Performance of Different Breathable Paints | Environmental Sustainability and Energy Effectiveness

This research investigates the performance of different breathable paints while considering their environmental sustainability and energy effectiveness.

a. Building materials and techniques were very different before the twentieth century compared to those applied today in the building industry. Therefore, it is essential to establish the performance of other breathable materials in the building industry to allow the inherent moisture in a construction's solid wall to evaporate from the render or external stonework. Paints that are breathable such as natural paints that are lime-based, give allowance for evaporation of water to take place quickly, hence letting the frames of windows, walls, the render, and the door frames naturally breathe without trapping moisture (Tadros, 2018). This research will investigate the best different breathable paints and methods that can be applied to ensure sustainability in modern buildings.

a. The first step is to be familiar with the general project and investigate the fitting of the whole project's breathable paints.  The plans, specifications, and any other exceptional project provisions should be reviewed for that to be done. It would help if you familiarized yourself with the site of the project. Areas that may be difficult in accessing the equipment, areas that are sensitive such as schools, homes, playgrounds, or any other areas of public activities should be noted. The operations of paintings generate solvent fumes, noise, and dust. All efforts must be conducted to reduce the effects these operations might cause bon the surrounding areas and community. This can be achieved through a cooperative effort between the community itself and the contractor.

a. Inspection of the existing structure and the current paint system should be done. Some of the things to look for are the type of coating, the adhesion, the thickness, localized rust, and rust on steel’s surface. Adhesion, consistency, and type of coating can provide some understanding into the required effort of removing the existing paint (McArthur and Spalding, 2017). It can also assist in justifying or forecasting different paint rates and application progress all through the structure.

b. In older buildings, one must see the growth of moulds around the building and some cracks that have started to develop—the type of paint used. Also, the material used during construction matters. Some materials such as lime mortar allow passage of moisture but not trapping of the same. In some instances, individuals tend to use waterproof substances in preventing and reducing the build-up of water in the walls.

Plan of work

c. Particular attention should be paid to localized dust areas since these are the areas that have indicated to be exposed to premature failure of the coating. More effort should be put into ensuring both the right degree of preparing the surface and the right thickness of layer are attained in these areas. The existence of mil scale under the current paint shows a possible need for extra preparation of the surface. In case mill scale observation and abrasion blasting are not specific, it is appropriate to notify the engineer since there might be a need for abrasive blasting.

a. The inventory, inspection, and calibration of the equipment should be carried out. This is when ensuring that whatever is needed is available and is in working order. Batteries and backup equipment should be readily available. Any needs or concerns should be reported to the project engineer.

b. Inspectors should ensure safety and proper accessibility to all sites of jobs at all times. The staff inspecting should not be expected to put their safety at risk at any time on the site. Means of protecting the inspectors from hazards of health should be discussed. For instance, will they have accessibility to the contractor's facilities of decontamination on jobs of replacing lead?

a. The procedures and measurement procedures should be inspected, especially those that are related to payment. Payment should be conducted for the work that is partially completed. This will motivate the contractor to finish the job as he continues and immediately correct any sub-standard work or deficiencies.

b. The contractor should be informed of the inspection control spot, that is, things that need inspection and approval before continuing. Some of the control points include:

1. After water flash and cleaning of the SP-1

2. After completing the preparation of the surface

3. After the applications of the 4individual paint coating

a. Regardless of the system being applied, it should be checked if it can achieve its purposes. The area of the work needs to be unique from the surroundings. There should be an overlapping of tarps with fastened seams and free of holes and in proper condition. During the operations of blasting with negative pressure, the tarps should contain a concave inward appearance. Any escaping g dust signs should be checked; the containment must be sealed tightly to prevent the running of any dust. The ground that is around the containment should be checked. Operation of the dust collectors should be done at a capacity that is in line with the 1design of the ventilation or at the containment system's rated capacity.

Once surface preparation has been done on proper levels, and the coating quality has been verified, the contractor can do the painting. To ensure there is no rust back of the surface to be cleansed, the primer, which is the paint's first coat, is applied as soonest possible within a few hours once blast cleaning has been done. The painting should start at a reasonable time to avoid weather changes that could lead to significant changes in the steel's surface condition, e.g., nightfall.

b. For the application of breathable paints, the brushers, sprayers, rollers, or their combination can be used. Spaying significantly varies from other techniques. The following are some of the tips of spraying breathable paints:

a. The spray pot needs to have two pressure regulators, one for atomization pressure and the other one for pot pressure. The pot pressure needs to be high enough in providing enough material to the spray gun. The atomization pressure regulator needs to be set just high to the extent of atomizing the material. A too high setting will lead to the drying of the paint before it hits the surface. A setting that is too low will lead to the paint's clumping and therefore clogging the gun.

b. The holding of the gun should be perpendicular to the surface of the work and about 45 cm away from the work's surface. Angling it or holding it far away will lead to the paint's drying before it hits the surface.

c. Resource allocation, prioritization of tasks, and scheduling are crucial to the success of any project. Projects require resources for them to be complete. They include funding, labor, facilities and equipment.

d. High humidity, UV light, and moisture will result in warping, swelling, and wood surface rotting, either internal or external. It is better to use products that will prevent the wood from attack by water. One can use varnish or polyurethane, simultaneous application of a stain-sealant, or use Tung oil on wood before painting with breathable paint. Wood exposed to UV light may be attacked and allow water to permeate and cause damage to wood. However, some specific points are applied to prevent this effect. Rust-Oleum Zinsser PermaWhite paint can reduce any attack from moisture or sun rays and prevent any passage of moisture or water vapor from penetrating the wood surface.