Maintenance repainting is vital in preserving both the appearance and integrity of buildings and other assets. Over time, paint degrades due to UV exposure, environmental factors, and wear and tear, leading to aesthetic and structural concerns. Even the best products, applied by skilled workers, and to high standards, will eventually need maintenance, or need to be redone entirely. For many asset owners, it may be tempting to find the cheapest or fastest way to complete the maintenance work. However, to achieve the best results, having a solid quality assurance program is wise in the long run. Quality assurance (QA) ensures that repainting projects meet the necessary standards for longevity, appearance, and safety. This post explores the significance of QA in the maintenance repainting field.
ENSURES LONGEVITY OF COATING SYSTEMS
One of the primary purposes of a coating system is to protect the underlying surfaces from damage incurred by its service environment, these could be harsh, such as offshore structures exposed to seawater, or mild, like the paint on the exterior of a house. Whether it’s UV light, moisture, or temperature changes, exterior elements can deteriorate unprotected surfaces quickly. If surface preparation or paint application is not properly managed, the result can be premature failure. Time and time again, work done with little or no quality management has resulted in faster maintenance cycles, or worst-case scenario: the work needing to be completely redone.
Quality assurance ensures that surface preparation is thorough; removing old paint, contaminants, or rust, and that the surface is properly cleaned and ready for paint. QA also confirms that the paint is applied under the proper conditions and that the correct coating thickness is maintained. These factors ensure that the coating system lasts as long as it should, reducing the need for frequent repainting and lowering maintenance costs.
PREVENTS COSTLY REWORK AND FAILURE
Repainting projects are often costly, especially for large buildings. Failure to ensure proper application or material use can lead to premature paint failure, resulting in rework. This increases not only the direct cost but also the downtime of the building.
1: An unmonitored repair on an epoxy floor was not done correctly and has failed, allowing water to penetrate the slab (2) and leading to a costly repair.
For example, a coating applied too thin may not adequately protect the substrate, while an overly thick application can lead to sagging or cracking. QA checks for proper paint thickness using tools like wet and dry film thickness gauges, ensuring that every part of the building gets the right amount of coverage.
2: The Q deck on the underside of the slab (1) has been corroded and requires an engineered solution to make the floor suitable for traffic once again. All of this could have been prevented by QA during the coating repair process.
PROMOTES SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE
Buildings are subject to various safety regulations and codes, particularly in industrial or public structures. Many paints and coatings serve a protective function, such as fire resistance or corrosion protection, beyond their aesthetic value. Quality assurance verifies that all safety-related coatings are applied correctly.
For instance, fire-retardant coatings or corrosion-resistant paints need to be applied following strict guidelines. QA ensures that these critical safety features are not compromised, protecting both the building's occupants and the structural integrity of the building.
ENHANCES AESTHETIC VALUE
The visual appeal of a building is crucial, particularly in commercial settings where first impressions matter. Inconsistent or poorly applied paint can lead to an unattractive appearance, affecting property value and client satisfaction.
A thorough QA process includes inspections for color consistency, even surface texture, and clean transitions between different areas. This attention to detail ensures that the repainting project not only provides protection but also enhances the aesthetic quality of the building.
3: Debris Inclusions in a high gloss protective coating, not only is it an aesthetic issue, it will also lead to coating failure over time.
Author Name: Everett Floro Company: Floro Painting Title: Owner |
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About the Author: Everett has been in the painting and coatings industry for 14 years and has experience ranging from residential construction to industrial painting. He is also an AMPP Certified Coating Inspector. |
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