Peter Cox Brighton - Property Preservation Experts

Peter Cox has been a trusted name in property preservation since 1951, providing homeowners and businesses across Brighton with effective solutions for a wide range of property problems. Our experienced surveyors and technicians are experts in diagnosing and treating dampness, condensation, timber decay and structural faults, ensuring the long-term health and value of your property.

We understand the unique challenges that Brighton properties face, from the damp basements of Victorian terraces to the woodworm-infested timbers of historic buildings.

Peter Cox delivers a full range of property preservation services designed to meet the unique needs of Brighton’s diverse buildings. From the historic properties of The Lanes to seafront homes exposed to coastal conditions, our team brings extensive local knowledge and experience to every project. Whether it's tackling rising damp, managing condensation, or providing structural and basement waterproofing solutions, we offer expert surveys and treatments backed by decades of industry expertise. 

Our surveyors covering Brighton and East Sussex understand the architectural nuances and environmental challenges common in the area, enabling us to deliver precise, effective solutions that protect your property and preserve its long-term value.

If you've noticed tide marks on your lower walls, discoloured plaster, or damp patches near the floor, your Brighton property may be affected by rising damp. This form of damp occurs when moisture from the ground is drawn up through porous brick or stone walls by capillary action, often due to a failed or missing damp proof course (DPC).

From our Peter Cox branch covering Brighton, we specialise in identifying and resolving rising damp issues across the city — from historic homes in Hanover and The Lanes to modern properties near Brighton Marina. Our experienced surveyors offer professional, long-term solutions tailored to the local climate and building styles.

Rising damp is most common in older properties built before modern damp proofing methods were introduced. Without an effective DPC, moisture from the ground can rise vertically through walls, carrying salts that stain and damage internal surfaces.

In areas like Preston Park, Kemp Town, or Hollingbury, buildings often have solid walls that allow this moisture to travel upwards unchecked. Contributing factors in Brighton include:

• Coastal exposure and wind-driven rain
• High local water tables and frequent rainfall
• Bridged DPCs from raised ground levels or external render
• Degraded mortar or pointing, allowing moisture entry and spalling brickwork

The clearest sign of rising damp is a horizontal 'tide mark', usually found 1–1.2 metres above ground level on internal walls. This is often accompanied by salts forming on the plaster surface, bubbling paint, and soft, crumbling plaster. While musty smells and peeling paint may occur, it’s the tide mark that offers the most reliable visual evidence.

Our local Peter Cox team provides specialist treatment to stop rising damp at its source and restore affected areas. We begin with a thorough survey to assess the extent of the problem and determine whether the DPC has failed or been compromised.
If necessary, our damp solutions in Brighton include:

• Chemical DPC injection to form a new moisture barrier
• Salt-retardant replastering to prevent further damage
• Ventilation advice if condensation is contributing  factor to the damp problem
• Timber treatment for any rot caused by moisture exposure

Where applicable, our damp proofing treatments come with a 20-year guarantee, giving homeowners across Brighton and Hove peace of mind. Whether you own a period property or a contemporary build, our surveyors are equipped to protect your walls and your home’s value.

At Peter Cox, we specialise in identifying and treating wet rot and dry rot in homes and businesses across the city. Brighton’s coastal climate, combined with the age of many properties, creates ideal conditions for these fungal timber decay to develop. Our experienced surveyors carry out thorough timber surveys to detect rot and recommend effective treatment plans that protect your property’s timber and the structural integrity of your home.

We use proven, targeted treatments to eradicate fungal infestations and help prevent future outbreaks. Whether it’s a Victorian terrace or a more modern build, our team provides expert advice and solutions to keep your property safe and dry.

Wet rot and dry rot often develop in Brighton properties due to prolonged exposure to moisture. Coastal humidity and occasional leaks from aging gutters, roofs, or plumbing can create damp conditions that encourage fungal growth.

Older properties with structural timber, poorly maintained ventilation, or ineffective damp proofing are particularly vulnerable. Wet rot typically appears in timber with a higher moisture content, often from leaks or rising damp. Dry rot requires a lower moisture content level, but can spread through hidden areas such as under floors or inside walls, in search of moisture and new timber to attack.

Brighton’s mix of soil types and weather patterns can also contribute to moisture problems that feed these rot issues.

Our timber treatment solutions in Brighton are designed to tackle wet rot and dry rot at the source, which is always the moisture causing the problem. After a detailed survey and go ahead with the work, we use safe and effective methods tailored to each property’s needs. Typically this is done by removing affected timber, applying fungicidal treatments to stop any fungal growth and therefore protecting surrounding wood.

Where decay has compromised structural timbers, our trusted technicians will repair or replace damaged sections. The report will also advise on improving ventilation through the installation of airbricks, fixing leaks, and controlling moisture levels to prevent rot recurrence.

At Peter Cox, we aim to preserve the character and safety of your property by getting it right first time and leaving you with long term peace of mind.

At Peter Cox Brighton, we provide expert woodworm treatment services for homes and commercial projects throughout the city. Brighton’s older properties, many with original timber features, are especially susceptible to woodworm infestations. Our experienced surveyors carefully inspect your property to detect signs of woodworm, preventing costly damage to timber structures, floors, and furniture.

We understand the unique challenges Brighton’s coastal climate and historic buildings can present. Our tailored treatment plans effectively eliminate woodworm, protecting your property’s timber for the long term while preserving its character and value.

Several woodworm species can be found in Brighton:

• Common Furniture Beetle (Anobium punctatum)
• Death Watch Beetle (Xestobium rufovillosum)
• Woodboring Weevil (Euophryum confine)

Our woodworm treatment solutions in Brighton are thorough and carefully tailored to each property. After a detailed survey, we use specialist insecticidal treatments to target active infestations and stop larvae from damaging timber further.

Only where necessary, we will remove and replace damaged structural timber, combined with the insecticidal treatment.

At Peter Cox Brighton, our goal is to protect your property’s wooden elements with safe, effective treatments that ensure lasting peace of mind.

At Peter Cox Brighton, our qualified damp surveyors have over 70 years of experience helping local homes and commercial clients tackle damp problems. We understand the unique challenges Brighton properties face, from coastal humidity to older building issues.

Our surveyors typically hold CSTDB, CSRT, or CSSW qualifications and follow strict industry standards. Peter Cox is also recognised by trusted bodies like Which? Trusted Trader and Safe Contractor, so you can trust our expertise.

Your surveyor will inspect the exterior, checking roofs, brickwork, and any potential high ground levels, then move inside to investigate evidence of damp, condensation, woodworm, and rot. We provide a detailed report with clear findings, photos, and a tailored treatment plan.

Most treatments come with a 20-year guarantee, ensuring long-term protection for your Brighton property. Early detection helps prevent costly damage and keeps your home healthy.

Peter Cox offers a full range of property preservation services to protect and maintain your home or commercial project in Brighton or the surrounding areas. Beyond damp proofing, we specialise in timber treatments, including woodworm, wet rot, and dry rot eradication, ensuring your timber structures remain strong and secure.

We also provide comprehensive basement waterproofing solutions tailored to Brighton’s below ground spaces, helping to prevent water ingress and provide extra living space in your property. Our expert surveyors assess each property individually, delivering bespoke treatments that suit the specific needs of Brighton’s older and newer buildings.

Whether it’s controlling condensation, treating rising damp, or repairing structural issues like wall ties, Peter Cox is your trusted partner in preserving the health and value of your property.

Peter Cox is proud to serve homeowners and businesses throughout Brighton and Hove and the surrounding areas in East Sussex. Our local surveyors have in-depth knowledge of the unique property preservation challenges faced across the region, ensuring tailored and effective solutions every time.

Kemptown is known for its vibrant seafront terraces, Regency-style houses, and converted flats. Many of the buildings date back to the 19th century, featuring traditional brickwork and timber elements that are vulnerable to damp and wood decay. The proximity to the sea also means properties often face challenges with moisture ingress and salt damage, requiring specialist preservation to protect their structure and character.

Hove features a mix of large Victorian villas, Edwardian houses, and modern developments. Its well-established residential streets often face issues with rising damp, timber decay, and structural wear typical of older properties. Preservation in Hove focuses on maintaining property value while addressing these common damp and decay problems sensitively.

Hollingbury is a residential area featuring mainly post-war housing with some older cottages and converted properties. The mix of building types means rising damp, penetrating damp, and timber decay are common issues requiring expert assessment and repair to protect the homes in this area.

With over 70 years of experience in protecting properties across the UK, Peter Cox has earned a reputation as the trusted name in property preservation.

Our surveyors covering Brighton have in-depth knowledge of the housing stock, from historic Regency buildings to seafront flats and modern developments.

Our team understands the specific damp, timber, and structural issues faced by Brighton properties due to coastal exposure, older construction materials, and varying ventilation standards.

Our surveyors are experienced and qualified, offering detailed reports and tailored solutions backed by long-term guarantees.

We are recognised by major trade associations including Which? Trusted Trader, Constructionline, and SafeContractor, giving homeowners and commercial clients confidence in the quality and professionalism of our service.

We understand that you may have questions about property preservation and our services. Here are some of the most common queries we receive from our Brighton clients.

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  Do you cover my area in Brighton and Hove?

  Yes, Peter Cox operates throughout Sussex, including Brighton, Hove, and surrounding areas including Worthing, Seaford, Shoreham-by-Sea, and more. Our local technicians and surveyors are based nearby, making it easy to arrange a visit to your property.

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  How soon can I book a survey in Brighton?

  We aim to arrange surveys within five working days depending on availability. If your issue is urgent, we’ll do our best to schedule a visit as quickly as possible. Get in touch to find the earliest available slot.

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  Are your surveyors qualified to assess listed or older buildings in Brighton?

  Absolutely. Brighton’s historic buildings, particularly in Kemptown and The Lanes, require specialist knowledge , which our team is fully equipped with. Our surveyors have experience in working with heritage properties while respecting conservation requirements.

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  Do you offer services for both residential and commercial properties in Brighton?

   Yes, we work with homeowners, landlords, letting agents, property managers, and commercial property owners across the Brighton and Hove area.

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  What are the common causes of rising damp in Brighton?

  Rising damp in Brighton is often caused by failed or missing damp proof courses in older seafront properties, high external ground levels near external walls, or porous materials that absorb moisture easily. Salt-laden air from the coast can worsen these issues over time causing issues such as spalling to brickwork.

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  How do you treat rising damp in Brighton homes?

  We use modern damp proofing techniques like chemical DPC injection combined with salt-resistant plastering to ensure long-term protection. Our treatments are designed to suit local building materials and climate conditions specific to Brighton.