Diamond drilling is a non-percussive method used to form precise holes through masonry and reinforced concrete. The process utilises cylindrical core bits fitted with segments containing industrial diamonds bonded within a metal matrix, allowing accurate and efficient cutting.
At Castle & Pryor, we provide a complete diamond drilling service using this advanced technology to create holes expertly and efficiently, with minimal noise, vibration, and disruption.

Castle & Pryor use diamond tipped cores as these provide a very hard and long life cutting surface capable of cutting through concrete and other materials with precision and efficiency.

Diamond Drilling cuts through non-reinforced and reinforced concrete, masonry and many purely steel/metal materials with no vibration and minimal noise. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Castle & Pryor’s qualified experts provide high-quality diamond drilling solutions to meet all your drilling needs.

Castle & Pryor can diamond drill holes between 6mm - 1.2m in diameter.

Conventional Drilling
Conventional drilling relies on a hammer (rotary percussion) action to form holes. This method is restrictive, as it cannot penetrate reinforcement bars widely found within concrete, often requiring multiple holes to fully penetrate a structure. The hammer action can also cause damage at the exit point, where the drill bit may burst through the material. Additionally, conventional rotary percussion drilling generates high levels of noise and vibration, which can have a detrimental effect on operators and nearby workers.

Diamond Drilling by Castle & Pryor
Diamond drilling is a non-percussive method, eliminating the issues associated with noise and vibration. It is capable of penetrating reinforcement within concrete, allowing holes to be formed accurately and in a single operation. Water is used to cool the drilling head and flush away waste material, preventing dust generation. As a result, holes can be formed quickly, precisely, and with minimal disruption.

Castle & Pryor are members of the Diamond Drilling and Sawing Association because it promotes high industry standards and provides guidance for safe, professional practices. Our membership reflects our commitment to safety, ongoing professional development, and quality training—100% of our drillers hold NVQ Level 2 qualifications meeting key membership requirements.

Rock drilling is a percussive technique that utilises pneumatic or hydraulic systems to power the drill and operates on a hammer-action principle. It is typically used where a large number of holes are required but high accuracy is not critical. Rock drilling generates significant levels of noise and vibration and cannot penetrate reinforcement commonly found within concrete structures.

Diamond drilling is primarily electrically powered, although pneumatic and hydraulic systems can be adopted for certain scenarios. It is a non-percussive technique that allows holes to be formed accurately with minimal noise and vibration. Diamond drilling can penetrate reinforcement, enabling holes to be positioned precisely and with a high degree of accuracy.

Castle & Pryor’s experienced and skilled operatives provide both rock drilling and diamond drilling services, allowing us to select the most suitable method to meet the specific requirements of your project.

Diamond Drilling can be carried out in confined or vertical spaces, as the equipment can be broken down into smaller component parts and assembled directly at the work location. Diamond drilling is a highly versatile technique, and at Castle & Pryor we are able to form holes vertically, horizontally, at an angle, or inverted, depending on your specific needs.

Concrete cutting is when concrete is cut precisely and accurately with a diamond tipped blade. Castle & Pryor cut concrete and masonry using Floor Sawing, Track Sawing and Wire Sawing techniques.

Castle and Pryor use saws fitted with diamond blades or diamond wire. We offer various sizes of floor saws, track saws which can be mounted on the floor or wall and wire saws. These are all used for cutting through masonry walls, reinforced concrete floors, walls, foundations, piles and structures.

Castle & Pryors Track saws can cut to a depth of 750mm and our Floor Saws to 620mm. There is no limit to the depth that can be achieved with our Wire Saws.

Yes, Castle & Pryor can cut through reinforced concrete with our Floor, Wall and Wire saws. We can also form holes through reinforced concrete using Diamond Drilling techniques.

Breaking can be an effective method for removing concrete and masonry; however, it does have its limitations. The process can be highly disruptive, generating significant levels of noise, vibration, and dust, which can impact day-to-day activities. As this method is quite forceful and invasive, if appropriate precautions are not taken, may cause damage to adjoining structures or nearby infrastructure.

Diamond sawing or drilling can be used as an alternative to cut structures into manageable sections, which can then be safely lifted and removed. This approach produces minimal noise and no vibration, helping to avoid disruption to normal operations. It is a non-intrusive method, making it ideal for use in sensitive environments or when working close to existing services and infrastructure that must remain undamaged.

When Castle & Pryor are breaking out, they often drill or saw the concrete to isolate the area to be removed provides a clean and neat division between the demolition area and the remaining structure. This approach also helps prevent damage to any remaining areas or structural elements.

At Castle & Pryor, we utilise a range of advanced cutting techniques to remove concrete and masonry structures efficiently, safely, and with minimal disruption.

Wet Cutting
Wet cutting involves the introduction of water to the cutting surface to cool the diamond segments and remove waste material produced during the cutting or drilling process. The resulting slurry can be collected using wet vacuum units and disposed of into suitable containers. Castle & Pryor typically use wet cutting when drilling or cutting mass or reinforced concrete.

Dry Cutting
Dry cutting or drilling is primarily used when cutting or drilling masonry. Dust generated during the process is controlled and collected using dry vacuum units.

Castle & Pryor can from holes in concrete or masonry using diamond drilling techniques in both external and internal environments without any complications.

Concrete can be cut internally using diesel-powered saws where suitable ventilation is available and sufficient access is provided for the machinery. Where these conditions cannot be met, 3-phase electrically powered equipment can be used as an alternative. If access to the cutting location is restricted, a track-mounted saw can be utilised; this equipment can be broken down into component parts and assembled at the work location.

Castle & Pryor use the above equipment to ensure manual breaking time is reduced or eliminated by cutting the structure into sections for lifting away. The use of remote-controlled equipment further reduces manual handling and keeps the operator away from the cutting area and potential danger zone.

Castle & Pryor adopt alternative methods of removing concrete, such as cutting into sections or drilling and bursting, which offer improvements over hand breaking, as they are quicker and more efficient methods of working. For the same level of labour, significantly more work can be completed compared with traditional hand breaking. As fewer resources are required and less time is taken, these methods also offer a savings in costs.

A trench is a narrow excavation, typically formed in straight lines, formed to accommodate new services such as drainage, gas, water, or high-voltage (HV) cables. An excavation involves the removal of ground material to create a void for structures such as foundations, manholes, sub-service chambers, or basements.
Castle & Pryor can form trenches within floors to install new services or to divert existing services, including HV power, drainage, data cabling, and air-conditioning systems. Using our fleet of electrically powered machinery, we are able to carry out trenching and excavation works within buildings and other sensitive environments, providing a completely fume-free solution.

A chase is a narrow slot or cavity formed in walls, floors, or ceilings to accommodate services such as electrical, data, fire, and alarm cabling. Chases are created by cutting parallel lines along the required route and removing the material between them using mechanical breakers.
Castle & Pryor provide a comprehensive chase-forming service, incorporating effective dust control measures to ensure a clean and safe working environment.

Chases allow services to be concealed within the structure, providing a cleaner aesthetic and improving overall space efficiency. Installing services within a chase also protects them from potential damage that could occur if they were left exposed when surface mounted.
Castle & Pryor provide a comprehensive chase-forming service, incorporating effective dust control measures to ensure a clean and safe working environment.

Chases can be formed in reinforced concrete or masonry walls, both vertically and horizontally, typically to accommodate electrical conduit. They can also be formed within floors, including sand and cement screeds or reinforced concrete, to accept electrical trunking and floor boxes.
Castle & Pryor provide a comprehensive chase-forming service, incorporating effective dust control measures to ensure a clean and safe working environment.

The equipment used to form chases depends on the surface and material in which the chase is being created. When forming chases in reinforced concrete or masonry walls, a hand-held angle grinder fitted with a diamond blade is typically used to cut the outer perimeter of the chase. The grinder is connected to a dry vacuum unit to capture and control dust at source. The material within the cut lines is then removed using mechanical hand-held breakers.
When forming chases in floors, a small floor saw may be used to create the required cuts. In reinforced concrete floors, additional internal cuts are sometimes introduced to assist the breaking-out process and reduce stress on the surrounding structure. Water is used to suppress dust during the sawing process, with slurry and residue subsequently collected using wet vacuum units.
Castle & Pryor provide a comprehensive chase-forming service, incorporating effective dust and water control measures to ensure a clean and safe working environment.

Chases can be formed during or after the construction process.
Castle and Pryor offer this as part of their shop fit out service.

Castle & Pryor achieve this by cutting the concrete to form the trench using an electrically powered saw. Dust generated during sawing will be suppressed by introducing water at the cutting point. The wastewater generated can then be collected using wet vacuum units and disposed of at a designated location. The trench can be cut into sections to allow the concrete to be lifted out and disposed of appropriately.
Castle & Pryor's alternative solution is to break out the concrete using electrically powered equipment. Dust generated during the breaking process can be suppressed by introducing water either manually or via the water-suppression facility attached to the breaker.
For further control, the work area can be contained by segmentation and segregation within a large enclosure to prevent dust or foreign particles from entering the facility. Castle & Pryor can install dust-filtering systems within the enclosure to further control airborne dust.

Joint Sealing involves the application of sealant material to joints which allows the concrete or asphalt to move through natural expansion and contraction heat cycles while maintaining a seal. This prevents water and contaminate ingress into the joint and slab sub-base. Castle & Pryor offer a complete Joint Sealing service throughout the UK.

• It provides a seal or barrier preventing water and other contaminants from entering the joint itself and reacting with the reinforcement and ultimately effecting the integrity of the slab.
• It prevents water and/or contaminates travelling through the joint and into the water course.
• Prevents water ingress to the underside of the slab which can cause the sub base to be eroded, undermining the slab and causing slab cracking / failure.
• It prolongs the life of new or existing joints and slabs and reduces maintenance costs.
• Prevents the build-up of dirt and debris in joints and preventing FOD (foreign object debris) in aviation environments.

Castle & Pryor have over 30 years experience in the industry and are members of the Extruded Sealant Association.

• It is good practice that all new joints (contraction, isolation, expansion, induction, control joints) should be sealed at the earliest opportunity to protect from water and contaminates entering the joint.
• Existing joints should be checked periodically as part of a maintenance schedule to ensure are fit for purpose, and if failed, should be repaired. Castle and Pryor can provide a full rake out and re-seal service to protect your assets for years to come.

Generally, joints should be sealed as soon as possible and not left open. In new concrete, this will depend on the water content of the concrete mix, but typically two weeks after laying. Existing joints, if failed, should be repaired at the earliest opportunity. Contact Castle & Pryor for all your joint sealing requirements.

Hot-applied sealants are materials that are heated and agitated to ensure all components are thoroughly mixed before being dispensed into the joint via a heated lance. These materials are typically bitumen-based and offer medium cure times. Bitumen-based sealants are generally a more cost-effective solution and can be applied in both concrete and asphalt surfaces

Cold-applied sealants are typically used where performance requirements exceed those of bitumen-based materials, such as where fuel resistance is required or where a specific rapid cure time is needed. These sealants are usually polysulfide- or polyurethane-based and are generally more expensive than bitumen-based alternatives. Most cold pour sealants can only be applied in concrete surfaces.

Castle & Pryor offer cold and hot joint sealing services.

The lifespan of applied sealant depends on multiple variables. This can range from the joint type, the joints designed movement, location, traffic, material, temperature ranges sealant is exposed to etc.
Castle & Pryor can answer any questions you may have on this.

Proper preparation of the joint prior to sealant application is paramount to achieving a successful and durable installation. The joint must be clean and dry, and the ambient temperature should be a minimum of 5°C and rising at the time of application.

Castle & Pryor provide a comprehensive joint-sealing service using both hot and cold-pour materials. Working alongside our floor sawing and AGL installation services, we are able to form chases, widen existing chases, and seal them, delivering a complete end-to-end solution.

Robotic Demolition is a method of controlled demolition using robotic machinery. These machines are controlled remotely so there is no exposure to Hand Arm Vibration (HAV) for the operator and places them away from any danger areas. Castle & Pryor have been operating these robots for over 30 years and can help you on your next project.

Castle and Pryor’s robotic demolition machinery are electrically powered which provides fume free operation and allows safe use internally well within a buildings footprint. Moreover, the robots are remote controlled meaning there is no exposure to HAV for the Operator. This also allows the Operator to be removed from any danger zones or environments where the machine may be operating. These machines are compact but very powerful and efficient, as well as out performing larger conventionally powered machinery

Castle and Pryor have a full range of robots, weighing 560kg to 2100kg. These can come with various attachments from breaker to crunchers, grapples to rock drills, buckets to scabbling heads. This makes them very versatile machines capable of tackling multiple tasks effectively, efficiently and safely.

Environments where point loading, noise, access & toxic fumes are an issue. They can be used in confined spaces and can pass through standard doorways, and even climb the stairs. Castle & Pryor’s expert operatives can bring the demolition robot to site and complete the work for you. Get in touch for a quote.

Castle & Pryor can use a demolition robot to break through typical construction materials such as reinforced concrete and masonry.

Demolition robots are compact yet highly powerful machines designed for the efficient removal of concrete and masonry. Their small size allows them to access confined or hard-to-reach areas where traditional demolition equipment cannot operate. Despite their compact footprint, they deliver significant breaking force, making them highly effective for precision demolition tasks. Additionally, they are remote controlled, improving safety by allowing Castle & Pryor operators to work at a safe distance from dust, vibration, and debris.

Demolition robots are available in a range of sizes to suit different project requirements. The larger models are capable of reaching up to 7.0 metres both vertically and horizontally, allowing them to tackle extensive demolition tasks in hard-to-access areas while maintaining precision and efficiency.

Castle & Pryor can supply and operate the full range of demolition robots. Combined with our comprehensive cutting and drilling services, we are able to meet all selective demolition requirements, providing a complete and efficient solution for any project.

Any methods that reduce noise and vibration would be well suited to these environments. Castle & Pryor use techniques such as cutting the structure into sections and lifting them away, or minimising break-out through drilling and bursting.

Castle & Pryor avoid damage to adjacent structures by introducing a demolition break point, formed by cutting around the perimeter of the breakout area. This prevents the breaking process from extending beyond the cut line potentially causing damage to adjoining structures.

Vac-Ex is a non-intrusive method of excavation that uses compressed air to loosen up the ground, followed by suction to remove the loose material, often referred to as non-destructive digging (NDD). Castle & Pryor has the resources to be able to provide the full service.

A Vac-Ex machine can generate a powerful stream of air with a Castle & Pryor operator controlling the intake nozzle, providing full control of the excavation while they remain at a safe distance. This method significantly reduces spoil and dust because all of the extracted material is sucked directly into sealed collection chambers on the machine.

Common on projects near utilities, in confined spaces and high-risk areas. Vac-Ex provides safe & efficient excavation where services are known to be present. Castle & Pryor offer a full range services needed by the utility sector.

Vac-Ex reduces the chance of a service strike by 100%. As it is a non -intrusive method of excavation it will safely uncover hidden services. Let Castle & Pryor remove the risk by uncovering hidden services and avoiding damage and consequent delays.

Before any excavation or trenching works begin, investigation should be undertaken to establish whether there are existing services within the work zone. This can be achieved by reviewing up-to-date service drawings that indicate the location of any known services and should be supported by a survey using a CAT and Genny.
An alternative and safer option is to use vacuum excavation, which is a non-invasive technique that utilises powerful vacuum equipment to remove material without causing damage to any existing services that may be present.
At Castle & Pryor, we can provide a full vacuum excavation service, including compact yet powerful units capable of accessing restricted areas or operating where ground pressure limitations or rough terrain are a concern.

Hydro and air excavation use the same basic process but differ in the media used to break up soil or soft substrate. Hydro excavation employs a high-pressure jet of water, while air excavation uses a high-pressure jet of air. Once the material has been loosened or softened, it is removed using a powerful vacuum system, allowing precise and efficient excavation with minimal disruption to surrounding areas. Castle & Pryor offer Air Excavation as one of their many services.

Using our compact yet powerful Air Vac Mobile Tracked Vacuum Excavators, Castle & Pryor can work in areas with limited access and restricted operating space. When paired with one of our robotic demolition machines, we can safely operate in confined locations while keeping operators away from excavation edges, enhancing both efficiency and safety.

Vacuum excavation can be used on almost all soil types, but the technique selected depends on the nature of the ground. Harder soils, such as clay or frozen ground, are generally better suited to hydro excavation, and in some cases heated water may be used to improve the effectiveness of the process. When encountering rock or large stones, careful consideration must be given to the potential for these materials to become lodged within the vacuum system, as this can affect performance and efficiency. Castle & Pryor offer a professional and knowledgeable Vac-Ex service.

Helping to ensure the reliability and strength of fixings or anchors within masonry and concrete, Pull Testing is an essential safety requirement. Castle & Pryor operatives have been offering our Pull Testing for over 30 years.

After installation and to meet build regulations and specifications, fixings and/or anchors will often require inspection and testing by an approved independent contractor. All our operatives are Construction Fixing Association (CFA) approved professionals.

Resin Anchors, Mechanical Anchors, Cladding systems, Dowel bar or reinforcement installation, Suspended ceiling systems, Eye Bolts, Scaffold Ties, Hand or Foot Support Brackets, Sign Brackets, Hand Rails and Access Ladders. Castle and Pryor has the capability and experience to be able to provide results to all types of fixings and anchor systems.

Airfield ground lighting (AGL) ensures optimal visibility and safety for airfields across the UK. Whether it be on a runway, taxi-way or apron, Castle & Pryor have the capability and experience to successfully install AGL’s.

Airfield ground lighting ensures optimal visibility and safety for airfields across the UK and the World. Castle & Pryor can install AGL’s on both civilian and military airfields which guide aircraft during takeoff, landing and when taxiing to stands and hangers.

Main components to an AGL system are lamp units, seating pots, primary and secondary cabling and control units.

Castle & Pryor’s 4000psi (275 bar) petrol pressure washer, powered by a 420cc 4-stroke engine, is suitable for industrial sized cleaning tasks. Complete with the large Whirlaway head inc three rapidly-spinning jets achieve a deep, non- streak finish.

Industrial Pressure Washers are much more powerful than residential pressure washers and can handle tougher jobs. They’re commonly used in industrial environments to clean industrial equipment or highly trafficked areas which have become unsafe or aesthetically non pleasing. Castle and Pryor offer industrial cleaning as one of their many services.

Cutting with diamond-tipped tools (core bits, blades, wire) creates dust. When Castle & Pryor are cutting hard materials such as concrete or engineering brick, it is typically controlled by introducing water at the cutting point. This not only suppresses dust but also cools the core, blade, or wire, as significant heat is generated during cutting. The resulting slurry can then be collected using wet vacuum units and disposed of at a designated location.

When cutting softer materials, dust can be controlled by using a dust vacuum unit attached directly to the drill or saw.

When Castle & Pryor are working in confined or poorly ventilated spaces, the use of fume-generating equipment should ideally be avoided. This can be achieved by using electrically powered equipment which is just as powerful as traditional equipment run with combustion engines. Advances in battery life allow for full-shift working without the need for recharging.

Castle & Pryor avoid the noise and vibration generated by traditional breaking methods by using alternative techniques. Concrete can be cut into manageable sections, which can then be lifted and removed. This method generates no vibration and significantly reduces noise.

Alternatively, Castle & Pryor weaken concrete using a bursting method. This involves drilling a series of holes into the concrete; the size and pattern of the holes are determined by the material type, its depth, and the type of burster being used. Once the holes are formed, a bursting head is inserted and hydraulic pressure is applied, causing the concrete to crack. Only a small amount of breaking is then required to reduce the concrete into manageable sections.

Castle & Pryor use electrically powered equipment, such as 360-degree excavators to dig out and form excavations, and electrically powered wheelbarrows or dumpers to remove excavated material, which significantly reduce the noise normally generated during excavation works.

Castle & Pryor have seen significant improvements in labour saving, manual handling, and overall efficiency within the construction industry and our field of work. Robotic controlled machines can now be used to break out concrete and masonry and to remove construction materials safely and efficiently. These machines are small and compact yet extremely powerful, eliminating much of the labour-intensive hand breaking traditionally required.
Additionally, Castle & Pryor use modern electrically powered equipment such as 360-degree excavators and walk-behind wheelbarrows or dumpers which can be used internally as are fume free, greatly reduce manual handling risks while improving efficiency and saving time.

Much of the tools and equipment Castle & Pryor use are autonomous and, once set up, can be operated remotely. Where lifting is required, a range of lifting aids and devices can be used to reduce manual handling exposure and minimise operator fatigue.

Traditionally, removing construction material has been labour-intensive and time-consuming. Castle & Pryor use modern solutions, such as electrically powered walk-behind wheelbarrows and dumpers. These can significantly reduce manual handling and speed up the removal process.
In certain circumstances, such as working in confined spaces or basements, Castle & Pryor adopt a conveyor system which can provide an efficient and continuous method for transporting debris out of the work area. Other options, depending on site conditions, may include skip systems, chutes, or remotely operated lifting and handling equipment, all of which further reduce manual handling and improve efficiency.

To reduce hand-arm vibration (HAVs) exposure, Castle & Pryor adopt methods and techniques that minimise exposure vibration to employees. As an alternative to breaking, the concrete or masonry can be cut or drilled into manageable sections to allow safe removal.
If breaking is required, Castle & Pryor use robotic equipment, which eliminates HAV exposure for the operator. Where robotic equipment is not feasible, the concrete or masonry can be drilled and weakened through bursting, making subsequent breaking much easier.
Additionally, Castle & Pryor choose tools with high levels of HAV damping to further reduce employee exposure. Castle & Pryor’s employees are encouraged to share and/or rotate when carrying out high HAV tasks whilst their exposure is monitored with an electronic monitoring device.

Castle & Pryor use alternative techniques to reduce noise, vibration, and disruption to other staff and day-to-day activities.
One approach is to cut or drill the structure into small, manageable sections for removal. This method generates minimal noise and creates no vibration.
Where breaking is required, robotic equipment can be used, ensuring the Castle & Pryor operator is not exposed to vibration. If robotic equipment is not feasible, the concrete or masonry can be drilled and weakened through bursting, making subsequent breaking significantly easier and safer.

Long-term exposure to hand-arm vibration (HAV) can cause permanent damage to the nerves, blood vessels, and joints in the hands. Symptoms may include tingling or numbness in the fingers, reduced sensation, and a loss of strength in the hands. In some cases, the fingers may go white (blanching) and then become red and painful as blood flow returns.