The region's leading specialists in damp proofing, timber preservation, and structural waterproofing. Professional, reliable, and trusted.
10+
Years Experience
100%
Satisfaction
Property Preservation Covering Suffolk, Essex & Norfolk
We offer a comprehensive range of property preservation services across East Anglia. Each solution is tailored to your specific property needs and backed by long-term guarantees.
Diagnosis and treatment of rising damp, penetrating damp, and damp proof course installation across Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex.
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Specialist eradication of woodworm, wet rot, and dry rot fungus in structural timbers. Protecting your property's framework.
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BS8102 compliant tanking systems for basements, cellars, and below-ground structures. Cellar conversions and flood protection.
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Energy efficiency improvements including internal wall insulation, floor insulation, loft insulation and thermal plasterboard.
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Weatherproof wall coatings, silicone rendering, and exterior wall insulation to protect properties from the elements.
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Advanced ventilation systems (PIV units), mould removal, and anti-condensation solutions for healthier, drier homes.
Learn MoreYour home is likely your biggest investment, but more importantly, it's where you live. Issues like damp, mould, and rot don't just damage the building—they can affect your health and comfort. We are here to help you understand these problems and provide lasting solutions.
The Hidden Dangers of Condensation & Mould
We all want a warm, dry home. But condensation and black mould are more than just unsightly—they are often signs of poor ventilation that can lead to respiratory issues and allergies. If you’re noticing streaming windows, musty smells, or damp patches, it’s not just about the building; it’s about your living environment. We install advanced ventilation systems (PIV) and thermal insulation to banish mould for good, making your home healthy again.
Rising Damp & Structural Timber Decay
For many homeowners, the first sign of trouble is peeling wallpaper or a crumbling skirting board. Ignoring these signs can lead to dry rot—a fungus that can spread aggressively through timber, threatening the structural integrity of your property. Damp proofing and timber treatment aren't just repairs; they are essential preservation works to protect the value and safety of your home. Our experts identify the root cause and stop it in its tracks.
Structural Waterproofing & Tanking
Basements and cellars are often dark, damp, wasted spaces. But with professional waterproofing (tanking), they can become valuable extra living space—dry, warm, and habitable. Whether you need to prevent flooding or want to convert a cellar, correct waterproofing is critical. We design BS8102 compliant systems that give you peace of mind, ensuring your below-ground space remains dry even against high water tables.
Insulation & Exterior Protection
A damp wall is a cold wall. Heat escapes much faster through damp masonry, driving up your energy bills and making rooms feel chilly. By combining penetrating damp treatments (like exterior thermal coatings) with internal wall insulation, we tackle the problem from both sides. We help you create a thermal envelope that keeps heat in and weather out, improving your home's energy rating and your personal comfort.
Since 2012, we have built our reputation on honest advice, quality workmanship, and treating every property as if it were our own. We are thorough, reliable, and we stand behind our work.
Quick links to our most requested treatments and services. Click any service below for detailed information, pricing guidance, and how to book.
Damp Proofing
Rising Damp Treatment
Damp Proofing
Penetrating Damp
Damp Proofing
DPC Injection
Damp Proofing
Damp Proofing Plaster
Timber Treatment
Woodworm Treatment
Timber Treatment
Dry Rot Treatment
Timber Treatment
Wet Rot Treatment
Waterproofing
Basement Waterproofing
Waterproofing
Cellar Tanking
Waterproofing
Tanking Membranes
Condensation
Black Mould Removal
Condensation
PIV Ventilation Units
Insulation
Loft Insulation
Exterior
Exterior Wall Coatings
Exterior
Silicone Rendering
Other
Timber Joist Repairs
Real reviews from homeowners across Suffolk, Norfolk, and Essex. We are proud of our reputation for honest advice and quality workmanship.
Absolutely brilliant service from start to finish. We had rising damp in our Victorian terrace and KDS came out within days. The team were professional, clean, and explained everything clearly. The replastering looks fantastic and we've had no issues since. Highly recommend to anyone in Suffolk.
Sarah Mitchell
Had a serious dry rot problem in our floor joists that another company missed completely. KDS identified it straight away during their inspection, explained the full extent of the damage, and carried out all the timber treatment and joist repairs. Really impressed with their knowledge and honesty.
David Thompson
We've been struggling with black mould in our bedroom for years and tried everything. KDS installed a PIV unit and treated the affected walls. Within weeks the mould was gone and the air quality in our home is so much better. Wish we'd called them sooner. Excellent value for money.
Karen Edwards
KDS tanked our cellar as part of a basement conversion project. The work was done to a very high standard and completely watertight. The team were punctual every day and kept the site tidy. We now have a fantastic extra room that's bone dry. Couldn't be happier with the result.
James Clarke
After getting quotes from three different companies, we chose KDS for our exterior wall coating. Best decision we made. The house looks brand new and we've noticed a real difference in how warm the rooms are. The price was fair and the workmanship was top quality. Would use again without hesitation.
Linda Barker
Fantastic job on the damp proofing in our cottage in Bury St Edmunds. The team understood the challenges of working with an older property and took real care. Communication throughout was excellent — always knew what was happening and when. Five stars well deserved.
Mark Reynolds
Called KDS about woodworm in our loft timbers. They came out promptly, carried out a thorough inspection, and treated the whole roof space. Very professional outfit — the lads were polite, wore shoe covers, and cleaned up after themselves. Great experience all round.
Emma Watts
We had penetrating damp coming through the gable end wall. KDS applied an exterior coating and re-rendered the worst section. The damp patches inside have completely dried out. Really pleased with how it all looks. Solid, reliable company.
Robert Haynes
Good service overall. Had floor insulation installed under our suspended timber floor. The house is definitely warmer and we've noticed a drop in our heating bills already. The team were friendly and efficient. Would recommend KDS for insulation work.
Helen Foster
Not sure what is causing your damp problem? Our plain-English guides explain common issues, what to look for, and when to call in a professional.
A complete guide to identifying and treating rising damp in UK homes. Learn the causes, symptoms, and professional solutions.
Read GuideEverything you need to know about basement waterproofing, tanking systems, and converting below-ground spaces.
Read GuideSpot the signs of dry rot early and understand why professional treatment is essential to protect your timbers.
Read GuidePractical advice on diagnosing the type of damp affecting your walls and the most effective treatments available.
Read GuideStep-by-step explanation of cellar damp proofing methods, from tanking membranes to cementitious coatings.
Read GuideUnderstanding why rising damp occurs and the proven methods used to stop it permanently.
Read GuideNew government legislation requires landlords to address damp and mould within strict timeframes. Whether you are a social housing provider or a private landlord, understanding your obligations is critical. We can help you respond quickly and effectively.
Understand your legal duties under the new regulations.
Read MoreHow the legislation affects you and your rental properties.
Read MoreFast-response damp and mould remediation to help you meet your legal obligations. We work with housing providers and landlords across East Anglia.
We provide damp proofing, timber treatment, and property preservation services across Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, and Cambridgeshire. Click your county or nearest town to learn more.
KDS Property Preservation is based in Ipswich and carries out damp proofing, timber treatment, and waterproofing work throughout Suffolk and the surrounding area. We are familiar with the housing stock across the county — from the Victorian terraces of the California district and the Edwardian semis along Norwich Road and Woodbridge Road in Ipswich, to the centuries-old timber-framed cottages in villages such as Lavenham, Kersey, and Long Melford.
Older Suffolk properties present particular challenges. The county's historic building stock — much of it constructed before modern damp proof courses were standard — suffers from rising damp, penetrating damp, and timber decay at a higher rate than newer builds. Coastal locations such as Felixstowe, Aldeburgh, and Southwold add wind-driven rain to the equation, accelerating deterioration of external render and pointing. Our team understands the materials and methods appropriate for these properties and works to preserve them properly.
We regularly carry out work in Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds, Woodbridge, Stowmarket, Hadleigh, Needham Market, Sudbury, Eye, Framlingham, Saxmundham, Kesgrave, Martlesham, Capel St Mary, and the surrounding villages. If you are unsure whether we cover your area, call us on 01473 561 031 — we almost certainly do.
One of the most common calls we receive in Ipswich is from homeowners who have noticed a damp patch or a musty smell in a ground-floor room — often a front reception room or a hallway that backs onto an external wall. These are classic indicators of rising damp, and they are particularly common in the Victorian and Edwardian terraces that make up a large proportion of Ipswich's housing stock.
Across rural Suffolk, the picture is different. Timber-framed farmhouses, thatched cottages, and converted agricultural buildings bring their own set of moisture challenges — wet rot in exposed structural timbers, woodworm in joinery, and penetrating damp through failed lime render. We have extensive experience with these property types and carry out all treatment using appropriate, breathable materials that do not damage historic fabric.
Whether your property is a modern semi in Kesgrave, a Georgian townhouse in Bury St Edmunds, or a sixteenth-century farmhouse near Framlingham, we will give you an honest assessment, a clear explanation of the problem, and a fixed-price quote. No pressure, no unnecessary work.
KDS Property Preservation covers Colchester and the surrounding north Essex towns, including Braintree, Halstead, Witham, and the Colne Valley. Colchester is one of Britain's oldest recorded towns, and many of its properties reflect that history. The Dutch Quarter, the streets around the castle, and the older residential areas close to the town centre contain buildings dating back several centuries — properties that present the full range of damp and timber problems that age brings.
Roman-era and medieval buildings require particular care. Lime-based mortar and render should never be replaced with modern cement, and rising damp treatments must suit solid-wall construction rather than cavity-wall systems. Our team understands the difference and works accordingly.
In newer parts of Colchester — the suburban estates around Mile End, Shrub End, and Stanway — the problems are different but equally common: failed cavity trays allowing penetrating damp, cold bridging leading to condensation and mould growth, and inadequate subfloor ventilation in older semi-detached properties causing timber decay. We carry out free inspections across the Colchester area and provide fixed-price quotations with no obligation.
Whether you are in Colchester town centre, the surrounding villages, or further into north Essex, call us on 01473 561 031 to arrange a visit.
South Norfolk generates a consistent volume of enquiries for our team. The Norfolk–Suffolk border villages — Bressingham, Burston, Scole, Brome, and Roydon — are largely made up of older agricultural properties: flint and brick cottages, former farmhouses, and converted barns that require a specialist approach rather than a generalist builder. Diss is our main town base for south Norfolk work, and we cover the surrounding villages within a wide radius.
Thetford and the Breckland district also generate regular enquiries — particularly for rising damp in older terraced properties in the town centre, and for woodworm and dry rot in timber-framed rural buildings across the district. Attleborough, Wymondham, and Long Stratton are further towns we visit regularly for damp inspections, timber treatment, and structural waterproofing work. If your south Norfolk property has a damp or timber problem, we will come to you — call 01473 561 031 to arrange a free, no-obligation inspection.
Practical advice and expert insights on damp proofing, timber treatment, and property preservation from the KDS team.
Rising damp affects thousands of UK homes every year. Learn how to spot the warning signs, understand what causes it, and discover the professional treatment process.
Both types of rot can cause serious structural damage, but they require very different treatment approaches. Here is how to tell them apart and what to do about each.
Thinking about converting your basement or cellar? This guide covers everything from BS 8102 standards to tanking systems, sump pumps, and common mistakes to avoid.
Damp marks can have different causes. These answers explain what to look for and when a closer inspection may help.
Property preservation is the diagnosis and repair of problems that can affect a building’s fabric, such as moisture in walls, timber decay or water entry. The right work depends on the cause and construction, so it is sensible to investigate before choosing a treatment. KDS lists preservation services on its property preservation page; contact the company to check whether a particular issue is within scope.
A sound diagnosis considers where and when the damp appears, the condition of the wall and nearby building details, and possible sources such as leaks, rainwater entry or condensation. Moisture-meter readings can be useful evidence, but should not be treated as a diagnosis by themselves. Avoid committing to a remedy based on a single mark or reading. See what an assessment may involve on the damp inspection page.
Rising damp describes moisture moving upward through a wall from the ground, while condensation forms when humid indoor air meets a cold surface. Both can damage finishes, and a damp patch alone cannot reliably distinguish them. Look at the pattern and surrounding conditions, but get the cause assessed before choosing a treatment. Read about rising damp and condensation.
No. Damp can result from plumbing leaks, defects that let rain in, condensation or other causes, and these need different responses. Damp-proofing is not a universal remedy; applying it without establishing the source may leave the actual problem unresolved. Check for obvious leaks or defects and seek a diagnosis before planning work. KDS’s damp-proofing information describes one category of treatment.
KDS has an existing page describing mould removal. Visible mould can be associated with condensation, leaks or other moisture sources, so removing the marks alone may not address why they formed. If mould is recurring, note where it appears and any related changes in the room, then contact KDS to confirm whether it can assess your particular problem and what information is needed.
Treatment depends on identifying the problem and checking whether the damage is active and how much the timber has been affected. Old insect exit holes do not by themselves prove a current infestation, while decay needs the moisture source addressed as well as any necessary timber repairs. Avoid treating timber based on appearance alone. See KDS’s timber treatment information and ask whether your specific issue can be assessed.
Often, but the suitable repair depends on how extensive the decay is, whether the timber still provides adequate support and what has caused the damage. The moisture source should be dealt with, and unsafe floors should not be loaded or disturbed unnecessarily. KDS lists timber joist repairs and suspended-floor work; contact the company to confirm suitability for your floor.
Coverage can vary by location and type of work. Review existing area pages such as Ipswich or Bury St Edmunds, then use the contact page to confirm whether your town or postcode is covered for the service you need. A nearby listed town does not necessarily confirm coverage for every surrounding area, so it is best to check before arranging a visit.
KDS Property Preservation provides professional damp proofing, waterproofing, timber treatment and property preservation services across East Anglia. We cover Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire and parts of London East.
