Business Details
Expert Damp & Timber Treatment Services in London
Hillcrest Timber Preservation has been a trusted name in damp proofing and timber treatment for over 30 years. Established in the early 1960s by Chairman Michael Lewis, we are a family-run business with a legacy of expertise and technical excellence. Our surveyors, qualified to the highest industry standards, specialise in diagnosing and resolving rising damp, woodworm infestations, and dry rot decay. As members of the Property Care Association (PCA) and the Guarantee Protection Insurance (GPI) scheme, our treatments adhere to strict codes of practice and are recognised by lenders and building societies.We offer nationwide services across London and the Home Counties, providing detailed inspections, tailored solutions, and long-term guarantees. Our teams collective experience spans six decades, ensuring clients receive authoritative advice and effective remediation. We prioritise compliance with evolving regulations, including vendor pack requirements, and maintain a client-centric approach with flexible appointment times. All treatments are supervised by our specialists, and we pride ourselves on transparency, reliability, and a commitment to preserving both modern and historic properties.
Services
Damp Treatment
Woodworm Treatment
Dry Rot Treatment
Rising Damp Treatment
Timber Preservation
Highlights and features
- We offer over 30 years of specialist experience in damp and timber treatments.
- Our surveyors are PCA-accredited and adhere to strict industry standards.
- 10- to 30-year insured guarantees cover all major treatments.
- Family-run business with a legacy of technical expertise and client care.
- Nationwide service across London and the Home Counties with flexible appointments.
Associations and certifications
- Property Care Association
- Guarantee Protection Insurance
Services
Damp Treatment
Our rising damp treatment involves chemical damp-proof course injection and plaster replacement. We conduct detailed inspections to identify moisture sources, eliminate bridging, and apply waterproof renders. All work includes a 10- or 30-year insured guarantee, ensuring long-term protection for residential and commercial properties.
Woodworm Treatment
We eradicate woodworm infestations using targeted preservatives and deep-treatment pastes. Our surveyors assess activity levels, identify beetle species, and address underlying damp issues. Treatments include structural integrity checks and a 30-year guarantee, protecting both modern and historic buildings from timber decay.
Dry Rot Treatment
Dry rot remediation involves removing infected materials, treating masonry with fungicides, and replacing timbers with pre-treated sections. We trace moisture sources, eliminate fungal growth, and provide a 10-year guarantee, preventing structural compromise and spore spread to adjacent properties.
Timber Preservation
Our timber preservation services include chemical treatments and moisture control strategies. We apply protective coatings to prevent decay, conduct risk assessments for existing structures, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, safeguarding timber integrity in residential and commercial settings.
Property Surveys
We provide comprehensive surveys to diagnose damp, woodworm, and rot issues. Our PCA-accredited surveyors assess property conditions, produce detailed reports, and recommend tailored remediation plans, ensuring accurate quotations and compliance with lender requirements for residential and commercial clients.
People
Michael Lewis
Chairman
Founder of Hillcrest Timber Preservation, Michael Lewis established the company in the early 1960s. With decades of industry leadership, he oversees strategic direction and maintains ties to government committees, ensuring our services align with evolving building safety standards.
Jonathon Lewis
Director
Jonathon Lewis manages day-to-day operations and client relations. As a second-generation leader, he ensures adherence to PCA codes of practice and coordinates nationwide surveys, combining technical expertise with a commitment to customer satisfaction.
Daniel Lewis
Director
Daniel Lewis specialises in technical oversight and treatment supervision. He leads remediation projects, trains surveyors, and advises on complex cases involving historic buildings, ensuring solutions meet both industry standards and client needs.
Questions
What is rising damp?
Rising damp occurs when ground moisture ascends through walls via capillary action, often due to a failed or absent damp-proof course. It causes plaster damage, salt deposits, and timber decay.
How do you identify woodworm infestations?
Woodworm is identified by small exit holes (2-5mm), wood dust, and structural weakening. Activity peaks between May and October, with infestations often linked to damp conditions.
What guarantees do you offer?
We provide 10-year guarantees for dry rot treatments and 30-year guarantees for damp and woodworm treatments, all insured under the GPI scheme for client peace of mind.
Do you treat historic buildings?
Yes, our expertise extends to listed and historic properties, using sympathetic methods that preserve architectural integrity while addressing damp, rot, or infestation issues.
Reviews (6)
Iago Muinos Pantin
Jan 13, 2022
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Not recommended.
Hillcrest was invited to attend my property to quote for some required works. An independent surveyor had already assessed the house and the problems. I had to pay 70 (cash, no cards accepted) for the quote, which would be deducted from the final price of the works. The person who attended was a bit arrogant and patronising. The assessment was very light, but he quickly concluded that I needed to do much more work than what my independent surveyor had put in his report. Also, the prices per meter were more than double of what other companies have quoted me after and well outside
Hillcrest was invited to attend my property to quote for some required works. An independent surveyor had already assessed the house and the problems. I had to pay 70 (cash, no cards accepted) for the quote, which would be deducted from the final price of the works. The person who attended was a bit arrogant and patronising. The assessment was very light, but he quickly concluded that I needed to do much more work than what my independent surveyor had put in his report. Also, the prices per meter were more than double of what other companies have quoted me after and well outside
Matthew Halnan
Feb 26, 2021
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Came to fix some damp patches in our flat, which came back within a year. Guarantee is useless, wanted money to come back to review the work. Do not use.
Katie Wilson
Oct 14, 2020
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Positive:Quality
Brilliant team, top quality work and willing to go the extra mile. Tony is a great guy to deal with.
Brilliant team, top quality work and willing to go the extra mile. Tony is a great guy to deal with.
Charlie Murray
Jul 05, 2020
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I paid 70 for a survey, which consisted of someone coming round my house, looking at the floorboards and confirming woodworm - something Id already told them. No lifting of floorboards, or checking anywhere hard to see in the property. The way he was dressed meant he never had any intention of in the first place. Absolute rip off. The quote I subsequently received was double the price of anywhere else. Phone staff also unprofessional - avoid at all costs.
Natalie Stanley
Jun 27, 2020
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Critical:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Hi, it's funny you have no record of the work, nor to do you have any 'expertise' as it's all a scam as others have pointed out and noticed
Hi, it's funny you have no record of the work, nor to do you have any 'expertise' as it's all a scam as others have pointed out and noticed
T. E.
Oct 10, 2018
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DO NOT USE. arrogant and unpleasant survey, followed by a wildly over inflated cost for works, including unnecessary treatments.
70 for a site visit is tolerable when the quote for works is competitive. When it is as overinflated as the one we received, it gives you no chance to recoup your money. A con, and you would be a mug to use them.
70 for a site visit is tolerable when the quote for works is competitive. When it is as overinflated as the one we received, it gives you no chance to recoup your money. A con, and you would be a mug to use them.
