World Corrosion Awareness Day: A Primer on Coatings

In recognition of World Corrosion Awareness Day, Assistant Vice President and Coatings Services Department Manager Arthur M. Eschete, Jr., discusses how coatings can protect vital infrastructure from long-term corrosion.

What is the value of an anti-corrosion coating system?

Different coatings serve different purposes, but all are designed to protect structures from various causes of degradation such as physical abrasion, chemical corrosion, extreme temperatures, and/or moisture exposure. A proper coating system can add years, if not decades, to the lifespan of a structure, as well as enhance the structure’s aesthetics and improve safety.

H2M recently designed and oversaw the application of a coating system to the Great Falls Pedestrian Bridge in Paterson, NJ. The coating system — a hot-dip galvanization followed by a phenalkamine epoxy with an aliphatic acrylic polyurethane finish coat — will extend the functional lifespan of the structure by up to 40 years, saving the City of Paterson millions in potential maintenance and replacement costs.

What can I expect from the coatings process?

First, the coatings specialist must evaluate the structure to identify any existing deficiencies that need to be repaired before the coatings can be applied. This evaluation can also help identify any specific areas of corrosion and other weak points of the structure that require additional attention.

The specialist selects the appropriate system of coatings based on the material being coated, the location of the structure, the desired life expectancy, state and local regulations, environmental sustainability, and other considerations. From there, the specialist develops specifications outlining requirements for surface preparation and coating application. Inspections are performed before, during, and after the surface preparation and coating application processes, as well as on a recurring basis thereafter to look for potential weaknesses in the coating system that may arise over time.

What else should I take into consideration?

The coating process should be overseen by a professional with a Protective Coatings Specialist (PCS) and/or Coatings Inspector Program (CIP) certification, as well as a deep knowledge of qualified product lists and the state’s environmental standards.

The ideal consultant will also be able to support the project at every step of the process. A true continuity of care means that potential issues can be investigated and/or addressed by a team of multidisciplinary professionals in constant communication with one another. Not only does this make the design, maintenance, and application of coating systems more efficient, it also creates a single point of accountability for the client to manage.

The right coating system under the right specialist can enhance the safety, efficacy, and aesthetic appeal of your community’s infrastructure for decades to come.