Zinsser supplement - November/December 2023

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LABMONLINE.CO.UK

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

LOCAL AUTHORITY BUILDING & MAINTENANCE

ERADICATING MOULD IN SOCIAL HOUSING Page 26 | Trust Zinsser to break the mould Page 28 | Zinsser’s step-by-step guide to tackling mould

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ADVERTORIAL SUPPLEMENT

Higher levels of humidity and condensation, as well as an increase in warmth and moisture, can encourage black mould growth on internal walls and ceilings

TRUST ZINSSER TO BREAK THE MOULD Mould and mildew has become an increasing problem in residential properties across the UK, with the Regulator of Social Housing reporting that between 120,000 and 160,000 of the four million social homes in England have “notable” amounts of damp and mould. However, the extensive Zinsser range of reliable, mould-resistant paints and products is the ideal way of combatting and preventing mould growth quickly and effectively.

Causes and health risks Poor insulation and insufficient ventilation within a building often causes excess moisture and can result in the appearance of mould. This is due to higher levels of humidity and condensation, and an increase in warmth and moisture in local authority housing can encourage black mould on internal walls and ceilings. Moreover, the cost-of-living crisis has meant that many households cannot afford to heat their homes and ventilate damp areas, which can also lead to mould growth.

Despite being unsightly, mould can have serious health implications for tenants, as airborne spores can cause allergic reactions, asthma attacks, respiratory infections and even death. The seriousness of the issue was solidified earlier this year with the passing of Awaab’s Law, which requires social landlords to identify the underlying causes of mould in their properties and find long-term solutions.

Awaab’s Law is named after Awaab Ishak, a two-year old boy who died in December 2020 due to prolonged exposure to mould in his family’s home. The law stipulates that

social housing landlords must resolve damp and mould issues to strict deadlines or else rehouse tenants in safe accommodation.

Solving decorating problems With almost 175 years of quality and innovation, Zinsser’s range delivers specialist products to provide tried and tested solutions to every decorating problem, including mould and water stains, peeling surfaces and fire damage. Zinsser B-I-N is the world-renowned primer, sealer and stain-killer that provides ultimate adhesion to any surface, while B-I-N AQUA offers a groundbreaking, water-based and odour-blocking alternative to B-I-N. Zinsser also provides solutions to peeling, flaking, dusting or chalking surfaces with flexible bridging sealer Peel Stop, Bulls Eye 1-2-3 is a primer, sealer and stain-blocker that’s perfect for painting iron railings, steel doors and galvanised gutters, and WaterTite is a waterproofing paint that can be applied to dry, damp or wet surfaces in order to cure water problems immediately.

Due to the severity of mould damage in social housing, landlords trust Zinsser to

Mould can have serious health implications for tenants

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efficiently tackle mould, mildew and algae with their specialist product range of primers and paint finishes that are specifically designed to protect the dried coating against fungal degradation.

Preparing a mould-stained surface with Zinsser Mould Killer & Remover before painting will provide a long-lasting finish. The water-based formula contains a fungicide that effectively removes dark stains caused by mould, fungus and algae and is ideal for use in bathrooms, kitchens and other areas of high humidity. The Mould Killer & Remover also has a handy trigger spray for hard-to reach areas and can be used on various internal surfaces such as tiles, wood, plaster and wallpaper.

Mould-resistant interior paint PermaWhite has a unique formulation and contains a biocide that protects the dried coating against fungal degradation. The hardwearing paint provides a scrubbable finish that is specifically designed for high-humidity areas that are subject to challenging wear and tear such as bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms.

In addition, the paint film is designed to resist cracking, peeling and blistering for up to seven years before first maintenance.

One of the most widely recognised obstacles in improving letting performance in social housing is the poor condition of properties when tenancies end. This presents a challenge to landlords, as they must combine speed with quality to ensure that the properties are fit for habitation and to minimise the voids rate as quickly as possible.

Local authority and privately owned properties alike are prone to mould problems if they suffer from excess damp, moisture and humidity.

In a recent case study, we provided specialist Zinsser products to deal with the aftermath of a water leak that caused mould build-up throughout a property. A combination of Zinsser Universal Degreaser & Cleaner alongside Mould Killer & Remover was used to prepare the area, followed by a coat of B-I-N AQUA to prime the surface and two coats of PermaWhite to actively prevent mould and mildew.

From initial survey through to specification and application of coatings, we provide on-site advice, training and technical assistance, and we will physically inspect the surface you need to paint and specify the ideal products to suit the project.

The best products for the job When dealing with decorating problems such as mould prevention and removal, it is essential to find the best paints and primers for the job. Our Zinsser specification service is offered free of charge, with members of the experienced Zinsser team available to work with professionals across the industry — at every stage of their project. From initial survey through to specification and application of coatings, we provide on-site advice, training and technical assistance, and we will physically inspect the surface you need to paint and specify the ideal products to suit the project.

Mould and mildew damage successfully treated with Zinsser’s range of specialist paints and primers

Mould and mildew damage in residential properties is a prevalent and serious problem in the UK, but it can be successfully treated and prevented with specialist paints and primers. Zinsser’s range of mould-resistant products provides an efficient, long-lasting solution to mould,

mildew and algae growth caused by moisture and poor ventilation.

■ For more information on Zinsser and its range of products visit www.zinsseruk.com

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ADVERTORIAL SUPPLEMENT

ZINSSER’S STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO TACKLING MOULD When combatting a decorating job involving mould and mildew, a best practice approach involves cleaning, prepping and priming the mould damaged surface, before applying two coats of mould-resistant paint. Read on for Zinsser’s simple step-by-step guide to mould prevention and removal in just four simple steps.

STEP 1

STEP 2

First, thoroughly clean the mould-stained area with Zinsser Universal Degreaser & Cleaner before rinsing thoroughly and allowing to dry. The Universal Degreaser & Cleaner is a waterbased detergent that is colour fast, fabric safe and removes tough stains quickly and effectively from many surfaces.

Next, apply Zinsser Mould Killer and Remover directly to the surface, this will prepare a mould-stained area before decorating and provide a longer-lasting paint finish.

The Mould Killer and Remover contains a fungicide that effectively removes dark stains caused by mould, fungus and algae — making it ideal for use in bathrooms, kitchens and other areas of high humidity. The waterbased formula comes in a handy trigger spray and can be used on a variety of internal surfaces such as tiles, wood, plaster and wallpaper.

For the ultimate, problem-solving paint products, check out the Zinsser range at www.zinsseruk.com STEP 3

STEP 4

Once the surface is suitably prepped, allow to dry before priming with ultimate performance, water-based primer, sealer, stain-killer and odour-blocker B-I-N AQUA. B-I-N AQUA effectively blocks stubborn stains from mildew, nicotine, smoke, water, grease, tannin, crayon and lipstick, acts as an outstanding barrier against odours and offers exceptional adhesion without the need for sanding. It’s also tintable to pastel and mid-tone colours and recoatable in just 45 minutes.

Finally, after allowing to dry, apply two coats of mouldresistant paint Zinsser PermaWhite to the surface, leaving two hours drying-time in between coats. Known as the “holy grail” Zinsser product for mould, PermaWhite contains a biocide that protects the paint film against fungal degradation, in addition to cracking, peeling and blistering for up to seven years.

The tried and trusted solution for mould growth, PermaWhite actively prevents mould and mildew in high humidity areas, such as kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms.

It has a Class 1 Scrub Rating for easy cleaning and is touch-dry in just 30 minutes.

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