Corrosion removal, surface preparation and protective recoating of external steel walkways at a residential apartment development in Belfast.
Discuss a Steel Refurbishment ProjectThe external walkways form part of the apartment building's access structure and are continually exposed to Northern Ireland's weather.
Over time, deterioration of the existing coating had allowed corrosion to develop across sections of the steelwork. The condition varied considerably, with localised corrosion around exposed faces, edges and supporting members.
Rather than replacing otherwise serviceable steelwork, the project focused on removing deterioration, preparing the affected areas and applying a new protective coating system.
The walkway structure contained a mixture of large steel beams, smaller supporting members, edges, joints and architectural sections.
Exposure to the weather had resulted in coating deterioration and corrosion developing across multiple areas.
Access and geometry also made the project more involved than simply preparing flat steel surfaces. Undersides, supporting sections, connections and detailed areas all required careful preparation before recoating.
The objective was not simply to improve appearance, but to remove deterioration and create a properly prepared surface for renewed protection.
The existing steelwork showed varying levels of coating deterioration and corrosion across exposed and difficult-access areas of the walkway structure.
Existing protective finishes had deteriorated across exposed sections.
Rust was present on beams, supporting members and detailed areas.
Much of the affected steelwork was located beneath and around elevated walkways.
Different sections required different levels of preparation depending on their condition.
Existing steelwork was assessed to establish the extent of coating failure, corrosion and areas requiring preparation.
Failed coatings, corrosion and loose material were removed using preparation methods appropriate to the condition and location of the steelwork.
Edges, connections, supporting members and difficult access areas were prepared before recoating.
Following preparation, the steelwork received a protective coating system to restore protection and provide a consistent finish.
Completed areas were visually inspected for coverage and overall finish.
The completed refurbishment transformed the appearance of the walkways while, more importantly, restoring protection to the underlying steelwork and helping extend the service life of the existing structure.
Following preparation and recoating, the refurbished steelwork has a consistent protective finish across the main beams, supports and architectural steel sections.
By refurbishing the existing structure rather than replacing serviceable steelwork, the project demonstrates how targeted corrosion treatment, surface preparation and protective coatings can extend the life of existing building assets.
Removing corrosion is not the end objective. On external structural steelwork, the real objective is to return the asset to a condition where it can be effectively protected for continued service.
Laser Clean combines controlled surface preparation with wider refurbishment capability, allowing projects to progress from initial assessment through preparation and protective recoating.
Corrosion treatment, surface preparation and refurbishment of weather-exposed residential steelwork.
Surface preparation and refurbishment of external steel fire escapes and access structures.
Refurbishment of structural and architectural steel assets across commercial properties.
Preparation and recoating of elevated steel structures, supports and access systems.
Corrosion and coating breakdown don't necessarily mean steelwork needs to be replaced. We can assess the condition of existing structures and recommend an appropriate surface preparation and refurbishment approach.
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