FAQs

A single-pack coating is supplied ready to use and cures mainly through exposure to air or moisture, depending on the product. A two-pack coating consists of a base and hardener which are mixed together before application, creating a chemical reaction as the coating cures.

Two-pack systems, such as epoxies and polyurethanes, are commonly used where higher levels of durability, chemical resistance or corrosion protection are required. The correct system will depend on the environment, substrate and required performance.

Not necessarily. Some products are designed as single-coat systems, but many protective coating specifications require a combination of surface preparation, primer, intermediate coat and/or topcoat to achieve the required level of corrosion protection.

The correct system depends on factors including the environment, condition of the steel and required durability. IAP can assess the requirements and advise on a suitable coating system.

Temperature, humidity, rain, wind and the temperature of the surface being painted can all affect coating application and curing.

Applying coatings outside the manufacturer’s specified environmental conditions can affect adhesion, curing and the finished performance of the system. Environmental conditions should therefore be checked before and during application and recorded where required by the specification.

There is no single lifespan for every protective coating system. Depending on the system specified, the environment and exposure conditions, a protective coating system can be designed for many years of service before major maintenance is required.

The expected life of the system will depend on factors including the quality of the initial surface preparation, correct application and coating thickness, environmental conditions and ongoing inspection and maintenance.

Regular condition inspections, ideally carried out annually, together with maintenance as required, are important for achieving the expected service life of the coating system. Identifying and repairing localised damage, corrosion or coating breakdown early can help prevent more extensive deterioration and extend the overall life of the system.

IAP can carry out coating condition surveys and help clients develop planned maintenance programmes based on the condition of their assets.

Not always. Localised corrosion may be suitable for repair if the remaining coating is sound, compatible and properly adhered.

A condition survey can establish the extent of deterioration and whether localised repairs, preparation and overcoating are appropriate or whether full removal and replacement of the coating system is required.

Early signs can include fading, chalking, cracking, blistering, flaking, loss of adhesion or rust beginning to appear through the coating.

Regular condition surveys can identify deterioration before it develops into more extensive corrosion. Early maintenance can often be more cost-effective than waiting until widespread coating failure has occurred.

Yes. IAP can inspect the existing condition, discuss the environment and required performance, and provide technical input on surface preparation and suitable protective coating systems.

We can also assist at pre-tender and budgeting stages so the client understands the proposed scope before works begin.

C3, C4 and C5 are atmospheric corrosivity categories used within ISO 12944 to help assess how aggressive an environment is towards steel.

In broad terms, C3 represents medium corrosivity, C4 high corrosivity and C5 very high corrosivity. The classification of the environment is an important factor when selecting the required protective coating system and durability.

This depends on the particular fire protection system and its exposure environment.

Where specified, a compatible topcoat can provide environmental protection to the intumescent coating as well as the required decorative finish. Some intumescent products require additional protection when exposed to humidity, weather or other environmental conditions. Only compatible and approved products should be used as part of the specified system.

Yes. IAP can carry out detailed fire door inspections and condition surveys, assessing each individual doorset and identifying defects, damage or areas requiring remedial works.

Our inspections can cover the door leaf, frame, gaps, seals, hinges, closers, glazing, ironmongery, signage and other relevant components of the doorset.

IAP also operates its own integrated fire door survey and reporting system, providing the client with a detailed and traceable record for each individual doorset. This allows inspection findings, defects, photographs and recommended remedial works to be recorded against the specific door and provides a clear record for ongoing inspection and maintenance.

Where required, the survey information can then be used to develop a prioritised programme of remedial works or replacement.

Yes. Where appropriate, IAP can review the specified scope and identify alternative methods, systems or delivery approaches that may provide commercial or programme benefits.

Any alternative must still meet the required specification, performance, certification and project requirements. Value engineering should not mean simply reducing the quality or performance of the system.

Yes. Early review can help identify issues such as access requirements, scaffolding, surface condition, weather restrictions, curing times, interfaces with other trades, sequencing and material lead times.

Identifying these issues before work starts allows them to be considered within the programme rather than becoming unexpected delays during delivery.

Early contractor involvement can help identify potential access, specification, sequencing, preparation and delivery issues before works begin.

By reviewing these items during the planning or tender stage, IAP can help clients understand the available options and identify potential efficiencies before the scope and programme become fixed.

Yes. IAP can review the specified coating system, preparation requirements, application method and overall scope to identify potential alternatives.

Where an alternative is proposed, it should still meet the requirements for the environment, durability, performance and project specification and, where necessary, be accepted by the relevant designer, client or coating manufacturer.

Yes. We can review different delivery options based on factors including access, programme, existing steel condition, environmental controls, required surface preparation, coating system, workshop capability and site constraints.

The existing coating should first be assessed for its overall condition, corrosion, adhesion, contamination and compatibility with the proposed new system.

Depending on the project, further testing or trial areas may be required before a maintenance system is selected. The objective is to establish whether the existing coating provides a suitable foundation for further coating or whether partial or complete removal is required.

These factors are closely linked. The environment will influence the level of corrosion protection required, while surface preparation, coating type and specified thickness all contribute to the expected durability of the finished system.

A lower initial-cost system is not necessarily the lowest-cost option over the life of an asset. Access costs, maintenance intervals, shutdown requirements and future recoating should also be considered when looking at the whole-life cost.

IAP maintains comprehensive insurance cover to support the projects we undertake, including:

• Employers’ Liability Insurance: £15,000,000
• Public & Products Liability Insurance: £6,500,000
• Contractors’ Plant Insurance: £150,000

We are happy to provide evidence of our insurance cover upon request. If your organisation requires insurance questionnaires or contractor pre-qualification forms to be completed, our insurance broker can assist directly and provide certified documentation where needed. We can also provide a To Whom It May Concern (TWIMC) letter confirming our insurance arrangements.

This information is available during the tender process or prior to project commencement to ensure compliance with your requirements.

Some fire protection coating systems permit brush application, particularly for small areas, repairs or specific details, but this depends on the manufacturer’s system and application requirements.

For larger areas, airless spray application is commonly used to achieve the required thickness efficiently. Whatever application method is used, the specified dry film thickness and system requirements must still be achieved.

Passive fire protection is built into the structure and fabric of a building to help limit the spread of fire and smoke and maintain the required fire resistance.

It can include fire stopping, compartmentation, fire doors and structural fire protection such as intumescent coatings. These systems work together with the building’s overall fire safety strategy to protect escape routes, compartments and structural elements.

This depends on the particular fire protection system and its exposure environment.

Where specified, a compatible topcoat can provide environmental protection to the intumescent coating as well as the required decorative finish. Some intumescent products require additional protection when exposed to humidity, weather or other environmental conditions. Only compatible and approved products should be used as part of the specified system.