Returning void properties to rental market conditions is often an expensive and challenging task for Housing Associations and Registered Social Landlords, with turnaround targets and strict budgets to be met. Johnstone’s Technical Manager – Specification, Tony Walker, explains how the correct choice of products can help provide an effective solution to the most common problems.
All residential properties are vulnerable to damage but everyday wear and tear can soon leave interior décor looking dirty and tired. Investing time and money in the initial redecoration of properties will pay off in the long run, as ensuring that all surfaces that are to be painted are adequately prepared will make any future work much easier and far more cost-effective to complete. Choosing a product that has been specifically formulated to withstand regular cleaning whilst retaining its aesthetic appeal, such Johnstone's Acrylic Durable Matt, will also help to keep the décor looking fresher for longer.
Properties that are prone to damp or mildew need special attention, and successful redecoration depends on identifying and repairing the source of the problem. Before repainting, any areas affected by mould must be cleaned with an appropriate sterilisation wash to kill and prevent re-growth of the spores. As condensation is the most common cause of mildew, bathrooms and kitchens should be decorated using a mid-sheen or an acrylic eggshell finish paint, as they are both easy to clean and resist moisture penetration. Specialist coatings are also available for the treatment of more serious damp problems and help is available to specfiers in selecting the most appropriate products.
Although the effects of mould can be controlled and often prevented, interior walls and ceilings can also be susceptible to other stains that are harder to disguise. Nicotine stains are a common problem but some social landlords and local authorities may also find themselves dealing with more serious problems such as smoke or flood damage. If not correctly pre-treated, unsightly stains of this nature will soon reappear after being painted but the use of a stain-blocking primer, such as Johnstone's Stain Block Primer, will help ensure new paintwork retains its clean appearance.
Unfortunately, not all property damage is accidental and void property inspections can reveal some nasty surprises, especially in communal areas. Vandalism such as graffiti is a problem that needs to be tackled immediately. Although specialist graffiti removal services are available, they may not always prove cost-effective in areas that are prone to recurring attacks. Prevention is always better than the cure and one alternative is to consider anti-graffiti paint products that form a complementary system of preparation, protection and removal. Specifying the use of such a system, which provides a protective layer from which any graffiti can be quickly cleaned away without detriment to the painted surface, is particularly advantageous, as the speedy removal of graffiti has been found to significantly reduce the likelihood of a repeat offence.
Encouraging residents to take pride in their homes is another positive way to reduce vandalism and adopting a different approach to choosing colour schemes can have a great effect. Whereas many public housing providers have traditionally ‘played it safe’ by opting for neutral colour schemes, other organisations are quickly recognising the benefits of providing residents with an improved level of freedom and choice. Providing residents with a decorating allowance enables tenants to redecorate their own properties and with this freedom of choice comes a greater sense of belonging.
Properties and buildings that usually require reactive maintenance and need to be turned around quickly will benefit from a paint system that can withstand rigorous cleaning regimes. Not only will this help extend maintenance cycles but also reduce the need for frequent redecoration.