Applying specialist coatings to structures and assets during the winter months can pose many challenges, as many protective coatings need to be applied at a specified temperature. As temperatures continue to plummet across the UK, CSC Services look at the top 10 reasons why coatings fail:
- Applying to a dirty surface
Dirt, grease, dust and other surface latents will form a barrier between the substrate and protective coating to be applied which means there is no mechanical bond present.
- Lack of preparation
Surfaces need to be grit blasted or hydro blasted to form a mechanical key.
- Incorrect substrate surface preparation
Correct substrate surface preparation involves correct application of pore fillers and fairing coats to address blow holes or honey combing in concrete surfaces. Fairing coats need to be applied correctly to leave the required surface profile.
- Using the wrong product
You should always use a specialist contractor to advise on protective coatings for specific environments. Some products have high abrasion resistance, tensile strengths and high elongation properties. Using a high tensile strength coating with no elongation properties on a substrate where movement may occur will result in cracks and failure in the coating.
- Lack of product knowledge
A lack of specialist knowledge may result in incorrect mixing of products. Most industrial products are two pack systems. If they aren’t mixed correctly they will not cure correctly.
- Using an incorrect application method
Some products need specialist equipment to apply. Some products require a brush, roller or spray only.
- Application at an incorrect temperature
If the application surface is too cold (or in some cases too hot) the product can’t be applied as it will not gain the correct adhesion.
- The wrong curing temperature
Various products require certain environmental conditions. Dew points, temperature, humidity, and air flow need to be considered to avoid condensation causing a failure in the curing process.
- Insufficient curing time
Protective coatings require a certain amount of time to chemically bond as per data sheets. Not leaving sufficient time may mean the product fails.
- Poor after-care
After curing, the product should be fully cleaned and inspected for fails. A scheme of programmed appropriate after-care and inspections should be scheduled.
CSC Services can use a range of specialist protective coatings and paints, including DWI approved products. Our specialist team can advise the best solution to the problem you may have.
Some of the structures we are able to apply specialist protective coatings to include Service Reservoirs, Water towers, Aqueducts, Water and waste water treatment plants, Power stations and Industrial plants.
Visit the latest news section of this website for case studies of recent work undertaken.
