Because of the rapid growth of the commercial building sector, commercial coating applications have become some of the most difficult and demanding activities to perform in the industry. Commercial building owners expect high quality in the coatings systems within their facilities. They expect better-looking exterior and interior finishes, low- to zero-maintenance coatings, all at reasonable costs.
On top of these demands from facility owners, the soaring costs of materials and equipments in the market, together with the ever-growing awareness of “green building” philosophies and compliance to environmental ethical standards, make commercial coating applications even more challenging to implement.
Complying with these diverse requirements necessitate that some essential elements should be in place before, during and after painting applications. Below are some of these elements that spell success for commercial coating applications:
1. Comprehensive Building Condition Inspection
A professional assessment of the condition of the commercial property is necessary prior to the implementation of any coating projects. The visual inspection of the building, and all its existing systems, is very critical to the decision-making and planning that need to be done later on.
A professional assessor conducts a thorough investigation of the property, and submits a comprehensive and professional report containing significant findings on the condition of roofs, foundations, lot and surrounding grounds, parking areas, HVAC system, electrical system, plumbing system, among others. The findings will aid in planning the scope of the coating project to be done on the property.
2. Best-fit Customization
Commercial coating applications that are installed based on the actual findings of a thorough facility inspection will have the highest likelihood of success. This is because the actual problems and issues plaguing the commercial facility are addressed through customization of product choices, application procedures, equipment, and suitability of personnel for the job. Furthermore, managing the coating project is right on the target when customized appropriately, with minimal resulting costs.
3. Quality Coating Products
The identification and use of high-quality coating products and materials is also one of the major contributors to the success of any commercial coating applications. Durable and high-performing paints and coatings last longer and protect surfaces much better than substandard products. Be it anti-corrosive epoxy coatings, or remedial yet aesthetically pleasing concrete finishes, such materials must meet stringent industry and environmental standards, on top of the ability to deliver high performance commercial coating applications.
4. Quality Workmanship
It takes a certified painting contractor with proven field experience to execute successful commercial coating applications. From building inspection to customized installation and identification of the best products to use for the project, the painting contractor must be able to work with the facility owner, project management team, suppliers, and a variety of other stakeholders to install the coating system correctly in the facility.
5. Progress Monitoring
Monitoring the job during and after execution should also be implemented conscientiously for commercial coating applications, to avoid coating failures. Monitoring ensures that contractors work within specification, avoiding poor workmanship. If possible, monitoring instruments should also be installed to better track the progress of the coating project.
The success of commercial coating applications lies on several factors that are the industry´s best practices. The external and internal requirements for the application may vary from one facility to another, but success is usually guaranteed when the said elements are observed and implemented.
