Top Coat Tech

Protective coatings are essential for maintaining the integrity and longevity of industrial equipment, structures, and facilities. However, these coatings are constantly exposed to the elements and can be impacted by a variety of weather and environmental factors. In this blog post, we will explore the impact of weather and environmental factors on protective coatings and how regular inspections can help mitigate risk. We will also discuss the importance of working with a professional, AMPP senior certified coatings inspector like Toronto Industrial Painting.

Impact of Weather and Environmental Factors on Protective Coatings:

1. Temperature: Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can have a significant impact on protective coatings. High temperatures can cause the coating to expand and contract, leading to cracking and peeling. Low temperatures can cause the coating to become brittle, making it more susceptible to damage.
2. Humidity: High humidity levels can cause condensation to form on the surface of the coating, leading to the growth of mold and mildew. This can cause discoloration and degrade the integrity of the coating. For more info, see wet storage stains how they form and how to prevent them. 
3. UV radiation: Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can cause the coating to fade and lose its protective properties. This can make the surface more susceptible to damage from other environmental factors.
4. Chemical exposure: Industrial environments are often exposed to a variety of chemicals, such as acids and alkalis, which can cause damage to protective coatings. This can lead to corrosion and other forms of degradation.

Future Impact of Climate Change on Protective Coatings:

Climate change is expected to have a significant impact on the environment in the coming years, and this is likely to have an impact on protective coatings as well. As temperatures continue to rise, the use of coatings that can withstand higher temperatures will become increasingly important. In addition, as extreme weather events become more common, coatings that can withstand heavy winds, rain, and other forms of weather-related damage will also be in greater demand.

Another important consideration is the effect of climate change on coastal regions. Rising sea levels and increased storm surges are likely to lead to more severe corrosion and erosion of coastal infrastructure. This will make it essential to use coatings that are specifically designed to resist corrosion and erosion in these environments.

It is also important to consider the effect of climate change on the overall performance of protective coatings. As temperatures and humidity levels change, the way that coatings expand and contract will also change. This can lead to premature failure of the coating and the need for more frequent reapplication.

Mitigating Risk with Regular Inspections:

Regular inspections are crucial for identifying and addressing any issues with protective coatings caused by weather and environmental factors. By identifying problems early on, it is possible to take action to prevent further damage and extend the life of the coating.

1. Identify issues: During an inspection, a professional, AMPP senior certified coatings inspector can identify any issues with the coating, such as cracking, peeling, or discoloration. This allows for prompt action to be taken to address the problem.
2. Determine cause: The inspector will also determine the cause of the issue, whether it be due to weather and environmental factors or other issues such as improper application or lack of maintenance.
3. Develop a plan: Based on the findings of the inspection, a plan can be developed to address the problem and prevent it from recurring in the future. This may include repairs, reapplication, or changes to maintenance procedures.

Conclusion:  Environmental Factors and How Inspections Can Mitigate Risk. 

Protective coatings are essential for maintaining the integrity and longevity of industrial equipment, structures, and facilities. However, these coatings are constantly exposed to the elements and can be impacted by a variety of weather and environmental factors. Regular inspections can help mitigate risk by identifying and addressing issues early on. For that reason, it is essential to work with a certified coatings inspector. With their experience, expertise, and compliance with standards and regulations, these companies can ensure that the inspections are conducted to the highest possible standards and that the data collected is accurate and reliable. By choosing to work with a professional, AMPP senior certified coatings inspector, companies can have peace of mind, knowing that their protective coatings are in good hands. 

For more information on the impact of climate change on protective coatings, please visit the website of the University of North Texas's digital library (UNT):  https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc740308/

Protective coatings are used to protect various structures and surfaces from corrosion, wear, and other types of damage. These coatings can be applied to metal, concrete, and other surfaces, and are crucial for maintaining the integrity and longevity of the structures they protect. However, over time, protective coatings can degrade and lose their effectiveness. To ensure that coatings are in good condition, regular inspections are necessary. In this blog post, we will discuss the different techniques used to assess the adhesion and thickness of protective coatings, and how Toronto Industrial Painting, a professional AMPP senior certified coatings inspector in Toronto, can help ensure the integrity of your coatings.

Dry Film Thickness Gauges

One of the most common techniques used to assess the thickness of protective coatings is the use of dry film thickness gauges. These gauges use electromagnetic or ultrasonic waves to measure the thickness of the coating without damaging it. They can be used on both metallic and non-metallic surfaces and are accurate to within a few micrometers. Coating  uses state-of-the-art dry film thickness gauges to ensure accurate measurements of coating thickness.

Adhesion Testers

Adhesion testers are used to measure the adhesion or bonding strength of a coating to the surface it is protecting. The most common types of adhesion testers include the tape test, cross-cut test, and scrape adhesion test. In the tape test, a piece of tape is applied to the coating and then removed. The amount of coating that comes off with the tape is an indication of the coating's adhesion. The cross-cut test involves making a series of cuts in the coating, and then pulling on the coating to see if it delaminates or comes off. The scrape adhesion test involves using a specialized tool to scrape the coating and measure the force required to remove it. Certified coating inspectors use a variety of adhesion testers to ensure the coatings they apply will have strong adhesion to the substrate.

Holiday Detection

Holiday detection is a technique used to detect any areas of a coating that have been missed during the application process. This can include areas that are thin or not covered at all. The technique involves passing an electrical current through the coating, and any areas where the coating is not present will show up as a "holiday" or break in the electrical current. NACE inspectors use advanced holiday detection equipment to ensure that all areas of the coating have been properly applied. Learn more here.

Visual Inspection

A visual inspection is a simple but effective way to assess the overall condition of a coating. During a visual inspection, the inspector will look for any signs of damage, such as cracking, peeling, or chalking. They will also look for any areas of the coating that have been missed or are too thin. AMPP senior certified inspectors conduct visual inspections to ensure that the coating is in good condition.

Conclusion: Inspection Techniques for Assessing the Adhesion and Thickness of Protective Coatings

Regular inspections are necessary to ensure that protective coatings are in good condition and providing the necessary protection. The techniques discussed in this blog post, including dry film thickness gauges, adhesion testers, holiday detection, and visual inspections, are all important tools for assessing the adhesion and thickness of coatings. It's important to work with a certified and experienced inspector to ensure the inspection is done correctly.

In conclusion, regular inspections are crucial for maintaining the integrity of protective coatings. By using the techniques discussed in this blog post, it is possible to detect any issues with the coating and take appropriate action to fix them. By working with a certified and experienced inspector, you can have peace of mind knowing that your protective coatings are in good condition and providing the necessary protection for your structures and surfaces.

For more information, you can refer to the SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7gPNgQmoUMxZS5yCcAOsAg

Protective coatings are essential for maintaining the integrity and longevity of industrial equipment, structures, and facilities. However, inspecting these coatings in hard-to-reach areas can be a challenging task, both in terms of time and safety. Fortunately, the use of drones and robotics is revolutionizing the way that inspections are conducted, making it more efficient, cost-effective, and accurate. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of using drones and robotics for protective coatings inspections, and why it is important to work with a professional, AMPP level 3 certified surface inspection company like Toronto Industrial Painting.

Benefits of Using Drones and Robotics for Protective Coatings Inspections:

1. Increased safety: One of the main benefits of using drones and robotics for protective coatings inspections is the increased safety for workers. Inspections in hard-to-reach areas can be dangerous, especially if they involve heights or hazardous environments. By using drones and robotics, workers can conduct inspections from a safe distance, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
2. Improved efficiency: Drones and robotics are able to reach areas that would be difficult or impossible for humans to access, such as high elevations or tight spaces. This means that inspections can be conducted more quickly and efficiently, reducing downtime and minimizing disruptions to operations.
3. Greater accuracy: Drones and robotics are equipped with advanced sensors and cameras that can provide detailed, high-resolution images of the surface being inspected. This allows for more accurate assessments of the condition of the protective coatings, including identifying defects and measuring the thickness of the coating.
4. Cost-effective: Traditional inspection methods can be time-consuming and costly, especially if they involve scaffolding, cranes, or other equipment. By using drones and robotics, the cost of inspections can be significantly reduced, making it more cost-effective for companies.

Why it is Important to Work with a Professional, AMPP Level 3 Certified Surface Inspection Company:

While the use of drones and robotics is a significant advancement in the protective coatings industry, it is important to remember that these technologies are only as good as the operators who are using them. That's why it's crucial to work with a senior certified coatings inspector. 

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1. Experience and expertise: A professional, AMPP level 3 certified inspector has the experience and expertise to conduct inspections using the latest technology, including drones and robotics. They understand the nuances of the industry, the specific requirements of different coatings, and how to interpret the data collected by the drones and robotics to provide accurate assessments of the protective coatings.
2. Compliance with standards and regulations: A professional, AMPP level 3 certified surface inspection company is fully compliant with all of the relevant standards and regulations for protective coatings inspections. This ensures that the inspections are conducted to the highest possible standards and that the data collected is accurate and reliable. 

Conclusion: Protective Coatings in Hard-to-Reach Areas

The use of drones and robotics is revolutionizing the way that protective coatings inspections are conducted. By making it more efficient, cost-effective, and accurate, these technologies are helping to improve safety and minimize disruptions to operations. However, it is important to remember that the data collected by drones and robotics is only as good as the operators who are using them. That's why it's crucial to work with an AMPP certified coatings inspector. With their experience, expertise, and compliance with standards and regulations, these professionals can ensure that the inspections are conducted to the highest possible standards and that the data collected is accurate and reliable. Thus, companies can have peace of mind, knowing that their protective coatings are in good hands.

Learn more in this link: https://www.ampp.org/about/strategic-plan