As proud PCA members you can be sure all work carried out is of the highest quality
For 60+ years we have protected properties across the UK from woodworm, damp and rot
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot Committed to Customer Service
Damp Proofing Specialists In Reading
For over 70 years, Rentokil Property Care has been the trusted local expert for homeowners and businesses across Reading. Our team of locally-based surveyors and technicians provides professional solutions for the UK's most common property problems, including rising damp, dry rot, wet rot, and woodworm. We combine decades of hands-on experience with the resources of a national company to deliver the highest quality property care services, ensuring your property is in safe hands.
In an area like Reading, with its diverse mix of property styles, a professional survey is critical when you notice signs of damp or timber decay. From the Victorian and Edwardian houses in the suburbs to the more modern homes and commercial buildings, our qualified surveyors are experienced in addressing the specific preservation challenges found across Reading and the wider Berkshire area.
Often, problems can stem from penetrating damp caused by general property maintenance issues, such as blocked gutters or defective roofing. A professional survey will correctly identify the source of the problem and allow for a tailored solution. You will receive a comprehensive report detailing all our findings, along with a proposal for any necessary work, which may include damp proofing, woodworm treatment, or repairs for wet or dry rot.
Our surveyors in Reading are always available to discuss their findings and recommendations with you, ensuring you have the clear information you need to protect your property.
Reading Property Preservation Specialists
Reading features a diverse mix of properties, with the city centre being predominantly known for its Victorian-style terraced and semi-detached homes constructed from soft red bricks. Due to the age and construction type of these older properties, they can be prone to various issues. They are not only susceptible to a range of damp-related problems but can also face structural issues that may require specialist remediation like crack stitching. Rentokil Property Care has the local expertise to address these specific challenges, helping property owners in Reading protect their investments.
''From my initial enquiry to the visit and surveillance report, this company has provided an excellent service. The surveyor was professional, knowledgeable and so helpful. The damp issues in my property were examined and monitored with specific tools, explanations and advice given, and a full detailed report arrived later the same day!''
''The surveyor was very thorough, informative and helpful. The contractors that carried out the work were very professional and tidy workers, I was able to see each stage of the work including explanation of processes and aftercare that may be required.''
Reading Damp Proofing Experts
Should your property require damp proofing, you can rely on our Reading team for a professional service from survey to completion. We understand that undertaking such work can be a concern, which is why we guide you through every step of the process. Once recommendations are approved, our highly trained technicians perform all remedial treatments to strict industry standards. They will assess and replace any timbers affected by fungal decay or woodworm, restoring the health of your property. We prioritise minimising disruption; our teams use protective floor coverings and advanced dust extraction units to ensure your property is left clean and tidy.
Woodworm is a known issue in properties across the Reading area. If you are concerned about a potential infestation in your home, the crucial first step is to arrange a professional inspection. A qualified surveyor can thoroughly examine the timber to identify the species of wood-boring insect, confirm if the infestation is active, and fully assess the extent of any damage.
Wet and Dry Rot Repairs in Reading
Property owners often first become aware of fungal decay through signs like a strong musty smell, or by noticing discoloured, cracked, or damaged timbers. This decay falls into two main categories: wet rot and dry rot. Both require moisture in timber to grow, and both will eventually cause the wood to lose its structural integrity.
Dry rot is particularly serious as it can spread away from the moisture source to find new timber to attack, breaking it down and weakening it. If left untreated, a dry rot infestation can travel across an entire floor and even affect different stories of a building. This makes it essential to treat the problem as soon as it is discovered. A qualified surveyor can identify the full extent of the damage and provide clear recommendations for replacing any affected structural timbers.
It is crucial to handle any fungal decay correctly. If you aren't experienced in dealing with it, or if a detailed survey isn't conducted to find the full extent of the outbreak, the rot can return if a moisture source remains. The first step in any effective treatment is always to remove the source of moisture, whether that involves installing effective damp proofing, repairing building defects, or improving sub-floor ventilation.
If you suspect a fungal decay problem in your property, the best course of action is to book a qualified surveyor. They can fully investigate the issue, confirm the type of infestation, and provide you with a detailed proposal to resolve the problem permanently.
For property owners in Reading, converting an unused basement or cellar is an excellent way to add valuable living space and increase the home's worth. Whether you're planning a new home office, a gym, or just need extra storage, the key to a successful conversion is a professionally installed waterproofing system.
It is vital that the installation is carried out correctly, as a failed system can lead to major water ingress and costly damage to your belongings. To ensure a reliable and lasting result, it is essential to use a surveyor with the CSSW (Certificated Surveyor in Structural Waterproofing) qualification.
Our CSSW-qualified experts design comprehensive basement waterproofing solutions that adhere to British Standard 8102, the industry's code of practice, transforming your below-ground space into a dry and usable area.
If you've noticed horizontal cracks in your brickwork, especially on older properties in Reading, you may be experiencing cavity wall tie corrosion. Cavity walls, which became standard after the 1920s, use metal ties to connect the inner and outer layers. Over time, these ties can rust and expand, causing visible cracks and weakening the structural integrity of your property.
Left untreated, corroded wall ties can lead to the inner and outer walls becoming disconnected, potentially causing them to bow or bulge. Our Reading-based team can inspect and assess the condition of your wall ties using specialised equipment. If required, we will provide a proposal for a professional wall tie replacement service. We work with structural engineers when necessary and are an approved installer of Helifix structural products, ensuring a reliable and lasting solution for your property.
If you have a damp or timber problem in your property, you want to trust the company you are working with will get it right first time.
Rentokil Property Care has been working in peoples homes and businesses for over 70 years, correctly identifying property issues and providing long term solutions.
PCA approved: Rentokil Property Care are a proud member of the PCA and have a range of CSTDB, CSRT and CSSW qualified surveyors operating out of our local branch.
Which? Trusted Trader: We are endorsed by Which? Trusted Trader - meaning our customer service and workmanship has passed the rigorous trading standards assessments.
Trustpilot: Our damp proofing, structural repairs and timber treatments are rated ‘Excellent’ with over 1,000 reviews from our customers - showcasing our professionalism.
Long Term Commitment: From our origins in the 1920’s to the present day, we have outlived our guarantees several times over. This means you can have complete peace of mind from a Rentokil Property Care guarantee - up to 30 years for some of our services.
Helifix approved: For structural repairs we are approved by Helifix and can work closely with structural engineers where required.