Editing the Trouble out of Cleaning and Painting Specifications Kenneth A. Trimber KTA-Tator, Inc.

Editing the Trouble out of Cleaning and Painting Specifications

Kenneth A. TrimberKTA-Tator, Inc.

Specification WebinarLearning Objectives

• Identify confusing and incomplete specification language

• Identify problems with the implementation of poor specification language

• Recognize alternate approaches for presenting the same requirements more clearly

Agenda

• Purpose of specifications • Cautions with reference

documents/standards• Review examples of specification

language

Project Specifications

• Identify the project expectations• Roadmap for doing the work – specifications

identify the:– Technical requirements for surface preparation

and coating application– Coating material requirements, often including

brand names– Inspections to be performed in order to confirm

that the work meets the technical requirements and other expectations stipulated by the Owner

Project Specifications (con’t)

• Prescriptive specifications – provide detailed instructions for performing the work

• Performance-based specifications – define the end result, but leave the means and methods for accomplishing it to the contractor

• Regardless of the type of specification used, it needs to be clear and free of contradictory or confusing requirements

Cautions with Reference Documents

• Specifiers – Review the reference standards for applicability– Review the latest revision because standards are

systematically updated – do not assume that the latest changes will be acceptable to you. If there’s a concern, specify the revision date of the standard.

Cautions with Reference Documents (con’t)

• Specifiers – Some standards cannot be cited as is without further

explanation. For example, SSPC-SP13, Surface Preparation of Concrete addresses a variety of methods from chemical cleaning to abrasive blast cleaning. The specific method(s) of cleaning must be identified.


• Contractors– Make certain you are working from the latest revision of

referenced standards, or the revision date that is specified– Make certain you are working from the latest revision of the

PDS


• Contractors– Look for additional

references within the specified standard

– Example – if the specification requires blast cleaning the steel, the blast cleaning standards reference tests of the abrasive according to SSPC-AB standards

http://www.ktagage.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/600x600/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/a/b/abrasivetestkitpic1.jpg


• Contractors– Be careful with generic references in specifications (e.g.,

SSPC Volume 2 or PDCA) – The information is exhaustive, may be contrary to the

requirements of the specification, is not specific to the job, and is not written in the form of a specification

Specification Quiz

• 4 examples of language from specifications • Decide if the examples are:

– Good (clear and communicate well without ambiguity)

– Poor (vague and subject to differences in interpretation)

Specification Quiz (con’t)

A – The surface temperature/dew point spread for painting shall be 5°F.


B – The relative humidity during coating application shall be <90%.


C – There shall be no runs, sags, drips, pinholes, orange peel, overspray, dryspray, or other objectionable properties as determined by the Engineer.


D – Coverage/Thickness shall be per Table 1

Coat Product Spread Rate (sq ft/gal)

WFT DFT

Conditioner/Sealer XXX 300-400 1.0 mil 0.5 mils

Finish YYY 200-300 4.75 mils 2.0 mils

Total System 2.0 mils


A – The surface temperature/dew point spread for painting shall be 5°F.


B – The relative humidity during coating application shall be <90%.


C – There shall be no runs, sags, drips, pinholes, orange peel, overspray, dryspray, or other objectionable properties as determined by the Engineer.


D – Coverage/Thickness shall be per Table 1


WFT DFT





A – The surface temperature/dew point spread shall be 5°F

•Discussion:– This requirement is incomplete– It does not state whether one has to be greater than the other,

just that the spread is 5°F (DP of 60°F and a surface temperature of 55°F would comply)

– It also requires the spread to be an absolute 5°F, not a minimum of 5°F

– The surface temperature should be at least 5°F greater than the dew point


B – The relative humidity during coating application shall be <90%

•Discussion:– The requirement is clear for application and compliance can

be readily verified– However, as written, the relative humidity limitation applies

only to application, not for drying/curing


C – There shall be no runs, sags, drips, pinholes, orange peel, overspray, dryspray, or other objectionable properties as determined by the Engineer

•Discussion:– What is the definition of “other objectionable properties?”– Does the determination of the Engineer apply only to “other objectionable

properties” or does the Engineer’s determination apply to all of the defects? That is, might the Engineer allow some runs?

– How is a job bid when the acceptance criteria for some of the items is determined by the Engineer at the time the work is performed?

– If the Engineer’s assessment is limited to “other objectionable properties,” is it reasonable to expect to have no runs, sags, etc. anywhere?


D – Coverage/Thickness

•Discussion:– The spreading rate is a range, but the WFT and DFT are absolute numbers

(to two decimal places)– Since a single thickness is impossible to achieve, how is this to be

interpreted (e.g., finish - 1.5 to 2.5 mils, 1.0 to 3.0 mils, minimum of 2.0 mils)

– The total thickness of 2.0 mils compounds the confusion by ignoring the thickness of the conditioner coat.


WFT DFT




Specification Language Examples

• 14 examples of selected specification language from multiple projects

• When reviewing the examples, consider:– Potential shortcomings with the language– Potential problems with implementation

Specification Language Examples

1. Coating Storage2. Equipment for Maintaining Ambient Conditions3. Lighting4. Surface Preparation – General5. Surface Preparation – Tilt-up and Concrete6. Surface Preparation – Galvanize7. Preparation of Existing Coating8. Removal of Mildew, Algae, or Mold9. Treatment of Joints10.Paint Material Quality11.Ambient Conditions12.Time Between Priming and Application of Finish13.Film Continuity

14.Warranty

Example 1 – Coating Storage

• “Store materials not in use in tightly covered containers in a well-ventilated area at a minimum ambient temperature of 45°F (7°C).”

Example 1 – Discussion

• Potential Shortcomings and Problems:– The specification addresses the minimum storage

temperatures, but fails to control the maximum temperatures.

– Doesn’t specifically mentioned indoors, although “ventilated” suggests a controlled environment.

– The specification does not require compliance with the coating manufacturer’s storage instructions.

Example 2 – Equipment for Maintaining Ambient

Conditions • “Provide continuous

ventilation and heating facilities to maintain temperatures above the minimum surface and air temperature specified above for 24 hours prior to, during, and 48 hours after application of finishes.”

Example 2 –Discussion

• Potential Shortcomings and Problems:– Tenting/heating/ventilating may be needed for exterior

painting work in cold weather, but a global statement like this for all jobs could lead to unnecessary costs.

– It can lead to problems with the bids as it is likely that it will be ignored by the contractors if the work is being done in the summer.

– The specification refers to finishes. Depending on how “finishes” is defined, this may be interpreted as the final coat only, which may or may not be the intent.

– If the requirement isn’t necessary or won’t be enforced, it shouldn’t be included.

Example 3 – Lighting

• “Perform painting under lighting conditions of not less than 80 foot candles measured mid-height of the painter at substrate surface.”


• Potential Shortcomings and Problems:– This requirement (80 foot candles) is very high. It is

likely not being achieved, measured, or enforced on the job.

– SSPC-Guide 12, Guide for Illumination of Industrial Painting Projects states the following:

WORK AREA ILLUMINATION REQUIRMENTS IN FOOT CANDLES

Minimum Recommended

General Work Area2 10 20

Task specific - surface preparation and coating application3

20 50

Task specific - inspection

50 200

Example 4 – Surface Preparation - General

• “Selection of the proper method of surface preparation depends on the substrate, the environment, and the expected service life of the coating system. Economics, surface contamination, and the effect on the substrate will also influence the selection of surface preparation methods.

• The surface must be dry and in sound condition. Remove oil, dust, dirt, and loose rust, peeling paint or other contamination to ensure good adhesion.”

Example 4 –Discussion• Potential Shortcomings and Problems:

– The first paragraph is written like a guidance document.– The selection of the method of cleaning is left to the contractor,

and can lead to great disparity in bidding.– The second paragraph provides acceptance criteria, but it is

incomplete. It addresses peeling paint, but not poorly adherent paint, which if overcoated could lead to detachment. “Sound” is not defined and subject to interpretation.

– As written, the letter of the specification can be met by hand scraping and wiping, pressure washing, power tool cleaning, or abrasive blast cleaning, but the results between them will be dramatically different. The amount of paint that is removed is directly related to the method of preparation that is selected.

– There is no definition for “dry.”

Example 5 – Surface Preparation of Tilt-up and

Concrete• “On tilt-up and

poured-in-place concrete, commercial detergents and abrasive blasting may be necessary to prepare the surface.”


• Potential Shortcomings and Problems:– The contractor can not bid the surface preparation as

written.– Who makes the determination as to whether surface

preparation is by detergent cleaning or abrasive blast cleaning?

– The equipment, the end result of the cleaning, and costs are dramatically different.

– The lack of clarity can lead to disputes in the field.

Example 6 – Surface Preparation - Galvanize

• “Galvanized metal: Clean all surfaces thoroughly with solvent until they are completely free from dirt, oil, and grease.

• Remove all excess solvent and allow drying completely before application of paint.”

Three pages later, surface preparation is addressed again:

• “Galvanized Metal: Allow weathering a minimum of 12 months prior to coating. Solvent clean per SSPC-SP1, then prime as required. When weathering is not possible, or the surface has been treated with chromates or silicates, first Solvent Clean per SSPC-S1 and apply a test area, priming as required. Allow the coating to dry at least one week before testing. If adhesion is poor, Brush Blast per SSPC-SP7 is necessary to remove these treatments.”

Example 6 –Discussion• Potential Shortcomings and Problems:

– The first section clearly states that galvanizing is prepared by solvent cleaning, the surface allowed to dry, and the paint applied.

– The second section 3 pages later imposes additional requirements – weathering, test patches, and even blast cleaning.

– Surface preparation requirements for the same substrate need to be consistent and should only be addressed once, in a single location. The confusion created between the two sections can lead to problems with implementation and potential contract disputes.

– The specification appeared to have been cobbled together from a few sources – standard language from the Owner in the first half, and requirements from the manufacturer in the second.

– SSPC-SP16 (rather than SP7) addresses blast cleaning of galvanize.

Example 7 – Preparation of Existing Coating

• “Existing painted surfaces - Pressure wash or sandblast as necessary to remove dirt, dust, grease, form release agents, oil, loose particles, laitance, and foreign material, in strict accordance with manufacturer's printed recommendations, and allow to dry thoroughly.”


• Potential Shortcomings and Problems:– The methods of removal provide a dramatically different

degree of cleaning. Although the language includes the manufacturer’s printed recommendations (PDS), those instructions are general and won’t state explicitly what needs to be done on a project-specific basis.

– Sandblasting will not always remove grease and oil, and may actually move it around.

– The specification needs to provide more specific direction to prevent differences in expectations in the field.

– “Dry thoroughly” is not defined.

Example 8 – Removal of Mildew, Algae, or Mold

• “Areas exhibiting mildew, algae or mold will be treated by mixing 1 part chlorine to 4 parts water and applying to the surface. Allow a 30 minute dwell time before rinsing thoroughly. Protect surrounding surfaces and foliage from chlorine damage.”


• Potential Shortcomings and Problems:– The specification clearly states that areas of mildew,

algae or mold are to be treated with a chlorine/water solution.

– The problem is that there is no acceptance criteria. All a contractor has to do is comply with the process (1:4 mixture with a 30 minute dwell time) to comply with the specification.

Example 9 – Treatment of Joints

• “Contractor is to make every effort possible to reduce the "open time" of prepared joints to receive sealant. Extended periods of prepared but unsealed joints will increase the chances of severe water intrusion.”


• Potential Shortcomings and Problems:– Making “every effort possible” is not measurable. – To the contractor, “open time” might be interpreted as

1 week, but to the Owner’s representative, it might be 1 day.

– Without a clear understand of intent and expectations, this can lead to disputes in the field.

Example 10 – Paint Material Quality

• Specification 1 - “Provide manufacturer's best-quality paint material of the various coating types specified that are factory formulated and recommended by manufacturer for application indicated.”

• Specification 2 – “All paints, stains, sealers, oils, thinners, turpentine or other materials required to accomplish the painting and finishing shall be XYZ’s first quality materials.”

Example 1o –Discussion

• Potential Shortcomings and Problems:– “Best quality” and “First Quality” are marketing

designations rather than technical terms. – How is “best” and “first” quality defined – application

characteristics, coverage, color/gloss retention, permeance, wind driven rain resistance, corrosion inhibition, etc.?

– What is the criteria for the manufacturer’s recommendations, so that products can be assessed on an “apples to apples” basis?

– Because the terms are vague, they allow the contractor to essentially supply any material, based on cost, regardless of long-term performance potential and best value for the Owner.

Example 11 – Ambient Conditions

• “Do not proceed with application of materials if ambient temperature is below the written recommendations of the manufacturer, and if ice and frost are covering the substrate.”


• Potential Shortcomings and Problems:– The specification addresses concerns with the minimum

ambient temperature for application and visible ice and frost, but fails to address surface temperature, dew point, relative humidity, and maximum temperature.

– The surface temperature of metal on a sunny summer day can easily exceed 140°F, which is well above the temperature to achieve proper film formation for most any coating.

– A few more words in the specification will help to prevent disputes in the field during application.

Example 12 – Time Between Priming and Application of

Finish• “Do not allow primer to be exposed to ultraviolet light for more than 4 weeks prior to application of coating. If exposure exceeds the 4 week limit, apply additional coat of primer.”


• Potential Shortcomings and Problems:– It is assumed that chalking is the primary concern, but tying a

recoat time to length of UV exposure could lead to disputes when the time before overcoating approaches 4 weeks.

– Disputes could arise as to whether cloudy or rainy days can be excluded, thereby extending the 4 week restriction. Confusion could be eliminated by dropping the reference to UV exposure and simply requiring the application of the finish coat(s) within 4 weeks of the application of the primer.

– If chalking is the concern, the specifier can add chalk tests (ASTM D4214).

– Another concern with applying additional coating (even more primer) is the accumulation of dust, dirt, and debris that should be removed. The specification does not address cleaning.

Example 13 – Film Continuity

• “The appearance of the fully-coated surfaces shall be free of skips, misses, pinholes, holidays, trowel marks, and abrupt changes in surface topography.”


• Potential Shortcomings and Problems:– “Abrupt” changes in surface topography is not defined.

The Owner and Contractor may have a different interpretation of what is acceptable.

– Is it reasonable to expect the coating to be free of all irregularities?

Example 14 – Warranty• “Contractor shall guarantee that all labor and

materials provided shall be of first quality, in full compliance with the requirements of the Contract Documents, and free from defect for a period of one (1) year from date of Final Acceptance of the work.

• Contractor shall obtain from the manufacturer of the exterior wall coating system a written warranty which warrants to the Building Owner for a period of five (5) years from the date of Final Acceptance of the work that the exterior coating system shall be free of defects in manufacture and the surface coating will not sustain peeling, cracking or blistering, excessive chalking, excessive chipping, nor allow water penetration, under ordinary wear. This warranty shall provide for sufficient materials to replace products which fail to meet these requirements.”

Example 14 – Discussion

• Potential Shortcomings and Problems:– The contractor is guaranteeing the work for 1 year.– The contractor is obtaining a 5-year warranty on the

materials for 5 years. If there is a failure between years 2 and 5, there are no provisions for covering labor.

– “excessive” chalking and chipping is not defined and subject to interpretation.

– The manufacturer can warrant the quality of the product, but peeling, cracking and blistering will likely be associated with the quality of cleaning and painting, or problems with the building itself. The manufacturer will have a difficult time with this.

– The definition of “ordinary wear” could be a sticking point.

Summary

• Review the requirements of referenced documents to make certain they are consistent with the expectations

• Review the specification for conflicting requirements. This can easily occur when the same subject is addressed in different locations.

• If there is a possibility that a requirement can be interpreted differently by different parties, revise it.

• If you are working to a specification that is vague, unclear, or contains internal conflicts or conflicts with the coating manufacturer’s requirements, ask for clarification through the established channels.

Questions?

Ken Trimber – 412-788-1300, x204 ([email protected])

mailto:[email protected]

Editing the Trouble out of Cleaning and Painting Specifications Kenneth A. Trimber KTA-Tator, Inc.

Documents

reference standards

type of specification

specification quiz contb

specification quiz contc

work specifications

reference documentsspecifiers

abrasive blast cleaning

specific methods of