Coatings, Sealants & Paints Feature
A guide to the correct paint specification
The finishing touches to a project can make all the difference to the sustainability and safety of dwellings. The Dulux Decorator Centre team looks at how the correct specification of paints and coatings can drive up building efficiency, improve fire safety and deliver on aesthetics
Interiors
R
esearch shows that the built environment accounts for 30-40% of UK carbon emissions – and a sizeable percentage comes from domestic buildings. In addition, the construction and demolition of buildings
accounts for 32% of landfill waste. As such, it is imperative that the construction industry finds ways to drive down inefficiencies – and for the housing sector, this means carefully selecting building materials and extending maintenance cycles to ensure minimal impact over the lifetime of a property. As well as the bricks and mortar, housing managers should consider the
important role that paints and coatings play in improving sustainability. Firstly, opting for water-based products is an easy way to minimise environmental impact. Solvent-based products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – chemical vapours that contribute to greenhouse gases, global warming, rising sea levels and ground level pollution. In addition, exposure to high levels of VOCs can have negative effects on the health of the user and occupant; with symptoms including eye, nose, and throat irritation, as well as headaches, loss of coordination and nausea in more severe cases.
A SUSTAINABLE CHOICE In contrast, water-based products contain very low VOC levels, so they are much safer for the environment and residents. Tere is also no need to ventilate
rooms so occupants can return to site as soon as the paint is dried, keeping disruption to a minimum. Another benefit of today’s water-based products is that they deliver the high
durability traditionally associated with solvent-based alternatives. Maintenance cycles can be extended by choosing paints and coatings that will stand the test of time and reduce the need for regular redecoration. As a result, the emissions produced across a dwelling’s life cycle are significantly cut – as well as the hassle, disruption, and cost of the work. It is also important to think beyond the application process and ensure that
empty paint cans are disposed of responsibly. Offerings like ‘Dulux Decorator Centres can recycling schemes’ are ideal. Tis free of charge service means that empty and dry cans can be either collected from site or delivered by the painting contractor to a local Dulux Decorator Centre. All plastic is then shredded and sent back into the plastics market where it is turned into low-grade plastic products like underground pipework – and metal is melted down and returned to the general market.
SAFETY FIRST Another key consideration for housing managers is the safety of building occupants. In older buildings, there can be multiple layers of existing coatings
www.housingmmonline.co.uk | HMMOctober/November 2022 | 33
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