Corrosion eats away at buildings and infrastructure causing safety hazards and costly repairs. The detrimental effects of corrosion costs companies around the world billions in repairs and replacements every year.
With a thorough paint inspection during the inspection stages in the construction process, these monumental expenses can be avoided. In fact, using better corrosion control practices could save up to $875 billion a year across the globe.
An effective paint coating acts as an essential physical barrier between structures and the elements. It’s a paint inspector’s job to ensure you get it right in the first instance to prevent costly future damage.
Why You Need Professional Paint Inspectors
Specialist Skills
Paint inspectors are practised in using specialised techniques and cutting-edge tests to assess the quality of coatings. They don’t just eyeball the construction site or paint job and make a judgement. Specialist tests include:
- Blast profile inspection – This test measures the surface roughness created by abrasive blasting to ensure the surface has the correct profile for the coating to adhere properly which affects the durability of the paint.
- Rust grade analysis – This test assesses the degree and type of rust present on a surface using standardised grading systems such as ISO 8501. It helps determine the surface preparation you may need and evaluates the level of compliance.
- Pull-off tests – This test evaluates the adhesive strength of a coating by measuring the force required to detach it from the substrate. It’s vital for assessing the coating’s bond and ensuring it won’t fail under operational stresses.
- Wet film tests – This test measures the thickness of freshly applied paint or a coating before it dries. It verifies that the application meets the specified thickness for proper performance and coverage.
Compliance
By working with a professional paint inspector, you guarantee compliance on your construction project. Certified paint inspectors have an in-depth awareness of industry standards and regulations. They take regular refresher courses to ensure they’re up to date with the latest legislation. Seek out paint inspectors who are certified to at least ICorr (Institute of Corrosion) Level 2 guaranteeing their expert knowledge of regulations and how to meet them.
Why Paint Inspections Are Vital in the Construction Industry
Bespoke Tests
Every construction site has unique challenges and conditions that can significantly impact the performance of coatings. Factors such as the type of structure, environmental exposure (e.g., humidity, temperature, and salinity), substrate materials, and the intended use of the facility all play a role in determining what kind of coating system and inspection criteria are needed.
A tailored paint inspection survey considers all the variables to ensure the coating meets the specific demands of your site. By customising the inspection process, potential issues like an inadequately prepared surface, shoddy application, or lack of protection against the environment can be identified and addressed proactively, reducing the risk of the coating failing prematurely and ensuring long-term durability.
Identify Issues Early
Paint inspectors generate detailed reports based on their findings. These will bring potential weaknesses in the project to your attention and recommend steps for improvement. For instance, if pull-off tests indicate poor adhesion, they’d recommend reevaluating the surface preparation or selecting a different primer or coating. Or if contaminants like oil or dust from the construction site are found on surfaces, they’d recommend proper cleaning procedures.
Thorough inspections are essential for identifying paint-related issues early, preventing minor problems from escalating into costly repairs or dangerous safety hazards. By detecting issues such as the wrong coating thickness early, you can correct the problem before the structure is exposed to the elements or operational stresses.
By addressing these problems during the construction phase, you can safeguard the project timeline and budget, all while ensuring the structural integrity will last and the coating will perform as intended. This proactive approach not only minimises the financial impact of having to rework the coating but also enhances the safety of the site as compromised coatings can lead to corrosion, weakened structures, and a hazardous working environment.
Hire Paint Inspection Experts
All in all, performing a paint inspection in the early stages of the construction process is essential to maintain the structural integrity and longevity of buildings and infrastructure. Working with professional paint inspectors guarantees compliance with industry standards and regulations. It prevents costly repairs and safety hazards by identifying paint-related issues early.
Want to learn more about how a paint inspection survey can benefit your construction project? Contact our team of highly qualified paint inspectors today.