Most industrial smokestacks and chimneys are made of reinforced concrete, brick or metal. As a result, they’re susceptible to damage by UV radiation, high temperatures, rainwater, humidity, wind, hail and lightning strikes.
One way to keep industrial smokestacks and chimneys in good working order is to implement a regular inspection and maintenance program performed by qualified industrial painting contractors.
In addition to being able to recognize the early signs of deterioration, a team of professionals will execute the requisite routine industrial stack painting operations, preventing costly repairs and potential dangers to health and safety.
Addressing Industrial Smokestack and Chimney Problems the Right Way
When it comes to industrial smokestacks and chimneys, a common problem is the hairline cracks that develop in stack coatings due to constant exposure to various factors.
The moisture and water seeping through the cracks will eventually cause the corrosion of metal components, followed by concrete spalling and extensive damage.
Another problem is the deterioration that can occur from the inside out, as a result of elevated temperature levels and acid attacks. What’s more, if the facility is located close to the coast, the sea salt and chlorides present in the atmosphere can accelerate the deterioration process.
To find out why industrial facilities should have regular inspections and industrial stack painting operations carried out by professional industrial painters, let’s take a look at the characteristics of specialty stack coatings.
- Corrosion resistance – Containing a variety of organic and inorganic polymers and polymer hybrids, modern stack coatings deliver a finish coat that is very effective against the corrosive effects of various mechanical and chemical stressors.
- Heat resistance – Heat resistance is another important characteristic of stack coatings. The coating systems used in industrial stack painting applications are not flammable and can withstand different temperature ranges without failing. Depending on the level of temperature resistance required, these coatings can be either epoxies, epoxy-novolac or epoxy-phenolic products, silicone or more specialized multi-polymeric formulations.
- Waterproofing – Not only do stack coatings protect structures against temperature extremes and different environmental factors; they also form an impervious barrier against moisture, acid rain, salt water and acid condensation. Since smokestacks don’t have external insulation and their temperature is usually below the acid dew point temperature of the gases resulting from different operations, coating manufacturers offer a diverse range of high-performance stack coatings capable of withstanding the acid condensation that may form on the internal walls of industrial stacks and chimneys.
- Low solar absorption – Stack coatings are typically a combination of thin film layers, which maximize their reflectance properties. Since these coatings control light absorption, they reduce the heat load, keeping industrial smokestacks and chimneys cooler in the hot weather of Florida.
Although using the right protective stack coatings can help avert the deterioration of industrial stacks and chimneys and prevent substantial damage that’s expensive to repair and may lead to prolonged downtime, coating application techniques are equally important.
Because Performance Painting Contractors is aware of the importance of maintaining industrial smokestacks and chimneys in operable condition, our experienced and dedicated professionals are able to provide a wide range of services, ranging from structural assessments and high-quality industrial stack painting to regular maintenance, regardless of the height of the structure. For a custom consultation and a free painting estimate, please call us today and talk to one of our experienced representatives.
