Learn More About Us - Property Care Association

About the Property Care Association (PCA)

The Property Care Association (PCA) is the leading representative organisation for the UK’s building protection industry. Our skilled and audited membership operates across domestic, commercial and civil sectors in the structural repair, structural waterproofing, timber preservation, damp protection, flood remediation and invasive weed control industries.

Focused on the complete building envelope, our members expertise helps protect the integrity and comfort of buildings and homes in both new build and refurbishment projects, guarding against problems such as moisture damage, damp, mould and decay.

Our members also deliver cutting edge techniques to protect commercial and civil structures against water penetration and ground gases, as well using the latest scientific methods to tackle invasive weeds, including Japanese knotweed, across all urban, rural and watercourse environments.

We promote excellence by:

Ensuring that members adhere to strict criteria, including that they are working to the latest guidance and best practice and have qualified staff
Ongoing bi-ennial audits of contractor and independent surveyor companies, ensuring all aspects of their business operate to the highest standards. This involves checking company systems and procedures, health and safety practices and staff development and training programmes
Supporting opportunities for Continuing Professional Development to ensure the maintenance and development of knowledge and skills.

Our History

Established in 1930, the British Wood Preserving Association (BWPA) was the founding body for the industry with the key aim to ‘spread knowledge of wood preservation with a view to prevent wastage of timber and to standardise specifications for wood preservatives and their application; to investigate all possible methods of wood preservation; and to afford members opportunities for the interchange of ideas regarding improvements in wood preservation’ (extract from the BWPA inaugural meeting).

In 1977, the British Chemical Dampcourse Association (BCDA) was formed and in 1989, the two Associations merged to form the British Wood Preserving and Damp Proofing Association (BWPDA). Members of the BWPDA were instrumental in the formation of Guarantee Protection Trust in 1982, to offer insurance-backed guarantees to customers, which became Guarantee Protection Insurance on achieving FSA approval in 2002.

In 2003, two divisions were created; the Property Care Association and the Wood Protection Association. In 2006, members of the BWPDA voted for the separation of the PCA and WPA. Shortly after that they became individual Trade Associations in their own right.

Today, the PCA continues to be the leading membership body for specialist sectors in the built environment. We help homeowners to access quality contractors, raise standards within the industry by offering training and development, and work with government and other stakeholders to ensure the right environment exists to provide a safe, healthy built and natural environment.