TACKLING MOULD AND MILDEW IN RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES
PAGE 22 | ZINSSER STOPS MOULD IN ITS TRACKS
PAGE 24 | ZINSSER’S STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE FOR TACKLING MOULD
ZINSSER STOPS MOULD IN ITS TRACKS
Mould growth is a persistent and well-established issue in social housing. Caused by damp resulting from structural issues, poor ventilation, and other factors, it can pose serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable residents such as the elderly, young children, and those with respiratory conditions. Leading British specialist paint manufacturer, Zinsser works hand in hand with leading social housing providers, including South Tyneside Council Housing Services, who take a zerotolerance approach to mould growth in the properties they manage. Not only does Zinsser provide them with best-in-class products, covering everything from mould-removal to redecoration, they also provide free written specifications and on-site support, which is available nationwide
WCould you tell us about your role within South Tyneside Council Housing Services?
In my role as Building Surveyor, I work within a busy planned works team, carrying out full structural surveys to tenanted social housing properties, including damp surveys I carry our pre-
and post-site inspections and oversee the work of subcontractors, to ensure works are completed on time and disruption is kept to a minimum, always keeping our tenants in the loop
What are the main problems tenants come to you with in the residential homes that you look after?
The rise in the cost of living has meant many of our tenants, like most homeowners across the UK, have experienced an inflation in energy bills, including heating. This has caused many problems, including the rise of mould and mildew around the home
What is the council’s approach to damp and mould and mildew in residential properties?
When a tenant gets in touch with us to discuss issues with mould and mildew in their home, we have a zero-tolerance policy and act quickly We provide a 7day response to investigate, remove the mould and redecorate, to keep them as safe as possible
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Going forward we aim to educate our tenants on different types of mould –how to spot it and combat it in the home through an online portal providing more safety for them
How did you find out about the Zinsser brand and products?
Zinsser’s products were already well known and trusted by our team, some of whom are professional decorators We took advantage of Zinsser’s free specification service, which we learned of on their website and the rest is history We’ve been using Zinsser’s products now for years as a full end-toend system to combat mould
Why did you choose Zinsser?
Zinsser was the only brand we came across that featured a full product range that provided a full system of products to tackle mould, from the cleaner all the way to the mould-resistant emulsion paint itself
As we’ve been using the system for many years, we know we can trust the product and brand to deliver.
How did you find the specification service process?
We found the full specification service easy to use and a great benefit Zinsser’s friendly, trustworthy and responsive staff could not be more helpful. Over the years, if we have ever needed anything above and beyond the system itself, the technical support has been amazing –even so far as the staff who work in the Zinsser R&D laboratory have physically visited our properties to advise further on products needed and application
For social housing providers facing the growing challenge of damp, mould, and mildew, Zinsser’s specification service offers an invaluable resource With expert guidance, tailored solutions, and an emphasis on long-term prevention, it enables housing providers to combat these issues effectively and ensure the health and well-being of their tenants By investing in Zinsser’s services, housing associations and councils can create safer, healthier living environments while also saving on the long-term costs of recurring mould-related problems
n If you have a professional painting project you’d like assistance with, simply visit www.zinsseruk.com/specificationservice/ and one of our experienced specification team will be in touch.
ZINSSER’S HOW TO GUIDE FOR TACKLING MOULD
The anticipated passing of Awaab’s Law will require social landlords to tackle damp and mould issues within strict deadlines Zinsser’s tried and trusted products offer swift mould removal and redecoration, providing mould-resistant protection to painted surfaces for up to seven years
Read on for Zinsser’s simple step-by-step guide to mould prevention and removal in just four simple steps.
STEP 1
First, thoroughly clean the mould-stained area with Zinsser Universal Degreaser & Cleaner, rinse thoroughly and allow to dry The concentrated cleaner, degreaser & stain remover is water-based and designed to remove tough stains fast
STEP 3
Once the surface is suitably prepared, keep mould stains at bay with waterbased 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
STEP 2
Next, apply Zinsser Mould Killer and Remover directly on the surface in order to get rid of existing mould and allow to dry. 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
STEP 4
Finally, after allowing to dry, apply two coats of mould-resistant paint Zinsser PermaWhite to the surface, leaving two hours drying-time in between coats 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 ultimate solution for mould growth, PermaWhite actively prevents mould and mildew in high humidity areas, making it an invaluable tool for protecting residential properties from mould for years to come. It has the added benefit of a Class 1 Scrub Rating for easy cleaning and is touch-dry in just 30 minutes
n For the ultimate, problem-solving paint products, check out the Zinsser range at www.zinsseruk.com