News - Page 6 of 30

The Benefits of Commercial External Wall Coating Services

Posted on December 16, 2022 by a1_admin

Walls are an essential part of any building, and their integrity and strength are critical barriers that prevent the interior from being exposed to the elements outside. Walls also accentuate the cosmetic and decorative beauty of architecture, and it’s the exterior surface that everyone recognizes when they get a chance to see it. Walls need protection, just like any other architectural surface on a building. That’s why exterior wall coatings are so important for commercial buildings and why property owners across the United States partner with building service companies specializing in exterior wall coatings. This article looks at some of the benefits of maintaining your exterior walls, offering readers a summary of the type of service options available to protect your structure.

What are Wall Coatings?

Wall coatings refer to a specialized decorative layer that is applied directly to the exterior surface of a building. Applying external coatings protects walls from the constant bombardment they receive while being exposed to the outside world. Dirt, ultraviolet rays, moisture, salts, chemicals, and other debris can cause building surfaces to crack, break, blister, chip, warp, and erode.

External wall coatings principally act as a moisture barrier and line of defense from outside exposure; however, they also enhance the architectural beauty of a structure to improve the building’s overall aesthetics. Wall coating systems are generally much thicker than a layer of paint, providing a weather-resistant barrier that helps increase the lifespan of the commercial wall. The thickness of the wall coating also helps cover up any cosmetic blemishes that may appear on the building. In other words, wall coatings serve a critically important function of extending the longevity of your wall’s structure and act as a makeup to give your building a facelift.

What are the Different Types of External Wall Coatings Available?

The following is a list of the different types of wall coatings that building services professionals offer to property owners on their commercial walls.

Acrylic Coating

Water-based, low-VOC coatings provide excellent adhesion and durability. They are commonly used in commercial and residential buildings to protect against moisture, dirt, and staining.

Epoxy Coating

These two-part chemical coatings provide exceptional protection against chemical and physical wear. They are highly durable and resilient, making them ideal for commercial applications.

Urethane Coating

Solvent-based coatings are highly resistant to abrasion and chemical degradation. They provide outstanding protection against UV radiation, making them ideal for exterior applications.

Polyurea Coating

These two-part chemical coatings provide outstanding protection against water and chemical damage. They are highly elastic, making them ideal for commercial applications that require flexibility.

Fluoropolymer Coating

These solvent-based coatings provide exceptional protection against UV radiation, making them ideal for exterior wall applications. They are highly resistant to corrosion and provide superior adhesion and durability.

The Benefits of Exterior Wall Coatings

The facade of your commercial building is key to understanding what type of wall coating is right for your property. That’s why working closely with a building services provider that specializes in commercial wall coatings is important. Look for companies with experience understanding the proper surface preparation necessary for the various types of external wall coatings your building needs. Trained building technicians can help building owners prolong the life of their structure, improve the exterior appearance, and raise the market value of their property.

Protect your Building this Winter with Valcourt

When property owners look for help protecting the physical and cosmetic integrity of their building, they look for a company with industry knowledge in building services that specifically provide external wall coating systems. That is why thousands of property managers around the United States turn to Valcourt. Valcourt is the leading exterior maintenance company specializing in restoration, waterproofing, and external wall coating services. Their company combines over 35 years of building services experience, along with a dedicated team of technicians that offer a no-hassle consultative approach to customers looking for the best solution to their restoration needs.

Don’t brush off the importance of your building’s exterior walls! Connect with an expert at A1Orange today!

Traffic Coatings: The Benefits of Parking Deck Coating Systems

Posted on November 29, 2022 by a1_admin

Concrete is a highly durable material that provides lasting strength in a variety of applications. Its dependability is why building designers use concrete surfaces to construct parking garages, decks, and walkways. However, high-traffic areas get damaged over time due to moisture, chemical intrusion, and exposure to the elements. Foot and vehicle traffic tracks in salts, oils, and other debris, which can cause concrete to crack, break, and erode. This deterioration can lead to expensive maintenance projects down the road. Because of that, most building owners take preventative measures to protect concrete, especially in high-traffic areas. This article explores the advantages of traffic coatings and how professional technicians can help prolong the longevity of concrete surfaces at your building.

What are Traffic Coatings?

Traffic coatings refer to applying a specialized protective layer onto concrete explicitly used in high-traffic areas like vehicles and pedestrian areas. These products protect concrete surfaces against the intrusion of moisture and chemicals, helping to prevent substantial deterioration. Various types of traffic coating systems are available, and they range in pricing, installation requirements, and overall capabilities. The main goals are to create a moisture barrier that helps protect concrete from exposure to adverse climates and debris.

What is the Purpose of Traffic Coating for Concrete?

Parking decks get exposed to a variety of temperatures, especially if they are located in northern parts of the U.S. that experience extreme temperature fluctuations throughout the year. Seasonal weather patterns expose the concrete to ice, snow, and high heat, and vehicles track in salt, oils, and other debris that soaks into the concrete. The combination of weather and chemical intrusion adversely affects the integrity of concrete. These chemicals can also penetrate the steel, causing corrosion and rust, creating a whole other set of problems as this eventually requires a repair that probably costs a bundle. Since parking garages are considered high-traffic areas due to pedestrian and vehicle traffic, they are susceptible to deterioration. That is why traffic coatings offer solutions to help building owners protect their structures from the weather and debris carried into their facilities.

The Different Types of Traffic Coating Systems

This next section will list the different types of products used for traffic coatings and explore how their practical application provides distinct advantages.

Elastomeric Polyurethanes Systems

These polyurethane seals are perfect for parking garages that already have cracking, shrinkage, and other damage. This product is used as a stopgap to prevent further deterioration of structures, preventing concrete from being exposed to moisture and chlorides. This topcoat can improve the aesthetic look of older parking decks and ramps and offer skid resistance in the process. However, this system might need a further application, and it’s not an option building owners should utilize if they want extended service.

Epoxy Broadcast Systems

This covering option is popular among building owners as it’s a cost-effective solution that is relatively easy to apply, helping to reduce overall downtime. Epoxy broadcast systems are non-waterproof and are specifically designed for areas with moderate to heavy traffic. This system helps prevent concrete from the effects of mechanical movements.

Latex / Vinyl Copolymer Systems

This economical, non-odor sealer offers breathability for concrete. Aesthetically pleasing, the application resembles the actual color of concrete, and the sealant is highly permeable. The drawback, however, is that the product offers no waterproofing, and the product itself is prone to cracking and breaking. Therefore, this use is primarily for building owners looking for a temporary solution.

Polyurethane Systems

This solution offers a strong waterproofing sealer that provides a variety of aesthetic options for building owners looking to style their high-traffic areas. The main advantage of polyurethane is that the material can help seal already-cracked concrete areas, preventing further damage to those areas. However, the material is also more difficult to install and is rather sensitive to moisture. Therefore, it is best for areas not directly exposed to the elements.

PMMA/PUMA Systems

Polyurethane-Methacrylate (PUMA) and Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) can be applied to concrete surfaces at low temperatures and offer rapid drying speeds, significantly reducing downtime for high-traffic areas. These materials produce a very pungent odor and must be applied in well-ventilated areas. PMMA/PUMA must be applied to dry surfaces and is less effective on wet concrete surfaces where it will not adhere properly. Also, these systems require the combination of multiple chemicals, and their proper mixture must be exact at the time of application.

Sealers

An economical option that is easy to apply directly to concrete surfaces, sealers are sprayed directly onto the existing concrete and do not change the aesthetic look of the material. Sealers are an excellent choice for building owners looking for an easy solution but one that requires a frequent application. Also, sealers do not offer waterproofing or skid resistance and are limited to where they provide the most service, mainly in new construction projects.

Valcourt is the Expert for your Traffic Coatings Solutions

Traffic coatings help protect high-traffic areas, preserve the longevity of concrete structures, and provide an aesthetically pleasing look that will bring lasting building. These solutions help reduce long-term costs for repair and maintenance, helping your parking garage or walkways endure the elements and traffic for years to come. Valcourt is the trusted building service that thousands of companies depend on to maintain their properties. Regarding traffic coatings, Valcourt has you and your concrete covered. Give A1orange a call today!

Professional Tips for Stone Refinishing of Architectural Surfaces

Posted on November 22, 2022 by a1_admin

Some of the world’s most elegant buildings showcase their beauty with stonework, one of the most durable and long-lasting elements incorporated into structural designs for thousands of years. There is a reason why stone continues to be the primary material used by building designers for flooring, walls, countertops, and bathrooms: its aesthetic appeal and luster evoke an unmistakable sense of luxury.

This article will look at the stone refinishing of architectural surfaces and offers some advice on how building owners can refinish their stonework to improve the overall customer satisfaction of visitors.

What Causes Damage to Natural Stone?

Stone finishes endure the same exposure to the natural elements as any other type of material used in the construction of buildings. The major difference, though, is that stone, being such a high-priced commodity when installed, requires regular maintenance and restoration to ensure that the material returns to the form of the original aesthetic. Wear and tear of stonework is normal, but building owners need to understand the kinds of things that can ultimately damage natural stone and how they can overcome these issues to successfully restore the stone to its natural condition.

Stun Marks

This damage occurs when stone experiences a strong impact that creates a discoloration on the surface. If you’ve ever struck two rocks together, you will have noticed a white discoloration that occurs when a stone is met with another sharp object. These sorts of hit marks can strike just the surface or penetrate the inner core of the stone.

Stains

Stone is a corrosive material that can be affected by oils, salt, and water. This natural material can get damaged relatively easily in buildings with stone walkways. Because of that, it would be wise to call upon a stone refinishing expert that can perform the proper treatment necessary to help polish out stains and bring back the luster of your stonework.

Temperature Fluctuations

Natural stone can chip, flake, and crack if exposed to extreme temperatures. Extreme heat conditions can cause thermal shock and damage the stone material’s integrity. Cold temperatures and melting snow can also cause the stone to crack when water becomes trapped within the porous stone.

Etching

When a stone’s surface is exposed to a corrosive chemical, etching may occur where the surface dissolves, changes colors, and leaves a noticeable etch mark. The best solution to repair etching is through proper floor polishing, which building owners or managers can schedule in advance and after hours to ensure your project completion with minimal downtime.

Scratches and Scuff Marks

High-traffic areas like staircases, patios, and lobbies are susceptible to wear and tear due to the salts, oil, and water tracked in from people. Similar to stun marks, scratches may develop on stone due to contact with another hard surface. Stone refinishing may require buffing to remove superficial scuff marks.

What Architectural Surfaces Most Likely Need Stone Refinishing?

Building owners use stone materials to accentuate the beauty in a variety of different places, such as:

Countertops
Lobbies
Bathroom Walls and Tiles
Flooring
Elevator Lobbies and Cabs
Entryways
Plazas
Patios
Kitchens

What Types of Stone Need Refinishing?

Each type of stone requires special handling techniques to refinish stonework properly and, therefore, should be performed by experienced professionals with a track record of success in various building services. This next section shares a list of the most commonly used types of stoneworks used by commercial and residential builders, offering a brief description of the material and the service involved when conducting restoration.

Marble

Marble is one of the most elegant stones used in countertops, vanities, floors, walls, and bathrooms. Marbles are generally harder than most other stones, but they are susceptible to the same type of wear and tear you commonly find with other materials. Proper maintenance will help keep your marble shiny and smooth, free of scratches or etching.

Slate

Slate offers rich beauty and textures, often providing an array of colors that give a rustic and sentimental ambiance. The material is somewhat porous and must be maintained with proper sealing and cleaning to prevent cracking and breaking.

Granite

Builders often choose this material for luxury kitchen countertops. Granite is the heaviest stone and also one of the most expensive. As a result, not all stone restoration companies will service this material, which is very susceptible to scratching. Valcourt offers various services for restoring your granite, such as sealing, stain removal, polishing, and scratch and etching repair.

Tile and Grout

Revitalize your bathroom by removing the soap scum, germs, and dirt embedded within your tile. Valcourt can help bring your tile’s luster back through a careful deep cleaning and restoration process that will sanitize, repair grout, properly waterproof and seal, and provide regular maintenance to prevent any long-term costs.

Terrazzo

This composite material consists of chips of stones such as quartz, granite, glass, and marble, bonded together through cement. The result is a unique look that elucidates flooring, walls, and countertops. Due to the variance in materials used in this composite, we recommend polishing terrazzo with a company with product expertise. Most professional stonework companies will research, plan, and sample the selected material to ensure that the implemented polishing technique is correct.

What are the Things to Look for in an Architectural Stone Refinishing Service?

Here are some things to look for when choosing an expert to help with stone refinishing.

Convenient Scheduling

Valcourt will schedule our maintenance when it’s most convenient for you and your building. We offer floor polishing any time of the day, and our dedicated night supervisor will help ensure that your project finishes on time with minimal downtime to your building.

Product Expertise

Our experienced building service professionals plan our work, sample your stone material, and provide custom solutions for each customer. All of our stone refinishing comes with regular service updates to help prevent premature wear and helps safeguard against costly replacement options.

Process Expertise

Stone refinishing may require buffing to remove superficial scuff marks. This process improves the aesthetics of your stone without compromising the integrity of the material.

Don’t Take Your Stone Surfaces for Granite, Call Valcourt!

Stone offers your building added beauty and value, but it requires constant maintenance to ensure that the material maintains its luster, strength, and integrity. Your building’s guests will appreciate a freshly polished stone floor and repair work done to remove unsightly scratch marks and etching. When it comes to stone restoration and refinishing, thousands of building owners call Valcourt Building Services. Valcourt is an all-inclusive building service provider specializing in waterproofing, restoration, stone refinishing, and structure repair. With over 35 years of industry experience, it’s easy to imagine why they are the company people choose for stone refinishing. Contact an Expert at A1orange today!