Paint Problems

Decorating and painting is the most important part of any property refurbishment, renovation or maintenance, it is key to a beautiful home, so understanding paint problems, how they accrue and why, is very important for any decorating and painting project.

The fallowing are common house paint problems.


Alligatoring:



When failure accurse in the paint film it is called “Alligatoring” and takes on a cracking pattern of deep relief resembling a reptile's skin, such as that of an alligator or soil drote.

Causes:
• A second coat of paint was applied over a first coat of primer, incompatible paint such as oil paints or paint base coat before it dried.
• Oil based paints aging or due to fluctuations in temperature.

Repairs:
• Remove old paint, sand, prime and re-paint with flexible latex based paint.


Blistering:



Paint blistering is identified by bubbles that are small to medium sized or blisters that appear under the paint film.

Causes:
• Painting under direct sunlight, high humidity or on a hot surface which will trap solvent vapor as the paint dries too quickly.
• Painting when wood is damp causing trapped moisture to expand the paint.
• House moisture due to improper house ventilation.

Repairs:
1. Scrape away bubbled paint and sand.
2. Prime and paint in non-direct sunlight and non-humid condition.
3. Use high quality latex paint.
4. If due to lack of home ventilation, corrective repairs and sometimes renovation must be made to properly ventilate the house walls.
5. Check and repair any loose or missing caulking around windows and doors.


Chalking:



Chalking can be identifiable as a fine chalky powder that forms on the surface of a paint area, barring in mind that some chalking is a normal way paints self clean when exposed to the sun and rain but excessive chalking can be a paint failure and if chalking gets severe it may run off onto and stain surrounding construction.

Causes:
• Use of cheap quality exterior paint.
• Improper paint was used in an exterior application.
• Not applying correct paint quantity.
• Not properly sealing a porous surface before painting.

Repairs:
1. Any chalking is considered dirt and for that must be removed before re-painting.
2. Can be removed by power washing or scrubbing with a trisodium phosphate cleaning solution and rinse with clean water.
3. Let dry and paint with a high quality house paint.


Checking:



Checking is a failure in the paint film but is less severe then alligatoring and is characterized by long cracks in the paint film. Occasionally checking may become severe in some areas and a deeper crack or split in the paint will occur.

Causes:
• Natural aging of several layers of older paint.

Repairs:
• Remove old paint, sand, prime and re-paint with flexible latex based paint.


Efflorescence - Mottling:



Efflorescence is a problem of painted masonry and is identifiable by crusty white salt deposits that bubble through the paint film from a masonry structure. Salts in the brick or concrete become dissolved with water and then leach to the surface as the water evaporates.

Causes:
• Poor paint surface preparation where prior efflorescence was not entirely removed and washed before the surface was repainted.
• Heavy moisture.
• Inadequate waterproofing allowing ground water penetration.
• Painting masonry construction before the concrete or mortar had adequately cured and dried out.
• Cracks in masonry wall or poor pointing has allowed water to get behind masonry wall.

Repairs:
1. Eliminate any source of moisture by properly pointing any cracks or missing mortar in the wall or patching concrete with a latex concrete patch, clean out gutters and check windows and doors.
2. If moisture is migrating through the wall apply waterproofing to outside of wall, this should have been done when the property was built and done up to British standards.
3. Remove all efflorescence and loose flaking, chalking paint with a wire brush, scraping or power washing before repainting.
4. Clean area with a trisodium phosphate cleaning solution and rinse with clean water.
5. Let completely dry and paint with a high quality house paint.


Paint Yellowing

Development of a yellow cast in aging paint; most noticeable in the dried films of white paints or clear varnishes.

Causes:
• Oxidation of solvent based paint or varnish.

• Heat from ovens, radiators and heating ducts.

• Lack of light (e.g., behind pictures or appliances, inside cupboards, etc.).

Repairs:
• Top quality water-based paints do not tend to yellow nor does non-yellowing varnish. Solvent-based paints, because of their curing mechanism do tend to yellow and particularly in areas that are protected from sunlight.


Burnishing



Increase in gloss or sheen of paint film when subjected to rubbing, scrubbing or having an object brush up against it.

Causes:
• Use of matt paint in high traffic areas, where a higher sheen level would be desirable.

• Frequent washing and spot cleaning.

• Objects (furniture, for example) rubbing against the walls.

• Use of lower grades of paint with poor stain and scrub resistance (see Poor Stain Resistance and Poor Scrub Resistance).

Repairs:
• Paint heavy wear areas that require regular cleaning (e.g., doors, window sills and trim) with a top quality water-based paint, because this type of paint offers both durability and easier cleaning capability. In high traffic areas, choose a satin or gloss rather than a matt sheen level. Clean painted surfaces with a soft cloth or sponge and non-abrasive cleansers; rinse with clean water.

Paint Fungal:



Black, grey or brown spots or areas on the surface of paint or sealant.

Causes:
• Forms most often on areas that tend to be damp, or receive little or no direct sunlight (e.g., bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms).

• Use of a solvent based paint or lower quality water based paint.

• Failure to prime bare wood surface before applying the paint.

• Painting over a substrate or coating on which fungal contamination has not been removed.

Repairs:
• Test for fungus by applying a few drops of household bleach to the area, if it is bleached away, the discoloration is probably fungus.
Remove all fungus from the surface by scrubbing with a diluted household bleach solution (one part bleach, three parts water) or a fungicidal wash, remember to wear rubber gloves and eye protection and then rinse thoroughly.
To protect against paint fungal contamination use a top quality water based paint and clean when necessary with bleach/detergent solution. Consider installing an exhaust fan (which is connected to a light switch) in high moisture areas.

Damp Proof Course

What is a Damp Proof Course?

Modern homes built over the last fifty years normally have cavity walls which is two layers of bricks with a space between them and which can help prevent damp and at the base of the walls a damp proof course (DPC) is usually installed which comprises of a waterproof covering such as slate or a bituminous material.

Damp proof courses are a divisive issue because they are often costly and if not property installed and maintained won't be much use, not forgetting that rising damp due to a poor damp proof course can cause considerable damage to walls, even though an inadequate damp proof course can't be fixed but it can be replaced quite easily. Having one installed professionally is advisable but always try to use a reputable and recommended firm, they should provide you with a damp proofing certificate once the DPC has been installed which can be extremely useful should you put the property up for sale.

However if you want to save money and get stuck in yourself, it is actually not that difficult to do.
The simplest and most cost effective method is to use a chemical injection and all the equipment that is required can be hired.
The DIY process involves drilling the necessary holes around 10mm and ensuring they are downward sloping to about 150mm below floor level. The holes should be angled so they slope to the centre of the wall, holes may be needed on both sides if the wall is especially thick. The brickwork around the holes sweats when there is enough chemical injected into it and the final and crucial step involves sealing the holes with mortar or plastic plugs.
The full kit is available to hire from HSS Hire from £60 for a weekend.

Happy damp proofing!

How To Spot Damp And Deal With It...

To solve a problem you should know the cause of the problem, so we start by asking...

What are the Causes of Damp?

One of the most frequent problems encountered in the home is damp. Each year, the average home in the UK copes with around 25,000 gallons of rain water, so it is no surprise that damp can become a big problem for many homes. Although most damp problems are much less serious than they actually look but damp can be very bad for our health and property.
Damp can aggravate the respiratory system and encouraging the emergence of mites and mould and this will make the effects of damp become serious, not to mention making the whole property cold and unappealing.

In many cases, damp can be unwittingly encouraged due to poor maintenance, although there are several causes of damp in the home but all can be remedied.
Damp can be in or around the roof, walls, floors, windows, doors or pipe-work on any property and often if there is a damp patch visible inside the home the cause can be identified from an issue on the exterior, for instance a wet patch at the top of a wall might be due to a leaking gutter outside.

Types of Damp

Rising damp - is caused by water soaking up through porous materials into the floors and walls of the property and usually occurs in houses which haven't got a damp proof course or the damp course has failed to work properly.
It can be spotted in a number of ways such as if the walls feel damp and cold to the touch or if there is distinguishing marks on the inside walls, also internal decorations can become stained, damaged and plaster can become loose plus any wall in contact with the ground can suffer from rising damp, affecting walls both inside and out, however it rarely comes up further than one metre in height.


Penetrating damp - is caused by issues with the building or plumbing where a problem has allowed water to enter the property.
Symptoms will usually only occur during wet weather but it can affect roofs and ceilings along with walls. A watermark might appear and grow if the water continues to enter and if not fixed plaster may start to perish.
Penetrating damp can sometimes be caused by gutter or roof problems which have allowed rainwater to spill onto and saturate areas of wall.
Penetrating damp is most frequent in older homes which have solid walls as a new build property with cavity walls offers more protection and is unlikely to suffer from this type of defect. Penetrating damp can be tricky to pin-point and often may require expert help.


Condensation - differs from rising damp and penetrating damp in that it's caused by excessive moisture that cannot escape from the property (as opposed to water coming in) if there isn't sufficient ventilation, condensation will arise and moisture will be in the air even if you cannot see it.
Using radiators to constantly dry clothes, not opening windows, poor heating and even portable gas heaters can all contribute, mould may appear on walls, ceilings, furniture and even curtains, there is usually a strong musty smell present and unlike the other types of damp, condensation is largely caused by the inhabitants of the property rather than problems with the actual building.


How to Prevent & Treat Damp

Rising damp - is usually worse at the bottom of a wall than at the top apart from blocked airbricks, the most common cause is 'bridging' and that is when when earth from the garden butts up directly on to the house wall trapping moisture.
This is a common problem but can be remedied by simply digging away all the soil to see if it makes a difference but if not, you may need to look into installing a damp proof course (DPC) or if you have one it is probably failing to do its job.
As in old properties it may prove difficult to install a DPC (damp proof course) so chemical methods are used by injection into the damp problem areas and this may be the only solution but if the damp is rising through floorboards, a damp-proof membrane may have torn so it would be best to look into re-fitting the damp proof membrane.


Penetrating damp - forms when water gets in from the outside so the first step is to check everything in and around the property.
Examine gutters, downpipes, flashing, rendering and window frames in detail for any damp or signs of damp and always make sure that downpipes are unobstructed and if the guttering has seen better days think about replacing it with new easy to fit plastic guttering also check the rendering to see if it's cracked plus look at re-sealing any gaps around window frames, be sure to check underneath window sills as there should be a drip groove to shed rainwater before it gets to the house wall and remember if this is blocked with moss, dirt or cement, clear it thoroughly.

An ill fitted roofing felt on a flat roof will also cause damp and cracked wall can let in water, so repair with suitable filler and fit insulation rubber or weather bars to all door frames.
An exterior waterproofing fluid is useful if your exterior brickwork has become porous, this will give it a new water resistant skin and it only needs to be painted on when the brickwork is completely dry and should also reduce heat loss inside the house.


Condensation - forms when warm air trapped inside the house meets cold walls and mould quickly spreads.
Test the area by placing condensation test strips on the coldest walls these will change colour if condensation is occurring and get a portable humidifier which will suck up moisture in the air as well maintaining regular heating and adequate insulation also think about installing film glazing which can help if windows are the cause, humidity controlled extractor fans can be a great help too.
To remove mildew caused by condensation, scrub well with a mix of hot water and bleach, leave it to work for several minutes and then clean off thoroughly.

Remember always to seek advice from a qualified and reputable surveyor, who will give a truthful evaluation of the problem.

Maximize Your Storage Space

It's certain that there's space in your home that could be used for storage but isn't. All it will take­ is a little time and determination to turn your property into useful storage space.

* Most new homes, and many old homes, have enclosed staircases, which hide valuable space. These can often be opened to create closets, niches, or even shelf space. Create a storage area by enclosing the underside of the staircase that leads to your basement. This can be a good space for a pantry, holiday decorations, or even children's toys.

* Put the space under a stairway to work. Construct a wheeled, wedge-shape container that fits into the farthest area under the steps.

* Ready-made shelves can be installed just about anywhere to create storage for books and decorative items, toys, glassware, china, and just about anything that will fit on a 6- or 12-inch ledge. If you intend to store heavy items, make sure the brackets are securely anchored.
­
* A hallway that's wide enough can double as a storage area if you line the walls with shelves or shallow cabinets.

* Create a "closet" by storing bulky items such as golf clubs, skis, and camping equipment behind a decorative folding screen in a little-used corner.

Interior Designer

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How To Get Your Planning Permission Through

Follow our guide to getting your planning permission approved.

Find a Local Architect
As local knowledge is key, so finding an architect or planning consultant who has a good knowledge of the area and a successful track record with local planning permission officers.

Be Considerate
Think neighbours first, make sure you plans dont block your neighbours light or view, a little thought at your first stage will meaan those close by are less likely to raise objections.

Homework
Gather as much information as you can you can never have too much, look at local development planes in your planning office or library and check the planning register to find out why some applications have been refused on some plots, this will also give you am idea on how the local area is developing and how will it be allowed to develop in the future.


Planning Officer
Establish good relationship with your planning officer to get an idea how your proposal will be accepted, give him or her the impression that your plans can be altered and that you will also be willing to compromise.

Go Thorough
Read all the planning forms carefully and make sure you include everything you asked for, such as plans, drawings and fees.

Get Support
Ask neighbours who are supportive of your plans to submit a letter to the planning committee saying so, this will get the planning committee to look favorably on it. You could also ask your local MP and councillors to back your plans if you want to go that extra mile.

Understand The System
The planning officer will draw up a report in front of the planning committee, which is made up of elected councillors, the meetings are open to the public but you usually wont be allowed to speak, this is when committee members can be persuaded to speak in your favour.
Remember that the committee don't have to go with the planning officers recommendation, so try to get them on your side by writing to them and inviting them to your site.

Never Give Up
If your planning application is refused, don't take it personally - although we know how angry a person might get as we have gone through this many of times but you will get a lot further if you remain calm and logical because there is always room for an appeal. If your not happy with the refusal then talk directly to your planning department and you should be allowed to submit another planning application with modified plans free of charge.

Mayfair Property Services

Useful Contacts (Planning)

Royal Institute of British Architects

Planning Consultants Directory

Planning Inspectorate

Planning Portal

Mayfair Property Services

That'll Do!

In the excitement of summer we bring you the best cowboys in the world!

The world's stupidest fixes

"That'll do" -- possibly the two most dangerous words in the English language.
Whether it's devising a way to float your extension cord in a swimming pool, a method of using an always-on kettle as a hot tap or jamming a padlock between two holes in your car door as a rudimentary anti-theft device, botch-job "fixes" are always likely to end in disaster.

We've gathered a selection of our favorite DIYs but if you have anything better (or more insane) from your personal DIY files then be sure to let us know in the comments.


High speed internet connection




Suspension Bed




Air conditioning is an alien concept to much of the UK, which is probably why we think this response to the problem of run-off water is entirely sensible.




A new reliable, fast way to build, plus less land used.




How to stop a leak.




The best idea to help the 5 million people living near flood zones in England and Wales.




A new piping system.




The new technique of wire installation.




This unique solution to everyone hot water problem.




That'll do...




Faster - Dryer!




A steady build.

Property Refurbishment – Getting It Done!

Have you ever attempted to complete a property refurbishment project working with a builder, only to find that it always takes longer than expected, their sub-contractors are undependable or messy, and in some cases the work is sub-par?
You want someone who will come in and monitor and manage the work so you don’t have to do it because of lack of time and experience but also you want your contract manager that will take your refurbishment project to have the relevant experience.

Who wants to spend all their free time checking in on a refurbishment project?

Your refurbishment project, whatever it is, needs to be done on time and this needs the proper work force and dedication. A property refurbishment project, if taking too long, can cause other problems for you, such as lost rent or business, project price increases, clearly this is to be avoided.
The reason that the cost will probably increase is the high likelihood that there will be changes to your refurbishment project. Some of the changes may come as a result of changes you make and enhancements to the refurbishment project, but the unexpected often happens. Through no fault of your contractor, unexpected problems will likely crop up. Things like a wall being opened up to reveal termite damage or pipes that can't be easily relocated or an interior wall that turns out to be load bearing.

That’s why when shopping around for a building refurbishment company you should see where their location and how long they have been in business, surly they have not got to where they are at if there doing something wrong.

From experience in some cases, the weather can put a damper on your building refurbishment project and remember that many independent contractors work with a lot of sub-contractors who fail to show up when they are supposed to pushing the refurbishment project to take more time. Although we can’t understand how it is that those sub-contractors are staying in business working that way as building refurbishment requires prompt workers in order to be completed on the refurbishment project on time and on budget. Some glitches in timely work can occur, but if you can hire someone to manage and follow up on these items who has experience and dedication, treats your project as their own, your property refurbishment is much more likely to be completed on time with the budget you planed for.

Quality work is integral when building refurbishment is in progress. Everyone knows somebody who has hired someone to complete a property refurbishment project, only to find that they have paid someone to do the job that has clearly been unqualified to do so. If you find yourself with a poor quality job that can sometimes mean a domino effect of other problems. For example, if your building refurbishment project involves installing some new plumbing and it is sealed shut, develops a slow leak, you can have plumbing repairs, rotting wood, and other consequential damages needing repair.

Experience has shown that hiring a management company to oversee the entire building refurbishment project from start to finish is ideal. When you use this type of service, you do yourself a number of favors. First, if you don’t have experience in property refurbishment, you don’t need to worry about things you don’t know. Second everything will be managed on time and budget. Also, you won’t have to spend all your free time trying to check on the status of your building refurbishment project, making sure it’s on schedule, that the work is being done correctly, or that you are getting the job you paid for. You can take it easy while your investments are being improved.

Mayfair Property Services

Choosing The Right Interior Paint Finish

Choosing the right interior paint colour is never easy but choosing a the right interior paint finish is the most important decision in a decorating and paint project, with 6 types of paint finishes to choose from, knowing their benefits is a must to determine the right one for the job.

Eggshell Finish:
Our favorite, picturing an egg-shell with a slight shine, excellent for walls and better than a flat-finish paint as it holds up better with cleaning, keep in mind a simple rule that the shinier the paint finish the better it will hold-up with cleaning and washing.

Flat Enamel:
Occasional cleaning, this paint is the choice as it is a durable flat matte finish, excellent for guest bathrooms, powder-rooms and halls or if you want an old or worm look, it also can be used on furniture.

Glossy:
An almost reflective paint, as it is shiny and mimics the look of enamel or plastic. This finish will magnify any surface imperfections, so careful preparation and sanding is essential before painting with high gloss paint.

Matte Finish:
This paint whether flat-finish or wall-paint is a finish usually used on interior walls, as it does not reflect light, makes it good for small wall cracks and bumps when applied with the right amount.

Satin Finish:
Smooth, velvety look with a bit of gloss, best used for windows, doors, skirtings or ceilings but can also be used as wall paint and high traffic areas, it is formulated to hold up to cleaning and light scrubbing.

Semi-Gloss:
Most often used on doors, frames, skirting’s and cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms.

Paint – Room by Room

Kids-Room:
- Walls - eggshell or satin paint.
- Doors and Frames - semi-gloss.

Ceiling Finishes:
- Flat finish paint.
- Egg-shell finish.


Kitchens and Baths:

- High exposure to water and steam – semi-gloss paint.
- Less frequent use – eggshell or satin paint.

Refurbishment and Renovation

As property renovation and refurbishment has become a big business, whether to increase a home’s value, rent, sale or even to make a home a comfortable place to live in, a lot of property renovation and refurbishment companies have not taken in account that homes account for 27% of the UK's carbon dioxide emissions, a building company should not only account for this but play a vital role in reducing this percentage.

But as the market has been hit hard by the credit crunch which has made cow boys and genuine construction, refurbishment and renovation companies go out of business plus the investor that turned properties as quick as a runaway train, there will only be a few winners and these are building refurbishment and renovation companies that have taken in-consideration the environment thought about the client and home owner alike, whether there the same person or not and by using sustainable refurbishment and renovation methods and materials, avoiding the wholesale waste of resources.
Going GREEN is sustainable refurbishment and renovation, bringing lots of unexpected benefits for a home or business, such as saving 25% or more on energy bills.
A property renovation and refurbishment company that considers sustainability and research for sustainable methods has the key forward in the construction industry plus giving the private owner a cost effective option.

As millions of homes in the UK have the option of upgrading, six million are classified non-decent, one out of ten homes need scraping, a building refurbishment and renovation company that takes all this in account, considers sustainability and uses the best practice to identify the right solutions and deliver them in a property refurbishment or renovation project, is the right renovation and refurbishment company for the project at hand.

Braking into the piggy-bank to get the right professional building refurbishment and renovation company for the project is well worth the decision as not only will you be saving money and investing it correctly but also helping the environment with your refurbishment or renovation project.

As Mayfair Property Services Limited takes all this into account by bringing the client professional high quality work, being cost effective, creating a sustainable living environment, reducing waste, caring for the environment and being green.

What other way to start your refurbishment and renovation project?

The Perfect Toolkit

Having a toolkit is the first and most important step of any DIY job around the house and here are the essentials:

- Tape Measure
- Hammer
- Hand Screwdrivers (Philips, Slotted and Pozi-Head)
- Spirit Level
- Set Square
- Basic Saw
- Planer
- Power Screwdriver with masonry and wood bits
- Pencil

Seasonal Room Change

Seasons are already changing, winter is over and spring has started, so let the four seasons dictate your style and get your home looking absolutely fabulous, by putting a couple of ideas together you can change your living space with each season.
By having a great foundation such as neutral colour rooms, sofas, couches and coffee tables, you can easily add accessories to change the style and look of your living space, just by using rugs, throw pillows, colour and a variety of accessories such as centerpieces and plants.

Spring Is Here:
Let the light come in, freshen up your rooms, tidy up clutter or get someone to do it for you, throw away old unwanted stuff to free up space, open windows and doors, but most of all spring clean, as it is one of our favorite services.
Now you can get your living space into the spring season and by bringing the out doors in, such as plants and river rocks placed in a bowl or around your plants and then scatter the plants through out your living space.
The colours to go with for this season are a monochromatic colour scheme or light colours such as yellows, light blues, greens and anything that has floral patterns. The coolest and most usable accessories are items such as lemons put in a bowl used as a centerpiece for decoration and the best thing is, that you can use them after your done to make a fresh cold juice that all your guests will enjoy.

Summer:
Almost everyone’s favorite season and with it being next door why not get ready for it, the colour combinations you can use are blues, purples, pinks and bold colours.
For a soft look rugs can be used and fresh flowers for decoration through out your living space, replace your curtains with a sheer fabric or light curtains to get in the light in and the airy feel.

Fall:
The colour changing leafs in autumn are a true phenomenon and there is nothing more spectacular then the reds and oranges mixed together.
For this season bring in the rich earthy tones and colours of browns, oranges, greens, reds, accessories using table covers that are in those colours, use items such as pine cones, candle gardens and pot pourri for decoration.

Winter:
The Holiday season, cheerful and full of decoration .
Start by softening the place by adding a floor rug that is a cozy winter red but remember not to let it compete with other reds as this seasons colours are red, gold, silver, bronze and metallic colours.
Use heavier fabrics and for your accessories use candles and there worm light, tealight holders and the huge choice of this seasons items and decorations in stores.

Last Word:
By using these ideas and keeping colour schemes together you can transform your living space for any occasion or season.

London Interior Design

Why Are We Blogging

Mayfair Property Services Lt. has chosen to take the one step further to assure client satisfaction as our aim to build a long-term relationship with the client and by sharing the companies ideas and news feeds this will create a stronger bond between us and the client.

Market Revolution

Mayfair Property Services Lt. launches new services in relation to property services, making the company more recession proof and giving the valued client a "one stop shop" to all there property or commercial needs.