Let’s face it – if you live anywhere in the US, you have more than likely experienced some form of harsh weather. Be it thunderstorms, hurricanes, hail, or flooding. Any one of these can wreak havoc on your commercial business.
Severe weather can bring with it damages that can affect your company in ways that you might not have thought possible. With a little bit of planning however, you can help to minimize or eliminate any potential damage.
Measures for Avoiding Weather Damage
Professional painting contractors know that multiple things can be done to help protect your commercial building(s):
Inspect the exterior of your building regularly
When you take the time to inspect your facility, you can catch damage or deterioration before it gets severe. If there are any signs of damage, it’s best to tackle it right away.
Know the age of your exterior paint or coating
This is essential to know, as over time paints and coatings can break down and provide less protection, thus leaving your building(s) susceptible to damage from harsh elements.
The standard of coatings
In some cases, it is not just about the age of the paint or coatings. Some coatings are inferior from the beginning. Choosing a quality coating is essential.
There are those that have chosen to have substandard paints or coatings used to cut costs, which can lead to more significant problems down the line.
Having the right kind of coating
Making sure that your business has the best type of paint or coating can help prevent moisture intrusion – which can create multiple issues.
If the exterior of your commercial building was not painted by a professional, an incorrect type of coating might have been applied. Each substrate should be considered carefully, as some coatings work better than others. Different surfaces require different forms of coatings and if the wrong one is chosen, it can lead to deterioration. Most painting companies will be able to assess the paint or coating that is on your substrate and let you know if any changes should be made.
Moisture proofing your building
Make sure that you have all the required areas covered or sealed. By doing this, you should be able to keep out unwanted moisture intrusion.
This includes your roof. Your roof takes the lion’s share of wind, rain, and UV sunlight. Make sure that all areas are checked that require caulking. This can include areas around windows, doors, and gaps between different surfaces.
If any of the caulking is old, worn out, or cheap, you should remove, clean, and replace it with a good brand of adhesive caulk. Not only will this help keep out unwanted moisture, but it should help with lowering your energy costs.
Taking the time to make sure that your commercial building is as secure as possible will help give you the peace of mind knowing that you have prepared as much as you can for any severe weather that comes your way, be it an afternoon thunderstorm or a hurricane.
Experienced painters know that there are varying factors to consider when it comes to exterior paints and coatings. UV exposure, flexibility, what can and can not protect a particular type of substrate, and types of weather exposure are just some of the factors that have to be taken into account when recommending a coating for commercial buildings.
Prevention is the best medicine. Take the time to protect your company today and you will avoid huge costs in the future.
