Peter Cox Reading Property Preservation Experts

Peter Cox has been a trusted name in property preservation since 1951, providing expert support to homeowners and commercial clients across Reading, Berkshire and the surrounding areas. Our experienced local surveyors and technicians specialise in diagnosing and treating damp problems, condensation, timber decay and structural issues. We help protect the health, safety and long-term value of your property.

We understand the specific challenges properties in Berkshire face, from damp basements in Victorian homes to timber decay in older terraced houses and condensation in more modern developments.

Our tailored approach ensures that every property receives a detailed damp and timber survey, with recommendations for the most appropriate and effective solution.

Peter Cox offers a complete range of property preservation services across Reading and nearby areas in Berkshire. Whether you own a period home, a family property or are working on a commercial project, our team delivers professional advice, expert surveys and high-quality treatments.

Our surveyors have extensive knowledge of the local housing stock and the environmental conditions affecting it, such as poor drainage, lack of ventilation and moisture issues common in older buildings.

Each survey is conducted in line with industry standards, followed by a clear report and tailored treatment plan.

From treating rising damp and resolving condensation to protecting timber from woodworm, dry rot and wet rot, we provide long-lasting solutions that safeguard your property’s structure and preserve its value for years to come.

If you have noticed damp patches on your lower walls, peeling paint, crumbling plaster or a musty smell near the floor, your Reading property may be suffering from rising damp. This type of damp occurs when moisture from the ground travels up through brick or stone walls by capillary action, often due to a damaged or missing damp proof course.

Our Peter Cox team covering Reading specialises in diagnosing and treating rising damp across the town and surrounding areas. Whether it’s a Victorian home in Caversham or a mid-century property in Wokingham, we offer proven solutions tailored to the age and construction of your building.

Rising damp is typically found in older buildings constructed before modern damp proofing was standard. Without a functioning damp proof course, moisture from the ground is drawn up through the wall structure. This often brings damaging salts to the surface and can lead to plaster damage, discolouration and structural decay.

Many properties across Reading have solid brick walls that are highly susceptible to rising damp. Common causes of damp in Reading include:

• Prolonged exposure to wet ground conditions due to heavy rainfall and high ground levels
• Failed or bridged damp proof courses caused by raised patios or rendering
• Porous bricks and degraded mortar that allow moisture to penetrate into the interior of a property

The most reliable sign is a visible tide mark between one metre and 1.2 metres above floor level, often accompanied by salt deposits, bubbling paint and soft plaster. These symptoms are most noticeable on ground floor internal walls and can worsen over time without proper intervention.

At Peter Cox, we provide expert treatment to prevent rising damp at the source by creating a waterproof barrier, preventing further damage to your property. Our experienced surveyors will always start with a full damp and timber survey to identify the cause of the issue and create a treatment plan suited to your home, if necessary.

• Rising damp solutions in Reading may include:
• Installing a chemical damp proof course to block ground moisture
• Applying salt-resistant plaster to restore damaged internal surfaces
• Improving ventilation to manage internal humidity and prevent recurrence
• Treating timbers affected by rot due to prolonged damp exposure

Our treatments are supported by long-term guarantees, typically up to 20 years, giving Reading homeowners confidence in the results. Whether your property is a terrace, historial or a commercial project, we are committed to preserving its condition and ensuring long-lasting protection.

At Peter Cox, we specialise in detecting and treating wet rot and dry rot in homes and businesses throughout Reading and nearby areas. Reading’s mix of older properties are susceptible to fungal timber decay, which can develop if moisture is not properly controlled.

Our skilled and qualified surveyors conduct thorough timber inspections to identify the type of rot, extent of the damage, and will recommend effective treatment plans to protect your property’s timber and maintain its structural safety.

Whether your property is a Victorian house in Caversham or a more modern property, we offer proven, targeted treatments to eliminate fungal infestations and prevent future outbreaks by stopping the source of moisture.

Our expert team provides advice tailored to Berkshire's local environment and building styles to keep your property dry and safe.

Wet rot and dry rot commonly occur in properties due to prolonged moisture exposure. Frequent rainfall, combined with leaks from aging or damaged gutters, roof tiles, or plumbing, creates damp conditions that cause fungal growth.

Older buildings with original timber, poor ventilation, or inadequate damp proof courses are especially vulnerable. Wet rot generally appears in timber with higher moisture content, often caused by leaks or rising damp. Dry rot can spread through hidden spaces such as under floors or within walls while searching for moisture and timber to consume.

Reading’s local weather patterns and soil conditions can also contribute to moisture problems that lead to rot issues.

Our timber treatment services in Reading target wet and dry rot at the source — the moisture fuelling the damage. After conducting a detailed survey and finding the source of the moisture, we will fix the issue and then apply safe and effective treatments to the areas damaged by the fungal decay.

This often involves removing decayed timber and treating surrounding wood with fungicides to stop fungal growth and protect undamaged timber.

Where rot has damaged structural timbers, our experienced technicians will repair or replace affected sections. We also recommend improvements such as installing airbricks, fixing leaks, and enhancing ventilation to control moisture levels and prevent rot from returning.

At Peter Cox, we are dedicated to preserving Reading properties by delivering reliable, long-lasting solutions suited to the town’s unique climate and architecture, giving homeowners peace of mind.

At Peter Cox Reading, we offer expert woodworm treatment services for homes and commercial projects across Reading and the surrounding areas. Many of Reading’s older properties feature original timber elements that are particularly vulnerable to woodworm infestations. Our experienced surveyors thoroughly inspect your property to identify signs of an active woodworm infestation early, helping you avoid costly damage to timber floors, beams, and furniture.

Our tailored treatment plans effectively eradicate woodworm, preserving your property’s timber and maintaining its character and value for the long term.

The most common woodworm species affecting Reading properties include:

• Common Furniture Beetle (Anobium punctatum) - this beetle accounts for over 80% of all beetle damage in homes in the UK.
• Death Watch Beetle (Xestobium rufovillosum)
• Woodboring Weevil (Euophryum confine)

Our woodworm treatments in Reading are thorough and designed for the extent of the problem found in each property. Following a detailed survey, and you wish to go ahead with the recommendations, we apply specialist insecticidal treatments designed to target active infestations and prevent larvae from further damaging timber.

Where structural timber is severely affected, we carefully remove and replace damaged sections alongside the treatment to ensure lasting protection.

At Peter Cox Reading, we are committed to safeguarding your property’s wooden features with safe, effective solutions that provide lasting peace of mind.

At Peter Cox Reading, our qualified damp surveyors bring over 70 years of combined experience helping local homes and commercial projects addressing damp issues. We understand the particular challenges faced by Reading properties, from the local climate to the variety of older building types found throughout the area.

Our surveyors hold industry-recognised qualifications and adhere to rigorous standards. Peter Cox is also endorsed by trusted organisations including Which? Trusted Trader and Safe Contractor, so you can be confident in our expertise and professionalism.

Your surveyor will conduct a thorough inspection, starting with the exterior to assess roofs, brickwork, ground levels, and any visible signs of moisture ingress. Inside, they will investigate signs of damp, condensation, woodworm, and fungal decay. You will receive a detailed report featuring clear findings, photos, and a tailored treatment plan specific to your Reading property.

Unless stated in our report, treatments come with a 20-year guarantee offering lasting protection for your Reading home or commercial project. This means you have a long term solution and guaranteed peace of mind.

Peter Cox provides a comprehensive range of property preservation solutions across Reading and its surrounding areas. In addition to damp proofing, we specialise in timber treatments such as woodworm, wet rot and dry rot control, ensuring your timber structures remain strong and intact.

We also offer below ground basement waterproofing services tailored to Reading’s properties, helping to prevent water ingress and create usable below-ground spaces. Our CSSW qualified surveyors assess each property individually, delivering bespoke solutions suited to the unique needs of these spaces.

Peter Cox are also able to provide expert structural repair services, including wall tie repair and replacements, and crack stitching and lintel repairs.

Whether managing condensation, treating rising damp, or repairing structural issues such as wall ties, Peter Cox is your trusted partner in protecting and preserving the value and integrity of your Reading property.

Peter Cox is proud to serve homeowners and businesses throughout Reading and the nearby towns in Berkshire. Our local surveyors have a deep understanding of the specific property preservation challenges faced across the Reading area, ensuring tailored and effective solutions for every property.

Basingstoke features a mix of modern developments and older suburban homes, many built in the mid-20th century. Properties here often face issues with damp caused by high ground levels and seasonal changes to the water table. Timber in older houses can also be vulnerable to decay, especially where sub floor ventilation is limited.

Newbury has a mix of period homes, Georgian and Victorian terraces, and newer housing developments. The area’s varied building styles – combined with its proximity to rivers and older drainage systems – mean properties are often vulnerable to damp, timber decay, and structural damage. If you have a property preservation issue in your property in Newbury we can carry out a damp and timber survey.

Henley-on-Thames boasts a charming mix of historic riverside cottages, Georgian townhouses, and period homes. Many of these properties feature traditional materials like timber beams and solid brick walls, which are susceptible to damp, woodworm, and structural issues. The town’s riverside location also contributes to moisture-related issues, making expert property preservation essential.

With over 70 years of nationwide experience, Peter Cox has built a reputation as a trusted name in property preservation.

Our team covering Reading and across Berkshire understands the local architecture – from Victorian terraced homes and Edwardian properties to modern developments across the town and surrounding villages.

Our qualified surveyors deliver detailed assessments and recommend tailored solutions, backed by industry-recognised guarantees for long-term peace of mind.

Peter Cox is accredited by respected organisations including Which? Trusted Trader, SafeContractor, and Constructionline – giving you full confidence in our expertise and professionalism.

We know you may have questions about the issues affecting your property. Below are some of the most common enquiries from homeowners and businesses in Reading.

• ---

  Do you cover my area in Reading?

  Yes – Peter Cox covers the entire Reading area and surrounding towns such as Wokingham, Caversham, Earley, Woodley, Tilehurst, and Theale and even further afield. Our local surveyors are based nearby, making it quick and easy to book a visit.

• ---

  How soon can I book a survey in Reading?

  Surveys are typically scheduled within five working days, depending on availability. For urgent issues, we aim to visit even sooner – just contact us and we’ll do our best to help quickly.

• ---

  Are your surveyors experienced with older and listed buildings in Reading?

  Absolutely. Reading features many historic homes, especially in more rural areas like Henley-on-Thames. Our surveyors are trained and experienced in dealing with listed and heritage buildings, offering sensitive solutions that meet preservation standards.

• ---

  Do you work with both residential and commercial clients in Reading?

  Yes – we help homeowners, landlords, property managers, and commercial property owners throughout Reading, Berkshire and Oxfordshire. From private residences to commercial regeneration projects, we’ve got you covered.

• ---

  What are the common causes of rising damp in Reading?

  Rising damp in Reading is often due to failed or missing damp proof courses in older properties, high external ground levels near walls, and porous brickwork. Water from surrounding soil is absorbed upwards into walls, causing structural and decorative damage..

• ---

  How do you treat rising damp in Reading homes?

  We apply modern chemical damp proofing methods, such as DPC injection, combined with salt-resistant plaster to prevent future moisture damage. All treatments are tailored to Reading’s specific building styles and moisture risks.

If you’ve noticed signs of rising damp, timber decay, or other property issues, don’t delay – contact our Reading team today.

Whether you’re in Central Reading, Caversham, Earley, or nearby towns like Newbury and Henley-on-Thames, we can arrange a convenient visit and provide professional advice.

Book a survey online or call us now to get started with trusted property preservation experts who understand Reading properties inside and out.