Frequently Asked Questions

Name: Midland Preservation Ltd
Address: 10 Arnot Hill Road, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG5 6LJ, United Kingdom
Telephone: 01159464484

Damp Proofing

How long does damp proofing treatment take?

Most rising damp treatments (such as installing a new chemical damp proof course and replastering with salt resistant plaster), take between two and five days depending on the size of the affected area.

Penetrating damp repairs are often quicker, since the work usually involves fixing a specific defect such as a damaged gutter or cracked render rather than treating an entire wall.
How much does damp proofing cost in Nottingham?

The cost depends on the type of damp, the size of the affected area and the treatment required, which is why we always start with a free, no obligation survey and a fixed price quotation rather than a generic estimate.

How do I tell if woodworm holes are old or active?

Fresh exit holes tend to show pale, clean coloured wood inside, and you'll often find fine powdery frass on or beneath the timber nearby, whereas old holes look darker and are usually free of any surrounding dust.
Is woodworm treatment safe for pets and children?

Our treatments use low odour, environmentally responsible insecticides, and most treated areas can be safely re-entered within eight hours. We'll talk you through any specific precautions for your household before work begins.
Do I need to move out during woodworm treatment?

No, you can normally stay in the property throughout. Treatment is generally confined to specific areas such as a loft space or a section of flooring, and we'll let you know in advance which rooms will be temporarily out of use.

What's the difference between wet rot and dry rot?

Wet rot generally stays confined to timber that is actively damp and stops spreading once the moisture source is removed, whilst dry rot can spread through brickwork and plaster to affect timber well away from the original outbreak. Dry rot is considered far more serious for this reason, and needs a different, more thorough treatment approach.
Can dry rot spread through brick walls?

Yes, dry rot's fungal strands (known as mycelium) can grow across and through masonry and plaster in search of moisture and nutrients, which is how it can appear in timber some distance from where the original problem started. This is exactly why an accurate survey needs to check the surrounding structure, not just the affected timber itself.
Do I need to replace all the affected timber?

Not always with wet rot, where the timber can sometimes be treated in place once the moisture source is dealt with, but active dry rot usually requires removing and replacing the affected sections along with a margin of surrounding timber. Our written report will set out exactly what's needed for your specific case.

How much does a cellar conversion cost in Nottingham?

The cost depends on the size of the cellar, the tanking system required and how the finished space will be used, which is why we always start with a free, no obligation survey and a fixed price quotation.
How long does cellar tanking take to install?

A ventilated membrane system is generally quicker to install than a multi coat render system, since it doesn't require sand blasting the brickwork first, though timescales vary depending on the size of the cellar. We'll give you an accurate timeframe as part of your fixed price quotation.
Do I need planning permission for a cellar conversion?

Most cellar conversions fall under permitted development and don't require planning permission, though this can depend on the intended use and whether the property is listed. We'd always recommend checking with Nottingham City Council or your local authority before work begins if you're unsure.

How do I know if it's condensation or rising damp?

Condensation typically appears around windows and in corners and behind furniture, whilst rising damp shows as tide marks low down on internal walls, generally no higher than about a metre from the floor.
Will an extractor fan get rid of my condensation problem?

An extractor fan can help significantly, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms where moisture levels are highest, but it rarely solves the problem entirely on its own.
Is black mould dangerous to my health?

Mould can produce allergens and irritants that cause reactions such as a runny nose, sneezing or skin irritation, and it can aggravate existing conditions like asthma. It's not something to leave untreated, and it's always worth removing mould using proper fungicide treatments rather than simply wiping it away.

Am I legally required to fix damp or mould in a rental property?

Yes, under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, private landlords must keep rented properties free from serious hazards including damp and mould, and this applies now, separately from Awaab's Law.
Does Awaab's Law apply to private landlords yet?

No, not yet. It currently applies only to social housing, and while the government has confirmed its intention to extend it to the private rented sector through the Renters' Rights Act, no date has been set.
Am I responsible for mould caused by tenant condensation?

It depends on the underlying cause, and this is exactly why a proper survey matters rather than assuming tenant behaviour is to blame. Poor insulation or inadequate ventilation are very often contributing factors that sit within a landlord's responsibility, and our survey will identify which factors are actually at play.
How quickly can you survey a rental property?

We aim to arrange surveys promptly and can work around tenant availability, since we understand delays reflect poorly on both landlords and letting agents. Call us to discuss timescales for your specific property.
Do you work with letting agents managing multiple properties?

Yes, we regularly work with letting agents and landlords managing portfolios across Nottingham and the East Midlands, providing one consistent point of contact rather than a different contractor for every property.