Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Damp Proofing & Timber Treatment Experts in London
At Hillcrest Timber Preservation, we have built a reputation as specialists in damp proofing and timber treatment across London and the UK. Established in the early 1960s by Michael Lewis, our family-run business combines over 60 years of collective expertise with a commitment to industry-leading standards. Our surveyors, qualified to the highest industrial standards and affiliated with the Property Care Association (PCA) and Guarantee Protection Insurance (GPI) schemes, deliver tailored solutions for rising damp, woodworm, and dry rot. We adhere strictly to PCA codes of practice, ensuring treatments meet lender and building society requirements.Our services extend to residential and commercial properties, including listed and historic buildings, with all work backed by long-term guarantees. We prioritise transparency, offering detailed inspections, reports, and quotations before executing treatments. Available across London and the Home Counties between 6 AM and 6 PM, we combine technical expertise with a client-focused approach to address damp and timber decay challenges effectively.
Services
Dry Rot Treatment
Woodworm Treatment
Damp Proofing
Rising Damp Treatment
Timber Preservation
Details
- Year established: 1960
Highlights and features
- We offer 50 years of continuous expertise in damp and timber treatment.
- Our surveyors are PCA-certified and adhere to strict industry standards.
- All treatments are backed by long-term GPI-insured guarantees.
- Family-run business with a legacy of technical innovation and client focus.
- Specialists in historic and listed building preservation.
Associations and certifications
- Property Care Association
- Guarantee Protection Insurance
Services
Dry Rot Treatment
Dry rot is an aggressive fungal decay that weakens timber structures. Our specialists identify the infection's extent, remove affected materials, and apply fungicides. Replacements use pre-treated timber, with all work supervised by PCA-certified surveyors. A ten-year guarantee is issued post-treatment.
Woodworm Treatment
Woodworm infestations require species-specific treatments. Our surveyors assess activity levels, address moisture sources, and apply preservatives or deep-treatment pastes. Structural integrity checks ensure safety, with a thirty-year guarantee provided for treated areas.
Damp Proofing
We install chemical damp-proof courses via low-pressure injection to halt rising damp. Salt-contaminated plaster is replaced with waterproof render. Treatments comply with PCA standards and include ten- or thirty-year guarantees, depending on the severity of the issue.
Rising Damp Treatment
Rising damp occurs when groundwater ascends through walls. Our process involves damp-course installation, plaster replacement, and moisture source elimination. Surveys identify condensation or penetrating damp causes, ensuring comprehensive solutions tailored to residential and commercial properties.
Timber Preservation
Timber preservation combats decay from damp, rot, or insects. Treatments include fungicidal applications, moisture control, and structural repairs. Historic buildings receive specialist care to maintain integrity while meeting modern safety standards, with long-term guarantees applied.
People
Michael Lewis
Chairman
Founder of Hillcrest Timber Preservation, Michael Lewis established the business in the early 1960s. With decades of industry leadership, he oversees strategic direction and advisory roles on government committees.
Jonathon Lewis
Director
Son of Michael Lewis, Jonathon contributes to Hillcrest's operations with expertise in remedial treatments and health and safety policies, ensuring technical excellence across all projects.
Daniel Lewis
Director
Daniel Lewis, co-director, supports the business with a focus on client relations and service innovation, leveraging family legacy to maintain Hillcrest's reputation for reliability.
Questions
What is rising damp?
Rising damp occurs when groundwater ascends through walls via capillary action, often due to a failed or absent damp-proof course.
How do you identify woodworm infestations?
Signs include small exit holes (2-5mm), wood dust deposits, and structural weakness, typically active between May and October.
Are your treatments guaranteed?
Yes. Dry rot treatments carry a thirty-year guarantee, while rising damp solutions include ten- or thirty-year options under the GPI scheme.
Do you handle historic building preservation?
Yes. Our specialists address damp and decay in listed and historic properties, balancing conservation with modern technical standards.
What areas do you serve?
We operate across London, the Home Counties, and nationwide for comprehensive damp and timber treatment solutions.
