Painting & Maintenance completed a five-month scheme of damp and mould treatments to over 500 properties across Greater Manchester for MSV.
The works were led by Contracts Manager Gary Leach, who has over 20 years of experience. He was supported by Black Hat Supervisor Ben McGinns, who oversaw the scheme and led a team of eight in-house operatives.
To stop damp and mould affecting residents’ flats, bungalows, houses and maisonettes, MSV chose Wykamol products. Applied like paint, Wykamol contains hollow glass beads that act like miniature thermos flasks. This blocks the thermal energy that can cause condensation and, in turn, mould growth.
Careful Planning
Before work started, the team surveyed all 500 properties, testing areas known to be heavily affected by damp and mould. More than 20 survey items were identified, and treatments included:
- Loft and roof insulation
- Raking out and resealing sinks and baths
- Treating damp carpets
- Stripping wallpaper
- Replacing fans
- Repairing cracks to the exterior
Stakeholder Engagement
Clear communication with residents was key to making sure they knew about the treatments in their homes. The team followed a communication plan using electronic correspondence. Where no response was received, they hand-delivered letters and told MSV if access couldn’t be arranged. Residents were very accommodating because they understood the harmful effects damp and mould can have.
The team built an excellent working relationship with MSV. Roslin, the Tenant Liaison Officer, helped throughout the scheme by keeping relationships with tenants positive. Monthly meetings between Seddon and MSV made sure all updates and topics were covered.
Challenges
The main challenge was getting access to residents’ homes while dealing with day-to-day issues. This was resolved through open and honest communication with residents and MSV.
Sustainability
Seddon takes great care to protect the environment. Empty paint tins were collected and sent back to the local depot for recycling, and all waste was disposed of safely at our own waste transfer station, CIRCLE Recycling.
Outcomes & Benefits
By contacting residents ahead of the works, the team kept the programme running smoothly across all 500 properties. Damp and mould can have serious, long-lasting effects on health. The preventative treatments will help the homes last longer and, most importantly, improve quality of life for residents.