Silicon-based materials have long been used in applications to provide foam control and to promote adhesion. As silicon materials readily combine with the polymers found in modern paints, manufacturers are able to blend their paints to achieve very high performance levels.
Although the idea of silicon based coatings is not new, the last decade has seen a huge number of new applications for silicon-based materials develop, as well as refinements of existing uses of silicon materials in paint.
The specific type of silicon material used in a coating affects its final characteristics. Silicon has a very flexible chemical profile, which means that a paint manufacturer can dramatically alter paint performance by using a slightly different kind of silicon-based material.
Depending on the formulation, a silicon-based paint may exhibit superior heat and abrasion resistance, resistance to oil and water, improved weathering characteristics or stain resistance. Since silicon is an inorganic compound, the material can be used to boost a paint’s performance without adding to the VOC content of the coating. When applied to concrete, masonry and tile, silicon-based paints exhibit incredible adhesion characteristics while offering a water resistant finish.
This flexibility has led to paint manufacturers turning out coating products that are fine-tuned to specific niches within the commercial painting industry. So long as the paint is properly matched to the application, silicon-based coatings can yield excellent results.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
An important safety factor for concrete dams is to keep them watertight
Waterproofing embankment dams take place during construction. The waterproofing solution is designed to last all throughout the life span of the dam. To make this possible, the barrier system utilize the strongest materials, aggregates, and waterproofing deck coating products capable of resisting damage and, in the event of damage, can be easily repaired.
An important safety factor for concrete dams is to keep them watertight. This entails using waterproofing deck coating products and materials that create a watertight barrier membrane in the dam's upstream face and body. The upstream face of the dam is subject to the highest stresses of endlessly pounding water. The waterproofing deck coating product to use should be able to withstand and be impervious to the steady assault of these stresses. The waterproofing barrier should also exhibit a high degree of elasticity. Any deformation in the barrier system requires very costly repairs.
As a way to embank water, massive hydraulic dams withstand great water pressure all throughout their existence. A critical priority in their design is for them to be consistently stable at all times. However, because of the great hydraulic forces pressing on the dams constantly, they may suffer possible water infiltration that can lessen their safety levels. An uncontrolled and continuous water infiltration can give rise to erosion, which can dangerously lead to a structural collapse.
An important safety factor for concrete dams is to keep them watertight. This entails using waterproofing deck coating products and materials that create a watertight barrier membrane in the dam's upstream face and body. The upstream face of the dam is subject to the highest stresses of endlessly pounding water. The waterproofing deck coating product to use should be able to withstand and be impervious to the steady assault of these stresses. The waterproofing barrier should also exhibit a high degree of elasticity. Any deformation in the barrier system requires very costly repairs.
As a way to embank water, massive hydraulic dams withstand great water pressure all throughout their existence. A critical priority in their design is for them to be consistently stable at all times. However, because of the great hydraulic forces pressing on the dams constantly, they may suffer possible water infiltration that can lessen their safety levels. An uncontrolled and continuous water infiltration can give rise to erosion, which can dangerously lead to a structural collapse.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Industrial Floor Coatings Plan
After a thorough site inspection by critical personnel such as architects, engineers, or contractors, the group should be able to formulate a detailed specification of the floor coatings project. This must be carefully written because the specification will outline, on paper, the plan and resources that must be deployed to achieve project completion.
The specification must be developed considering the following:
1. The condition and history of the target floor area.
2. The quality and useful life of the concrete foundation.
3. The location of the target surface in relation to its surroundings.
4. The skills required from the coating applicators.
5. The test methods and acceptance criteria to be used.
6. The inspection methods to be used.
Factoring in these issues to the specifications will ensure that any current problems or future threats to the surface will be covered and addressed in this project. Furthermore, these data will guide the project planners in selecting the right industrial floor coating to solve the problem. For example, when the floor is found to be constantly exposed to high temperature and physical impacts, the right industrial floor coating should be one with great strength, elasticity and heat and abrasive resistance. Anything else will be inappropriate.
The specification must be developed considering the following:
1. The condition and history of the target floor area.
2. The quality and useful life of the concrete foundation.
3. The location of the target surface in relation to its surroundings.
4. The skills required from the coating applicators.
5. The test methods and acceptance criteria to be used.
6. The inspection methods to be used.
Factoring in these issues to the specifications will ensure that any current problems or future threats to the surface will be covered and addressed in this project. Furthermore, these data will guide the project planners in selecting the right industrial floor coating to solve the problem. For example, when the floor is found to be constantly exposed to high temperature and physical impacts, the right industrial floor coating should be one with great strength, elasticity and heat and abrasive resistance. Anything else will be inappropriate.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Silicon-based Paint may Exhibit Superior Heat and Abrasion Resistance
Although the idea of silicon based coatings is not new, the last decade has seen a huge number of new applications for silicon-based materials develop, as well as refinements of existing uses of silicon materials in paint.
Silicon-based materials have long been used in applications to provide foam control and to promote adhesion. As silicon materials readily combine with the polymers found in modern paints, manufacturers are able to blend their paints to achieve very high performance levels.
Depending on the formulation, a silicon-based paint may exhibit superior heat and abrasion resistance, resistance to oil and water, improved weathering characteristics or stain resistance. Since silicon is an inorganic compound, the material can be used to boost a paint’s performance without adding to the VOC content of the coating. When applied to concrete, masonry and tile, silicon-based paints exhibit incredible adhesion characteristics while offering a water resistant finish.
The specific type of silicon material used in a coating affects its final characteristics. Silicon has a very flexible chemical profile, which means that a paint manufacturer can dramatically alter paint performance by using a slightly different kind of silicon-based material.
This flexibility has led to paint manufacturers turning out coating products that are fine-tuned to specific niches within the commercial painting industry. So long as the paint is properly matched to the application, silicon-based coatings can yield excellent results.
Silicon-based materials have long been used in applications to provide foam control and to promote adhesion. As silicon materials readily combine with the polymers found in modern paints, manufacturers are able to blend their paints to achieve very high performance levels.
Depending on the formulation, a silicon-based paint may exhibit superior heat and abrasion resistance, resistance to oil and water, improved weathering characteristics or stain resistance. Since silicon is an inorganic compound, the material can be used to boost a paint’s performance without adding to the VOC content of the coating. When applied to concrete, masonry and tile, silicon-based paints exhibit incredible adhesion characteristics while offering a water resistant finish.
The specific type of silicon material used in a coating affects its final characteristics. Silicon has a very flexible chemical profile, which means that a paint manufacturer can dramatically alter paint performance by using a slightly different kind of silicon-based material.
This flexibility has led to paint manufacturers turning out coating products that are fine-tuned to specific niches within the commercial painting industry. So long as the paint is properly matched to the application, silicon-based coatings can yield excellent results.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Recycled Paint is Environmentally Preferable
All environmentally preferable paints referred to in this post are waterborne, or water-based, latex paints. Oil-based paints (also known as solvent-based paints, or alkyd paints) are not recommended, because they are not available in low-volatile organic compound (VOC) blends, less toxic formulations, or recycled-content paints. At this time, no North American plant will recycle oil-based paint into recycled paint. All of the collected oil-based paint is blended with fuels and burned for its combustion energy value. Therefore, all references to paint in this post refer to latex paints unless otherwise specified.
Did you know:
- A growing number of paints are made from recycled paint?
- Many paints now contain lower levels of VOCs, which helps to reduce the smells and off-gassing that are commonly associated with fresh paint?
- Less-toxic paints perform well without using heavy metals and other toxic chemicals?
Recycled-content, zero/low-VOC, or less toxic paint is an alternative to traditional paint that offers environmental and health benefits.
Recycled Paint
Purchasing recycled paint is necessary to "close the loop" so that paint collected in recycling programs goes back into a usable commodity. The Product Stewardship Institute estimates that conservatively, at least five percent of all paint sold becomes leftover paint, totaling more than four million gallons of leftover paint each year in California alone.
This leftover paint represents a collection challenge if recycled properly, and an environmental risk if disposed improperly. The four million gallons of leftover paint each year are a potential commodity that can be used to make recycled paint; unfortunately, less than half of the leftover paint is properly collected and recycled each year. The uncollected amounts may be improperly disposed of in trash (ending up in landfills), or may be poured down storm drains (harming aquatic life), or may be poured down sinks (interfering with proper wastewater treatment). When paint can't be swapped or used, the highest and best use of the leftover paint is to reprocess it into recycled paint.
Much of the collected latex paint is currently being blended as an additive to concrete, or is stock-piled in warehouses waiting for purchase. Paint buyers have an opportunity to improve the entire paint recycling infrastructure and collection through the purchase of recycled paint.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Waterproofing huge buildings and complex structures
Waterproofing deck coating products used for large-scale projects must be top quality.
The barrier systems must consist of epoxy primers and polyurethane membranes that deliver superior performance. To ensure coatings effectiveness, water testing of the installed barrier system is a major challenge. Complete leakage evaluation is integral to ensure waterproofing success and to avoid major additional costs.
Waterproofing huge buildings and complex structures can pose large-scale problems not generally seen in regular waterproofing projects. High-trafficked facilities such as airports, sports complexes, or luxury spa and resorts are just some of these structures that go beyond routine waterproofing. Waterproofing contractors deal with different variables and deal with them in larger-than-normal scales.
The project scope can be daunting. It's not hard to imagine the huge amount of waterproofing deck coating products needed to protect the decks and floors of an international airport, for example.
With size comes complexity, because large-scale waterproofing demands perfect integration with the facilities' mechanical systems, deliver longevity, perform well and remain easy to implement despite the larger proportions.
The barrier systems must consist of epoxy primers and polyurethane membranes that deliver superior performance. To ensure coatings effectiveness, water testing of the installed barrier system is a major challenge. Complete leakage evaluation is integral to ensure waterproofing success and to avoid major additional costs.
Waterproofing huge buildings and complex structures can pose large-scale problems not generally seen in regular waterproofing projects. High-trafficked facilities such as airports, sports complexes, or luxury spa and resorts are just some of these structures that go beyond routine waterproofing. Waterproofing contractors deal with different variables and deal with them in larger-than-normal scales.
The project scope can be daunting. It's not hard to imagine the huge amount of waterproofing deck coating products needed to protect the decks and floors of an international airport, for example.
With size comes complexity, because large-scale waterproofing demands perfect integration with the facilities' mechanical systems, deliver longevity, perform well and remain easy to implement despite the larger proportions.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
Rankings for the LEED program are based on the level of compliance, with an established minimum score for certification. Higher levels of compliance earn higher rankings, from silver to gold to platinum.
Because this rating is from a third-party source, your commitment to a cleaner environment is not an empty statement, but a verified fact. By taking the LEED, your facility has proven its commitment to greener practices, which can be an important public relations asset.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is an independent certification program developed by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). The USGBC is made up of building and construction professionals who believe that greener buildings are viable and sustainable. The members of the USGBC develop strategies for building construction, use and maintenance that are more environmentally friendly. The LEED program is used by many painting and coating manufacturers such as Sherwin-Williams to develop products that are more environmentally sound.
Participation in the program is not mandatory. If you are interested in presenting an environmentally conscious identity, you contact the USGBC and initiate a third party review of your building practices. Once the review is complete, your building is assigned a rating based on how well your building or operating practices stack up against industry suggested criteria.
If you want to build or maintain a greener building, you may want to take the LEED.
Because this rating is from a third-party source, your commitment to a cleaner environment is not an empty statement, but a verified fact. By taking the LEED, your facility has proven its commitment to greener practices, which can be an important public relations asset.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is an independent certification program developed by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). The USGBC is made up of building and construction professionals who believe that greener buildings are viable and sustainable. The members of the USGBC develop strategies for building construction, use and maintenance that are more environmentally friendly. The LEED program is used by many painting and coating manufacturers such as Sherwin-Williams to develop products that are more environmentally sound.
Participation in the program is not mandatory. If you are interested in presenting an environmentally conscious identity, you contact the USGBC and initiate a third party review of your building practices. Once the review is complete, your building is assigned a rating based on how well your building or operating practices stack up against industry suggested criteria.
If you want to build or maintain a greener building, you may want to take the LEED.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
What's going on with the Industrial Coatings Market?
As the competition heats up between local and foreign coatings manufacturers, the end users benefit with wider choices in better-enhanced, high-quality and cost-efficient industrial coatings.
The best industrial coatings products in the market -- from epoxy thermal cures to polyurethane high-gloss topcoats -- give industrial coatings experts the freedom to achieve successful yet affordable results that provide the best performance and protection in coatings application projects.
The global economic crisis continues to dampen the profitability of many industries and businesses, but the industrial coatings market is in relatively better shape than most. This is due in large part to the continuing demand for coatings services from the construction, machinery and manufacturing sectors.
These industries, after all, remain sturdy pillars of the country's economy -- providing important products to the populace -- and therefore are compelled to continue their day-to-day production activities despite reduced manpower and lower levels of operation.
Since it is business as usual for these sectors, industrial coatings companies are hard-pressed to continue providing quality industrial coatings for their manufacturing and repair needs. Not an easy task with the soaring prices of raw materials and the increasing competition posed by overseas manufacturers.
Coating manufacturers in the country are continually challenged to produce better industrial coatings and processes that are competitive in terms of costs and quality.
The best industrial coatings products in the market -- from epoxy thermal cures to polyurethane high-gloss topcoats -- give industrial coatings experts the freedom to achieve successful yet affordable results that provide the best performance and protection in coatings application projects.
The global economic crisis continues to dampen the profitability of many industries and businesses, but the industrial coatings market is in relatively better shape than most. This is due in large part to the continuing demand for coatings services from the construction, machinery and manufacturing sectors.
These industries, after all, remain sturdy pillars of the country's economy -- providing important products to the populace -- and therefore are compelled to continue their day-to-day production activities despite reduced manpower and lower levels of operation.
Since it is business as usual for these sectors, industrial coatings companies are hard-pressed to continue providing quality industrial coatings for their manufacturing and repair needs. Not an easy task with the soaring prices of raw materials and the increasing competition posed by overseas manufacturers.
Coating manufacturers in the country are continually challenged to produce better industrial coatings and processes that are competitive in terms of costs and quality.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Color Goes Beyond Aesthetics and has a Psychological Effect on People
Perhaps the most noticeable quality about any paint is its color. Paint and color is a great way to freshen up an area and change the office atmosphere. It transforms a space greatly.
What's more, color goes beyond aesthetics; it has a particular psychological effect on people and consequently their productivity.
Softer colors are usually calming and allow a healthcare building to feel less institutional, allowing healing to take place more naturally. Deeper colors, mainly when used as accents, can build an individual's focus and point them in the right direction. For example, when painting an extended corridor, look for areas where its possible to bring in an accent color by means of paint. These colors can guide people through the corridor and make the space seem shorter than it really is.
Furthermore, the use of color in a property will help highlight the organization's brand. A corporation's culture and image are usually an inspiration when choosing the color palette for the facility. Consider incorporating the image by re-interpreting the colors into an indoor setting.
Obviously, physical constraints also come into play when choosing paint color. Darker colors tend to cover fingerprints and smudges better than lighter colors. Alternatively, scratches that are deep enough to mark are even more noticeable with deeper colors.
At the same time, the paint should reflect the occupants' needs and type of business. For instance, the paint used in a building with many elderly occupants should account for the fact that one's depth perception can weaken with age. While painting a door and the doorjamb the same color may present a clean, crisp look, it also could make it difficult to distinguish one from the other.
What's more, color goes beyond aesthetics; it has a particular psychological effect on people and consequently their productivity.
Softer colors are usually calming and allow a healthcare building to feel less institutional, allowing healing to take place more naturally. Deeper colors, mainly when used as accents, can build an individual's focus and point them in the right direction. For example, when painting an extended corridor, look for areas where its possible to bring in an accent color by means of paint. These colors can guide people through the corridor and make the space seem shorter than it really is.
Furthermore, the use of color in a property will help highlight the organization's brand. A corporation's culture and image are usually an inspiration when choosing the color palette for the facility. Consider incorporating the image by re-interpreting the colors into an indoor setting.
Obviously, physical constraints also come into play when choosing paint color. Darker colors tend to cover fingerprints and smudges better than lighter colors. Alternatively, scratches that are deep enough to mark are even more noticeable with deeper colors.
At the same time, the paint should reflect the occupants' needs and type of business. For instance, the paint used in a building with many elderly occupants should account for the fact that one's depth perception can weaken with age. While painting a door and the doorjamb the same color may present a clean, crisp look, it also could make it difficult to distinguish one from the other.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Smarten Facility Walls and Rework Ordinary Office Space
There are many ways with which to smarten the facility walls and rework ordinary spaces into enjoyable work spaces. Focusing exclusively on wall covering projects, the right wall covering contractor can create and implement beautiful wall art and murals that make office cubicles ideal places to relax and carry out business tasks.
To ensure the success of wall covering project, the wall covering contractor needs to undergo the following step-by-step implementation processes:
1. Assess the requirements for this facility. This is made possible through a face-to-face discussion with the facility manager, who can articulate the requirements or any unusual concept he may have in mind.
2. Clarification of the scope and budgetary constraints, if any. Constraints are sometimes cost-related, but other issues such as downtime, execution time, and the like, also will need to be ironed out or clarified in the early stages of the project.
3. Custom-tailoring the most effective-fit solution for this facility. The wall covering contractor comes up with a choice of wall covering materials and concepts to be presented to the facility manager, that, together with costs, will help in developing out the best wall covering solution.
3. Providing the labor and materials for the project. The wall covering contractor must possess the resources (manpower, equipment, materials, and skills) to manage the project through to completion.
4. Carry out the preparation, application and post-application processes. Following agreed specifications and time plans, the wall covering contractor must perform wall cleaning and surface preparation; execute the wall covering procedures; and observe work quality and safety standards at all times. Monitoring and intervening based on unexpected events, as well as post-project cleanup, must also be done appropriately before any project can be deemed successful.
To ensure the success of wall covering project, the wall covering contractor needs to undergo the following step-by-step implementation processes:
1. Assess the requirements for this facility. This is made possible through a face-to-face discussion with the facility manager, who can articulate the requirements or any unusual concept he may have in mind.
2. Clarification of the scope and budgetary constraints, if any. Constraints are sometimes cost-related, but other issues such as downtime, execution time, and the like, also will need to be ironed out or clarified in the early stages of the project.
3. Custom-tailoring the most effective-fit solution for this facility. The wall covering contractor comes up with a choice of wall covering materials and concepts to be presented to the facility manager, that, together with costs, will help in developing out the best wall covering solution.
3. Providing the labor and materials for the project. The wall covering contractor must possess the resources (manpower, equipment, materials, and skills) to manage the project through to completion.
4. Carry out the preparation, application and post-application processes. Following agreed specifications and time plans, the wall covering contractor must perform wall cleaning and surface preparation; execute the wall covering procedures; and observe work quality and safety standards at all times. Monitoring and intervening based on unexpected events, as well as post-project cleanup, must also be done appropriately before any project can be deemed successful.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Steel Bridge Painting, Repair and Maintenance Projects
Bridge painting contractors assigned to the bridge painting project should have the needed skills and experience for applications such as heavy machinery coating, high-rise coating, and heavy industrial painting, among others. The bridge contractor who has cross-trained for such tasks and applications provides a stronger guarantee of surmounting any issues that arise.
Bridge repair and maintenance projects often demand the completion of certain essential activities to ensure success. These activities are critical to the project because they offer solutions to major challenges that may be encountered in such a large-scale painting project. These tasks may range from highly-specialized applications such as steel structural coating, deck coatings and marking, sandblasting, chemical abrasion and coating, sealant applications, to name a few.
Bridge painting also carries additional challenges to compound the enormity and complexity of the project. Some examples of these are the logistics of controlling bridge traffic in the duration of the project, the protection of surrounding properties and environs from any form of damage, the safety of bridge workers, keeping the bridge safe for passing vehicles, and the prevention of any untoward incidents or accidents that could lead to bridge closure.
These factors and a lot more, require real experience from full-service bridge painting contractors that know the kinds of conditions that the bridge painting project demands. An extensive experience in bridge painting operations assure that the project completes successfully to the mutual benefit of all stakeholders – the public, workers, and the environment.
Bridge repair and maintenance projects often demand the completion of certain essential activities to ensure success. These activities are critical to the project because they offer solutions to major challenges that may be encountered in such a large-scale painting project. These tasks may range from highly-specialized applications such as steel structural coating, deck coatings and marking, sandblasting, chemical abrasion and coating, sealant applications, to name a few.
Bridge painting also carries additional challenges to compound the enormity and complexity of the project. Some examples of these are the logistics of controlling bridge traffic in the duration of the project, the protection of surrounding properties and environs from any form of damage, the safety of bridge workers, keeping the bridge safe for passing vehicles, and the prevention of any untoward incidents or accidents that could lead to bridge closure.
These factors and a lot more, require real experience from full-service bridge painting contractors that know the kinds of conditions that the bridge painting project demands. An extensive experience in bridge painting operations assure that the project completes successfully to the mutual benefit of all stakeholders – the public, workers, and the environment.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Containment System During old Paint Removal
The containment system during old paint removal should not allow any traces of coating dust or chemicals to reach and contaminate the environment. But working "in the wild", where the terrain is often rough and uneven, may not make it possible to build a total containment system.
When working in special locations such as beside a source of the community’s drinking water, storage tank painting projects deal with more risks than regular tank painting. The risk lies in harming the local ecosystem's plant and animal population, and the even greater risk of introducing harmful substances to vital sources of potable water.
The due diligence is all in the name of environmental protection. The sudden entry of men, machines, and materials in these remote locations are disturbing the ecosystem already, the least that can be done is to remove any further negative impact by the storage tank painting project to the local habitat.
Another problem is the inclement weather. The storage tank painting project can be mired in a wet and mucky location for some period of time, making the work difficult and cause delay. Out here in these locations, the storage tank painting crew is really roughing it literally. When the weather turns bad, they work on the tank interior, and work the exteriors when the weather improves. Blast-cleaning the tank's surface can take many days and even weeks to complete, because it has to be done carefully. This, despite the use of a dust collector that siphons the debris from blast-cleaning and paint removal.
When working in special locations such as beside a source of the community’s drinking water, storage tank painting projects deal with more risks than regular tank painting. The risk lies in harming the local ecosystem's plant and animal population, and the even greater risk of introducing harmful substances to vital sources of potable water.
The due diligence is all in the name of environmental protection. The sudden entry of men, machines, and materials in these remote locations are disturbing the ecosystem already, the least that can be done is to remove any further negative impact by the storage tank painting project to the local habitat.
Another problem is the inclement weather. The storage tank painting project can be mired in a wet and mucky location for some period of time, making the work difficult and cause delay. Out here in these locations, the storage tank painting crew is really roughing it literally. When the weather turns bad, they work on the tank interior, and work the exteriors when the weather improves. Blast-cleaning the tank's surface can take many days and even weeks to complete, because it has to be done carefully. This, despite the use of a dust collector that siphons the debris from blast-cleaning and paint removal.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Resolve Painting Budget Issues by Changing the Contracting Process
It may seem like overkill to resolve painting budget issues by changing the contracting process. If your facility utilizes outsourcing to a great extent, the practice of administering contracts utilizing this new method can save you money.
Job order contracting (JOC) systems are used by a number of large corporations to handle the process of contracting. Defined as an indefinite demand/quantity system, JOC utilizes pre-set base prices to determine cost of service. The price is settled on by a process of multiplying the base cost by a co-efficient that is pre-selected.
The contracting process can be streamlined by using a JOC system. This is common among many organizations, including government agencies and schools. Here is where you will see real savings: Faster RFP finished product time, lowered administrative needs, a reduction in advertising expenses. Centennial Contractors Enterprise, Inc. published a hard-copy report that indicated that using JOC system could save as much as 21% in ordinary costs.
After a JOC system has been put in place, it can be applied to other outsourced services. It is not limited to painting contracts. Nonetheless, you should think about hiring a JOC expert to help you implement this process if you are not already using it.
Because it is unlikely that the budgets allowed for facility maintenance will increase in the near future, it is important to think outside the box when considering maintenance, construction, and painting projects. At the end of the day, your company may choose to change the contracting process or go with purpose driven spending. Either way, it is important to establish a uniform decision across all company settings and get management approval. This will insure that your company will be able to handle its commercial painting budget effectively.
Job order contracting (JOC) systems are used by a number of large corporations to handle the process of contracting. Defined as an indefinite demand/quantity system, JOC utilizes pre-set base prices to determine cost of service. The price is settled on by a process of multiplying the base cost by a co-efficient that is pre-selected.
The contracting process can be streamlined by using a JOC system. This is common among many organizations, including government agencies and schools. Here is where you will see real savings: Faster RFP finished product time, lowered administrative needs, a reduction in advertising expenses. Centennial Contractors Enterprise, Inc. published a hard-copy report that indicated that using JOC system could save as much as 21% in ordinary costs.
After a JOC system has been put in place, it can be applied to other outsourced services. It is not limited to painting contracts. Nonetheless, you should think about hiring a JOC expert to help you implement this process if you are not already using it.
Because it is unlikely that the budgets allowed for facility maintenance will increase in the near future, it is important to think outside the box when considering maintenance, construction, and painting projects. At the end of the day, your company may choose to change the contracting process or go with purpose driven spending. Either way, it is important to establish a uniform decision across all company settings and get management approval. This will insure that your company will be able to handle its commercial painting budget effectively.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Facility Managers follow standards when deciding on contractors
Facility managers should employ the following standard when deciding on contractors.
1) License to operate - this is a license to legally work in the State or area where the job is located.
2) The contractor's organizational structure is the determining factor for key management and technical persons that the contractor provides for a project.
3) Contractor's resources - determine if the contractor has sufficient resources, for example employees, tools and time, to complete the job on time.
4) Experience - whether the contractor has experience working with the coating system that you want.
5) Testimonials from satisfied clients - a recommendation from the contractor's past clients could benefit the project greatly. You should be able to talk to the contractor's references.
6) Quality control system - ask for test and calibration data to see if the contractor's quality control system is operational.
7) The contractors need to be evaluated in terms of health and safety standards, environmental compliance, and insurance.
Once a short list of possible contractors has been drawn up, the facility manager needs to turn their attention to the technical specifications of the job. Consult with the contractor on the kind of painting services which best meets the project requirement.
Down below are a few painting offerings that contractors tend to give for preventative and decorative painting projects:
• Coil or roll coating is a fast process for metal coating
• Dip or immersion coating where parts are dunked in a vessel full of paint
• Dry lubricants are painted over surfaces of machine parts to limit rusting
• Powder coating is utilized for finishing by applying electrostatically-charged dry paint pieces to surfaces
• Web coating places a sheet of paint on surfaces of continuous sheets
Some commercial painting contractors focus on new components coating, harmed surface re-coating, all-purpose painting, or architectural/restoration painting. Contractors also do after-painting things like thermal cleansing, immersion washing, grease removal, taking off stripping or coating, spray washing, and ultrasonic cleansing.
1) License to operate - this is a license to legally work in the State or area where the job is located.
2) The contractor's organizational structure is the determining factor for key management and technical persons that the contractor provides for a project.
3) Contractor's resources - determine if the contractor has sufficient resources, for example employees, tools and time, to complete the job on time.
4) Experience - whether the contractor has experience working with the coating system that you want.
5) Testimonials from satisfied clients - a recommendation from the contractor's past clients could benefit the project greatly. You should be able to talk to the contractor's references.
6) Quality control system - ask for test and calibration data to see if the contractor's quality control system is operational.
7) The contractors need to be evaluated in terms of health and safety standards, environmental compliance, and insurance.
Once a short list of possible contractors has been drawn up, the facility manager needs to turn their attention to the technical specifications of the job. Consult with the contractor on the kind of painting services which best meets the project requirement.
Down below are a few painting offerings that contractors tend to give for preventative and decorative painting projects:
• Coil or roll coating is a fast process for metal coating
• Dip or immersion coating where parts are dunked in a vessel full of paint
• Dry lubricants are painted over surfaces of machine parts to limit rusting
• Powder coating is utilized for finishing by applying electrostatically-charged dry paint pieces to surfaces
• Web coating places a sheet of paint on surfaces of continuous sheets
Some commercial painting contractors focus on new components coating, harmed surface re-coating, all-purpose painting, or architectural/restoration painting. Contractors also do after-painting things like thermal cleansing, immersion washing, grease removal, taking off stripping or coating, spray washing, and ultrasonic cleansing.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Careful Color Choice for Historic Structures
Lively murals are an excellent choice for the walls of a historic structure. Past history comes to life on a building that has historical meaning when painting the building with the form of art known as a mural. When you are painting a historic structure, you want to capture the atmosphere of its era with the shade(s) you select. Landmark structures are usually distinguished by striking architectural details. The color of the paint helps to emphasize appealing architectural details.
Owners should portray and enhance the best characteristics of their companies when painting commercial buildings. When choosing the color of paint, the decision needs to reflect the nature of the company in the most positive manner possible.
The chosen color needs to make every person feel at ease. It is a good idea to refrain from overwhelming the appearance of the building or the sentiments of the client with the color of the paint.
Green, earth tones, neutral tones and shades of blue
Society today places an increased importance on environmental concerns. When you paint your building with green shades, this indicates an attitude of environmental concern. Your clients will respond positively if you go green both in color and in business philosophy. Hues of brown and neutrals put you in touch with the outdoors in the hues of the earth and its organic fibers.
Vibrant reds, strong oranges, bright yellows
Vibrant reds, strong oranges, and bright yellows are cool colors for "cool" companies. Businesses that are up-and-coming generally choose vibrant colors. Brighter colors suggest optimism and a sense of adventure. Children are known to have positive reactions to bright colors. Do you notice that crayon cartons always have eight basic crayon colors? Even grownups experience reactions of warmth, excitement and comfort when surrounded by the vivid colors of their childhood. Additionally, vibrant hues create an exotic atmosphere. Painting commercial buildings in brilliant hues makes buildings look more European. A bright golden yellow brings to mind the traditional color of a kitchen in Provence. When you use shades of red or red hues mixed with a tiny bit of orange hues, you create a Latin American ambiance.
Owners should portray and enhance the best characteristics of their companies when painting commercial buildings. When choosing the color of paint, the decision needs to reflect the nature of the company in the most positive manner possible.
The chosen color needs to make every person feel at ease. It is a good idea to refrain from overwhelming the appearance of the building or the sentiments of the client with the color of the paint.
Green, earth tones, neutral tones and shades of blue
Society today places an increased importance on environmental concerns. When you paint your building with green shades, this indicates an attitude of environmental concern. Your clients will respond positively if you go green both in color and in business philosophy. Hues of brown and neutrals put you in touch with the outdoors in the hues of the earth and its organic fibers.
Vibrant reds, strong oranges, bright yellows
Vibrant reds, strong oranges, and bright yellows are cool colors for "cool" companies. Businesses that are up-and-coming generally choose vibrant colors. Brighter colors suggest optimism and a sense of adventure. Children are known to have positive reactions to bright colors. Do you notice that crayon cartons always have eight basic crayon colors? Even grownups experience reactions of warmth, excitement and comfort when surrounded by the vivid colors of their childhood. Additionally, vibrant hues create an exotic atmosphere. Painting commercial buildings in brilliant hues makes buildings look more European. A bright golden yellow brings to mind the traditional color of a kitchen in Provence. When you use shades of red or red hues mixed with a tiny bit of orange hues, you create a Latin American ambiance.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Recycled Paint as Alternative to Ordinary Paints
At present, there are several best practices and advancements in painting technologies that not only consider the welfare of the environment but also maintain the same high quality paint performance as that of non-green paints and coatings.
Facility managers, commercial painting contractors, paint manufacturers and raw material suppliers are joining the efforts of government organizations to alleviate environmental damage by searching for better ways to adopt green products, methods and technology used on buildings and properties. They are aware that going green helps lessen negative impact to the environment and brings cost savings to building projects.
One of these noteworthy green methodologies is the application of a second coating in building projects. This practice is eco-friendly because it not only requires very little surface preparation and materials, it also guarantees a longer life to the building and provide stronger protection against daily wear-and-tear.
Another environment-friendly option is to use recycled paint as an alternative to ordinary paints. Recycled paint offers the same degree of performance as standard paints while at the same time lessening the harm to the environment.
A smart green practice is the proper storage and disposal of paints and coatings. Proper storage extends the usefulness of any paint for future projects, and proper disposal ensures lesser waste contaminants are released to the environment. It is also a viable practice to buy only the right amount of paint or coatings for a particular project to eliminate the cost of extra or unused paint.
Facility managers, commercial painting contractors, paint manufacturers and raw material suppliers are joining the efforts of government organizations to alleviate environmental damage by searching for better ways to adopt green products, methods and technology used on buildings and properties. They are aware that going green helps lessen negative impact to the environment and brings cost savings to building projects.
One of these noteworthy green methodologies is the application of a second coating in building projects. This practice is eco-friendly because it not only requires very little surface preparation and materials, it also guarantees a longer life to the building and provide stronger protection against daily wear-and-tear.
Another environment-friendly option is to use recycled paint as an alternative to ordinary paints. Recycled paint offers the same degree of performance as standard paints while at the same time lessening the harm to the environment.
A smart green practice is the proper storage and disposal of paints and coatings. Proper storage extends the usefulness of any paint for future projects, and proper disposal ensures lesser waste contaminants are released to the environment. It is also a viable practice to buy only the right amount of paint or coatings for a particular project to eliminate the cost of extra or unused paint.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
The Ideal Building Painting Maintenance Program
An effective building maintenance manager will get a sense for a business operation in just a few minutes. The kind of things they search for are not at all times obvious to the employees (including management) working in the company. Although each company is different, identical principles to understanding work flow apply. The next questions are intended to help your company understand your building painting maintenance needs:
1. When was the last time your types of procedures for handling repaint requests, writing work orders and performing paint maintenance were updated, changed or created?
2. What number of manual procedures are there? Manual is defined as the filling out of paperwork or performing a function without assistance from technology that can expedite the process.
3. Is there a task flow map or set of manuals that describe how painting maintenance work is processed from start to end? Or is the task flow a collection of band-aid procedures and solutions to peeling paint problems as they come up?
4. What percentage of the painting maintenance team's time is spent fire fighting the daily problems versus performing deliberate or scheduled painting or repainting maintenance? Is the ratio anywhere near an ideal 80% deliberate and 20% reactive (80/20) that well run building painting maintenance organizations achieve?
5. How often do you inspect painting equipment to ensure all is in optimal working condition? Do you conduct all painting jobs in house or choose a different contractor each time?
Commercial Painting Maintenance Needs
Each organization will answer these questions differently. It would be sufficient to say that if ever the answers include “not sure”, then your painting maintenance management can use an update. Updating or changing the painting team and procedures may bring greater efficiencies, lower expenses, professionalize operations and can keep your company aggressive by stabilizing or enhancing operational margins.
1. When was the last time your types of procedures for handling repaint requests, writing work orders and performing paint maintenance were updated, changed or created?
2. What number of manual procedures are there? Manual is defined as the filling out of paperwork or performing a function without assistance from technology that can expedite the process.
3. Is there a task flow map or set of manuals that describe how painting maintenance work is processed from start to end? Or is the task flow a collection of band-aid procedures and solutions to peeling paint problems as they come up?
4. What percentage of the painting maintenance team's time is spent fire fighting the daily problems versus performing deliberate or scheduled painting or repainting maintenance? Is the ratio anywhere near an ideal 80% deliberate and 20% reactive (80/20) that well run building painting maintenance organizations achieve?
5. How often do you inspect painting equipment to ensure all is in optimal working condition? Do you conduct all painting jobs in house or choose a different contractor each time?
Commercial Painting Maintenance Needs
Each organization will answer these questions differently. It would be sufficient to say that if ever the answers include “not sure”, then your painting maintenance management can use an update. Updating or changing the painting team and procedures may bring greater efficiencies, lower expenses, professionalize operations and can keep your company aggressive by stabilizing or enhancing operational margins.
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