Sometimes we don’t get awarded a project because we weren’t the lowest bid…or were we? The project required standing seam metal roofs to be painted at eight of our client’s locations. National Coating Solutions was one of two companies to provide bids for these projects and in the end the client decided that price was the deciding factor.
It happens, we don’t get every project we bid on and sometimes it comes down to whoever submits the lowest price. It is rare that the lowest bidder will provide the best service, as our client was about to find out. Less than one year after our competitor completed the project the roof coatings began to fail and in a big way. Paint wasn’t just coming off in little pieces but rather in big sheets of paint. The client contacted the original contractor but they were nowhere to be found, they had either gone out of business or changed names. National Coating Solutions was contacted to advise the client on how to proceed in correcting the issues. Our first step was to determine the cause for massive paint failure. After examining all eight locations, looking at our competitors bid, and talking with property managers who were on site when the roofs were painted we were able to easily identify the problems. First, the contractor gave a very generic estimate and didn’t directly specify products to be used, preparation steps to be taken or even details of a warranty. Second, after talking with store managers around at the time the projects were completed, the roofs were never washed or cleaned. And third, analysis of the roofs indicated that they were never primed, to ensure proper adhesion, before a finish coat was applied. The contractors either didn’t know what they were up against or they didn’t care what happened after they were paid.
So how do we correct the problems? Very simply put, we start from scratch! The only way that National Coating Solutions can assure their roofs won’t peel was to remove every bit of the finish the original contractors used. Once the paint has been stripped we can then begin the process three step process from the beginning. The first step always is to completely prepare the surface with sanding, then washing all surfaces, and addressing any problem areas. Second, in order for our coating to bond completely we need to first apply an industrial grade bonding primer designed to adhere to slick surfaces as well as be flexible when weather conditions fluctuate. And finally, we apply a high quality industrial coating that is durable enough to handle wear and tear, flexible enough to withstand extreme weather conditions and can also hold its color and gloss to provide a long lasting finish. The result was, and is, a beautiful looking roof free from peeling paint that will provide the client with years and years of service.
So back to our original question, were we the lowest price? Simply put, yes! Our client ended up spending almost three times the amount of our project bid and learned that you should never decide on price alone.
BEFORE
AFTER
SCOPE OF WORK:
1. Complete project survey to determine causes of paint failure and communicate to our clients the required solutions.
2. Remove all traces of paint from roofs and bring back to original condition.
3. Prep roofs through; sanding, cleaning, priming and addressing and problem areas (rust).
4. Prime all roofs with an industrial bonding primer with excellent adhesion properties.
5. Apply high quality industrial coating designed to have excellent color and gloss retention as well as durable enough to handle fluctuating weather conditions.
CHALLENGES:
1. Determining what went wrong with competitors finish.
2. Educating client as to reason for failures and the solutions.
3. Removal of original paint.
4. Completing projects during normal business hours.
SOLUTIONS:
1. Onsite inspections revealed that very little prep was completed prior to painting which ensured that the finish coat would fail prematurely.
2. Client was educated as to why the paint failed and that the only way to correct the issue was to completely remove the defective finish.
3. All roofs were pressure washed with a temp of 250 degrees to loosen and remove defective finish.
4. Working at night wasn’t an option with morning dew and cooler temps so projects were completed during normal business hours. Although this is not an ideal condition we were able to complete projects, ensure customer safety and keep disruptions to a minimum.
To find out more information about National Coating Solutions and exterior surface restoration, give us a call at 630-485-7280 or email us !