Get it right first time: Industrial roof coatings application
When it comes to industrial roof coatings application using our products, we cannot stress highly enough the importance of using the correct approach. Nearly all remedial work we have overseen is due to the wrong application of our products. By getting it right first-time round, you will ensure your project stays within budget and is delivered on time.
It’s how you apply the coating that matters…
Coating issues usually arise when contractors are inexperienced, untrained, or they’re rushing to get the job done. It’s important that the application is carried out steadily and conscientiously with regular inspections to ensure a consistent coating is achieved. Always check the coverage rates for coatings beforehand and quote your project accordingly.
You also need to check the environment and the ambient temperature range to apply our products – over 5 and below 35 degrees. If the coating is applied in hot temperatures, the product will cure too quickly and won’t adhere properly. During the summer months, if the ambient temperature is 30 degrees, the temperature of a metal profiled roof could be 50 degrees. Likewise, coatings will also not adhere properly in heavy rain or icy conditions.
Sometimes contractors can feel overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the project at hand. This can result in a hurried approach or even cutting corners, such as the surface not being adequately prepared. We have seen contractors adding extra thinners to coatings, which can severely impair the coating’s effectiveness. You need to be able to spot any issues before they occur, so you can remedy before any coating has been applied.
Remember, once the trigger has been pulled on a paint spraying gun, there won’t be a second chance to get it right. An incorrect application could result in having to go back to the start of the job, which includes preparing the substrate again from scratch. Good preparation is the key to a high-quality coating application.
Preparation for coating applications
Before any coating is applied, the substrate must be prepared to the correct standard. First, you would carry out a thorough clean. This would be followed by either manual or mechanical preparation to the specified standard.
If you are treating cut edge corrosion, for example, you would need to remove any non-adhering rust stains, along with any swarf, dust and debris. Using the Swedish Standard ST3, you would clean the corrosion until you achieve a bright metallic surface. Make sure the surface is not polished; any remaining coating edges must be firmly adhered and well feathered. Use Giromax® Panel Wipes to clean the surface, so it’s free from grease or oil.
Plastisol–coated roof systems can pose different challenges. We often come across heavily delaminated roofs that need intensive mechanical and manual cleaning. Typically contractors will want to ensure the finished job has the smallest amount of edge curl.
When high-pressure power jets (3,000 psi) have been used to clean away old coatings from roof sheets, islands of the original plastisol can remain. These areas need to be feathered out to lessen the risk of edge curl after the new coating has been applied. Otherwise, expensive lead edge repairs will need to be carried out.
Our Application Consultant
One of the main reasons we have a specialist Application Consultant within our team is to ensure contractors work to our standard. This ensures our guarantees can be obtained.Tony Butterworth, our Application Consultant, has over four decades of experience in industrial coatings application. Working alongside our Technical Services Managers, Tony can advise contractors by checking the correct application of our Giromax® coatings.
If necessary, Tony will create a sample area, which acts as a reference guide for the site manager and the contractors. This ensures the standard of application can be replicated across the whole of the industrial roof. Tony also delivers training onsite to contractors, including full assessments and competency cards. By ensuring the correct application of our coatings, you can deliver a successful project. Read more about Tony’s expertise...
At Giromax®, we have a team of multiskilled Technical Services Managers and our specialist Application Consultant on hand to support our clients. As the original leader in the industrial roof coatings market, we continually innovate, test and develop our product range.
If you need technical guidance on Giromax® products, please speak to our team or call 01455 558969.
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