal treatments that stop larvae from developing and prevent future damage.

Where timber has been weakened beyond repair, we advise on safe replacement as part of a complete restoration plan. Peter Cox has supported homeowners, landlords, and businesses across Leicester with effective woodworm treatments that deliver reliable, long-term results.

Peter Cox delivers a wide range of property preservation services across Leicester and the surrounding areas to support both residential and commercial properties.

Our dedicated waterproofing team can work with you at any point of your project, whether it be at the start of the project with your architect when creating design plans, or beginning with a survey of an existing structure.

We provide comprehensive basement waterproofing solutions designed to meet British Standard 8102 standards.

We also offer property preservation services for:

• Penetrating Damp Control
• Condensation
• Wall Tie Repairs
• Structural Repairs