A need for exceptional durability from a water-based woodstain has led to South Shropshire Housing Association switching to Dulux Trade Weathershield Aquatech Opaque, for the cyclical maintenance of housing stock across the area.
As part of a formal partnering agreement with Dulux Trade Contract Partner Ian Williams Ltd, South Shropshire Housing Association (SSHA) stipulated that only water-based products were to be used, in line with the organisation's strong environmental policy. Dulux Trade was able to offer Weathershield Aquatech Opaque, providing up to six years durability, and has been appointed nominated specifier and supplier for the remainder of the re-decoration programme for 2,000 homes.
The major win for SSHA will be at the next maintenance cycle. Currently the work involves the complete removal of previous substandard coatings before Dulux Trade Weathershield Aquatech Opaque is applied. At the next cycle it can then be re-applied over the existing coat to maintain the good finish, without the need to strip back down to the bare wood. This means a major cost saving for the housing association.
Adam Streatfield, Contracts Officer for SSHA, said: "We are channelling huge resources into this first round of re-decoration to bring the standard of finish up to a good, consistent level across all of our properties. We chose a water-based woodstain as it's less harmful to the environment and, when it's as durable as Dulux Trade Weathershield Aquatech Opaque, less preparation is required when it comes to re-decorating in years to come. Once this first cycle is complete it's estimated that we'll save more than 25% a year in labour costs from not having to strip down again."
Dulux Trade also provided SSHA with a bespoke colour card, offering tenants a choice of eight colours, taken from Dulux Trade's extensive opaque colour range. All exterior woodwork, including windows, doors and cladding, is being re-decorated as part of the programme.
Dulux Trade Weathershield Aquatech Opaque is a medium build, opaque satin finish for exterior joinery. Highly flexible, it resists peeling, flaking and blistering making it ideal for repeated maintenance cycles. Since it is water-based, it's quick drying and can be re-coated within two hours.
SSHA is an independent not for profit business formed in the early 1990's to provide high quality affordable social housing in the South Shropshire area. The housing association manages approximately 2000 homes and builds about 50 new homes a year.
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