Maintaining A Healthy Home Feature
Interiors
Breaking the mould
Kathryn Tormay from Crown Paints discusses how anti-mould paints can help landlords and housing providers fight mould and damp, amidst a stubborn cost-of-living crisis
T
he cost-of-living crisis looks set to continue into this winter. With energy prices remaining high, tenants are, understandably, likely to keep their windows shut and heating off this winter. Unfortunately, that
creates a perfect breeding ground for mould and mildew. As long as any pre-existing mould is eliminated beforehand, repainting
with effective, anti-mould paints can help landlords tackle the health risks of damp and mould, while improving a property’s look and establishing a positive relationship with its tenants.
HUMAN, LEGAL, STRUCTURAL & AESTHETIC: MOULD’S MANY THREATS Te law around damp and mould may be set to become more stringent for the private sector, aſter it was proposed that the Decent Homes Standard be applied to all rented properties. With the Chartered Institute of Housing currently also pushing for social housing providers to do more, it seems there will be pressure on all housing providers and landlords to step up their efforts to combat mould. As well as the build-up of mould leading to allergens, irritants, and
sometimes toxic substances that can have a negative impact on the health of a building’s occupants, it can also cause structural damage to the property.
Mould can cause dry rot in wooden features, damaging skirting boards and
floorboards. It can also lead to insulation becoming damp, and ineffective, exacerbating the problems of a cold, low ventilation environment. On top of that, it seriously impacts the property on an aesthetic level;
damp and mould can ruin the look of a new paint job in a month. Tat may not feel as important, but it makes a huge difference to how happy and comfortable a tenant feels in their home. A happy, comfortable tenant is likely to stay in the property long term too. Depending on its severity, the aesthetic and structural damage could also decrease the value of your property. Tere are a multitude of factors, compelling landlords and housing
providers to take action to prevent the build-up of mould this winter. Repainting, with the right products, can help them meet their legal obligations, protect their property, and – most importantly – fulfil their duty of care to tenants this winter.
TACKLING MOULD, IN THE COLD With windows closed, the lack of ventilation in properties, along with the cold, wet climatic conditions can create the perfect breeding ground for mould.
www.housingmmonline.co.uk | HMMOctober/November 2023 | 33
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44
