Categories Commercial Waterproofing

Commercial Waterproofing Contractor South Florida

Learn How to Identify Water Damage, and Selecting the Best Commercial Waterproofing Contractor for Your Buildings Needs

Rain is a daily occurrence during Florida summers. Water can seep through cracks, deteriorated sealants, window and door joints every day of the year. For commercial buildings, leaks can be especially disruptive to business or residential tenants’ comfort and safety. Prevention is key, so we recommend business owners and property managers invest in waterproofing your commercial building. Commercial waterproofing is a simple and inexpensive way to protect your property, save money, increase your property value and give you peace of mind.

Below are the top signs of water damage:

  • Moisture: Look for standing water, condensation on windows and water rings on ceilings.
  • Mold and mildew
  • Musty, stale odors
  • Damp or humid air
  • Cracks in your wall

Living in a state that is below sea level, torrential rains and frequent storms can wreak havoc on low-lying areas. Water damage is costly and timeconsuming. As water seeps through the unprotected infrastructure of your building, detrimental problems like mildew and mold, and damage to the building’s foundation take set. Waterproofing systems prevent this from happening, therefore averting potential serious health issues for your tenants and everyone else.

Waterproofing also makes structures more breathable, allowing moisture to escape. Buildings that are not breathable are perfect breeding grounds for mold, mildew, and rot. This not only poses a health risk but can cause the building to collapse. The same is true for seemingly formidable steel structures. If it is not breathable, water buildup and moisture will cause the steel to rust, which can impede the building’s infrastructure.

Waterproofing your commercial building provides UV resistance, an important benefit to secure the building infrastructure weakened by UV rays. It also increases a building’s energy efficiency, providing significant cost-savings for minimal investment. If a building is not waterproofed, water and moisture can permeate, making it easier for temperature changes to occur. As temperatures change, HVAC systems work overtime to compensate for this flux, causing electricity bills to rise. Waterproofing prevents moisture from entering into the building from the start and regulates temperatures, resulting in lower energy bills.

Protecting the highest point of your building is also critical as leaks can be detrimental to your roof support system. Commercial sealants like spray polyurethane foam fill the cracks and crevices, expanding and drying to make it airtight. When applied properly, this coating will last over 10 years.

Save yourself the stress and expense of water damage by protecting your commercial building now through waterproofing. Complete waterproofing services include control joints sealants, transition joints, window joints, and door joints. Whether you want to replace deteriorated or delaminated sealant only, or totally removes and install all sealant, A-1 Tropic Painting’s certified waterproofing specialists will find the water leaks, fix them, and re-seal joints to provide a weatherproofed building.

Check our references, see our work and give us a call at (561) 670-2653.

Author 3Bird
Categories Commercial Painting, Uncategorized

Checklist for Hiring a Commercial Painting Contractor

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The decision to paint your commercial building is one that should not be taken lightly. There’s the cost, potential impact on business, disruptions to employee working conditions, and much more. But there’s no need to fret – we’re here to help! We’ve put our more than 30 years of experience in commercial painting and waterproofing to work for you by creating this handy checklist of things to consider before hiring a commercial painting contractor.

Before you get your business painted, be sure you cover all bases by asking for the following information:

Painting Contractors License Florida

All professional commercial painting contractors in Florida must have a contractor license from the Construction Industry Licensing Board. There is no license specific to painting work, so a general license will cover any work done. This contractor’s license can be for residential work, commercial work or both. The State of Florida has two types of licenses: registered and certified. A registered contractor is licensed to work at a local level. A certified contractor can work anywhere in the state. A painting contractor should have at least 4 years of working experience and must have passed the state certification exam. In order to obtain the license, a contractor is required to:

  • Show proof of at least 4 years of experience
  • Pass the state certification exam
  • Show proof of Workers’ Compensation if you have employees

Project Bonding

A Florida Contractor License Bond is often required by the State of Florida and its local municipalities of general, electrical, roofing, HVAC, and other types of contractors. The Florida Contractor License Bond typically seeks to ensure that a contractor will adhere to state statutes and local municipal codes. Some forms of these bonds are often referred to as Florida Code Compliance Surety Bonds.

Insurances

Insurance not only protects the painting contractor but it also prevents you from being held responsible for any injuries occurred during the project. General liability insurance protects paint contractors from bodily injury and property damage claims. Another must-have is Workers’ Compensation which covers employees’ job-related injuries. Contractors are required to make certain that all sub-contractors have the required Workers’ Comp Insurance before they begin work on a project.

Quality of Materials

The quality of paint and other materials used will determine how professional your finished product looks. Have the brand names of the paint in writing, as well as any other materials used, and check that all cans are sealed before they’re opened for use on your project.

Ask for Customer References

Reputation matters. Be sure to not only get the names of recommendations from your painting contactor but ask for work samples and follow up with customer recommendations to make sure they are a good fit. Ask them about the experience and professionalism of the team, if expectations were met, etc.

Satisfaction Guarantee

Once the project is complete, confirm that an inspection will be conducted with the contractor to ensure the end product meets and exceeds your expectations. If it doesn’t, clarify if they have a “satisfaction guaranteed” process.

Best Overall Value

While it can be tempting to save money and go for the lowest bid, make sure the contractor is not sacrificing quality in order to come in with the lowest bid, which is, unfortunately, a common practice. Ask about the qualifications of the team who will be working on your project, materials used, who will be leading the project, etc. A professional painting company will provide you with a solid work plan.

For more than 30 years, A-1 Tropic Painting & Waterproofing has been dedicated to making sure your project is done correctly, on time, every time. Check our references, see our work and give us a call at (561) 670-2653.

Author 3Bird
Categories Commercial Painting, Uncategorized

When to Call a Commercial Painting Contractor

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Does your building show signs that it is time to repaint? See our tips below on when to call a commercial painting contractor.

Do it yourself (DIY) projects are everywhere you look, from TV shows and magazines to Pinterest. But even if you are up for a good challenge, there are some projects that are best left to the professionals. Before you pick up that paintbrush, consider these situations where help from a commercial painter contractor is the better option.

You Have an Old Building

Buildings constructed before 1978 most likely have paint that contains lead. Normal renovation activities like repainting can release the lead in lead-based paint, exposing tenants and others in and around these buildings to dangerous levels of lead. Even minimal exposure can harm those who are exposed regularly, especially young children, unborn children, and pregnant women. Precautions must be taken for complete removal or abatement, which the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines as “permanent containment or encapsulation of” lead-based paint, and should be done by an experienced contractor. Professional contractors use a certified hazardous waste disposal company to ensure the contaminated material is disposed of correctly. If it’s not, you can be charged and possibly fined for illegally trying to dump hazardous materials, so be sure to hire an experienced contractor with credentials and references.

There’s a Lot of Prep Work

With stylish prints and attractive new materials, wallpaper is making a comeback. But there’s one big difference with today’s wallpaper – it’s much easier to remove. New technology like adhesive formulas that peel off walls without leaving a residue is a large part of the appeal now. And there’s a reason for that. If you have an older condominium or other building that has outdated wallpaper, removal can be messy and time-consuming, involving steaming and scraping. Save yourself the headache of removing older wallpaper and use a painting contractor.

Things Are Getting Heavy

Moving heavy furniture can be dangerous, and is definitely not fun. Leave it to the pros to make sure your furniture is protected.

You’re Coming Up Short

Let’s face it – in a commercial building, there are a lot of nooks and crannies to get to and they are often out of reach. Safety is key, so hire a professional to take care of those hard-to-reach spots and everything else.

Your Building Has Character

Decorative moldings, unique lighting fixtures, and detailed railings are design elements that set your building apart from others and give it character. They can also pose an obstacle when adding a fresh coat of paint. In cases like these, hire a professional to ensure a polished look and safeguard your accessories.

For more than 30 years, A-1 Tropic Painting & Waterproofing has been dedicated to making sure your project is done correctly, on time, every time. Check our references, see our work and give us a call at (561) 670-2653.

Author 3Bird
Categories Commercial Painting, Uncategorized

10 Questions to Ask a Painting Contractor in South Florida

Before you hire a commercial painting contractor in South Florida ask these 10 questions

Asking these 10 questions will help you find the right commercial painter for your high-rise job: 

 Is Your Painting Company Insured?

While pricing may be at the top of your list, hiring an insured contractor is one of the most important factors when selecting a commercial painting contractor. Ask for insurance and call their carrier to confirm it is active. They should have two types of insurance:

Comprehensive Business Liability: This protects your property from damage. Make sure the contractor holds the minimum $1 million liability coverage limit.

Workers’ Compensation: This protects workers and you from liability throughout the duration of the project. It is an expensive investment so be sure that the contractor you choose can show you proof of their coverage. 

 How Long Will the Painting Project Take?

Keeping your tenants happy is as (if not more) important as improving the appearance of your commercial building. It is important to confirm that a work plan has been established for your project and the specific dates set for your property. Is the contractor working on other projects at the same time? If so, know if this will impact the progress on your project. Ask for specifics and get it in writing as you’ll need to inform your tenants of what is going on and when.

 When is the Work Schedule?

Ask for the daily start and end times. Will work take place on the weekend? What are the weather contingency plans? Also, ask if any special accommodations need to be made during this time. Do tenants and/or customers need to move their cars? Will any entrances be blocked? Get enough information to effectively communicate project details with your tenants throughout the project duration.

 Who Is On Your Team and What Are Their Qualifications?

Many painting companies use subcontractors rather than employees since they are more cost-effective. But subcontractors pose a liability for you. Cheap labor often compromises quality; background checks are usually not run, and it’s likely that the contractor does not have Workers’ Compensation insurance for them. Hire a contractor whose team is made of employees who receive regular training to guarantee the quality of work and the safety of your tenants.

 Who Will Manage My Painting Project?

Have a qualified project manager lead your job if you are not working directly with the owner or estimator. They should provide you with a full scope of work; quality assurance measures; how each phase of the project will be performed; and a detailed walkthrough of the final product.

 What Are Your Safety Precautions? 

Safety is key for both the contractor and the client. Choose a company that has an established safety protocol and training program. Ask for a safety policy. Haphazard work practices can result in damage to your property and increase your liability.

 How Do You Ensure a Clean Worksite?

This is particularly important for buildings that will be occupied during the project. Ask who is in charge of clean up, what happens to the trash at the end of the day, how will the area be protected, etc. Make sure you and the contractor share the same standards when it comes to a clean worksite.

 What Quality of Paint and Materials Do You Use?

Lower quotes are tempting, but they often come at a cost. The quality of paint, stains and other materials will impact the way your building looks and how long your paint lasts. Get in writing what types of products will be used to make sure cheaper substitutes aren’t being made during the project.

 How Will the Supplies Be Stored?

No one likes surprises, so be sure to ask how and where supplies will be stored at the end of the day. The last thing you want is to see cans and other materials lying around your property or blocking walkways.

What Does Your Warranty Cover?

Make sure your investment is protected. Trust that the company you are working with will be in businesses throughout the duration of the warranty. One to three-year warranties is most common as this is when most damage occurs. Also, note what is not covered. Labor and materials should be covered for defects. Get everything in writing.

For more than 30 years, A-1 Tropic Painting & Waterproofing has been dedicated to making sure your project is done correctly, on time, every time. Check our references, see our work and give us a call at (561) 670-2653.

Author 3Bird
Categories Commercial Painting

Tips for Hiring A Commercial Painting Contractor in South Florida

How to Hire a Commercial Painting Contractor in South Florida

If you own or manage a commercial property in South Florida, keeping your building looking its best is key to ensuring tenants are satisfied while also safeguarding your investment. One quick and easy improvement that can make a big impact is a fresh coat of paint to the exterior and interior. This is a big job, so finding a commercial painting contractor you trust should be at the top of your to-do list. With more than 30 years of experience in commercial painting, A-1 Tropic Painting & Waterproofing has repainted buildings of all shapes and sizes. We’ve gathered a few of our top tips to finding the right painting contractor for your commercial building:

Do Your Research When Searching for a Commercial Roofing Company

The first step to finding the right contractor for you is to determine your options. The easiest way to do this is with a quick internet search for terms like “commercial painting company near me.” With a few names at your fingertips, you can begin plugging them into Yelp and reviewing their websites for testimonials and other information that can give you a feel for the quality of their work. Word of mouth is another important tool that will help you in your search. Ask your peers for recommendations and look at new buildings going up in your neighborhood for potential contractors. Local business directories and chamber publications are other helpful resources. Once you have your list of candidates, call them for an estimate and schedule a time to meet on-site to discuss the project.

Ask Questions When You Speak To The Painting Contractor

Prepare for your interview with the prospective candidates by writing down a few questions that will help you determine the quality of services they provide. As we like to say, “Quality is a Fact!” True quality isn’t an opinion but rather something that cannot be disputed. Ask for photos. Look for specifics that paint (no pun intended) a picture of the quality of their work by asking questions like:

  • How many years of experience do they have in painting commercial buildings?
  • What type of paint does the contractor intend on using?
  • How many coats will be used?
  • How will you protect the areas that will not be painted?
  • How will you ensure the safety of employees/tenants and property in occupied buildings?
  • How long will the job take?
  • How will my tenants be impacted during this time?

Finally, make sure to ask for references from the past 5 years.

Compare Painting Contractor Quotes

Once you narrow down your top candidates and take a close look at their quotes. Did they capture the entire scope of your project? After speaking with their references, do they have the experience and resources to successfully tackle your project on schedule and budget. With many options for commercial painters in South Florida, it is tempting to go for the less expensive option, but the old adage, “you get what you pay for,” sometimes rings true. Make sure that the lower quotes do not sacrifice quality to win over competitors, and always check their credentials, licensing, etc.

For more than 30 years, A-1 Tropic Painting & Waterproofing has been dedicated to making sure your project is done correctly, on time, every time. Check our references, see our work and give us a call at (561) 670-2653.

Author 3Bird
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