Combating challenges: New Construction

Combating challenges with coatings for acoustic ceilings

An additional market: New construction
Through the years, manufacturers have produced a diverse range of acoustical products. Clouds that hang above open spaces, sound baffles, acoustical plasters and other seamless ceiling systems have become part of the architects’ tool and trade. However, architects also combine colour with design and manufacturers cannot always produce products in the desired array of hues. Even when products are available in the desired colour, it is may not be within reasonable delivery times or at a cost fitting within the project budget.

Further, the composition of some products limits the number of colours that can be provided, restricting esthetic options.

It is becoming common to have a product installed in its least-expensive shade (i.e. white) and then have it sprayed in place with an acoustical coating tinted to the desired colour. The cost of adding the coating is normally far less than the charge for a product in the desired colour, within a reasonable delivery period.

Time is a major consideration as project delays can be costly. When delivery time of a particular product is extended, the impact on the construction schedule can be financially painful. Trained acoustical ceiling restoration professionals can complete hundreds of square metres per shift, which is higher production than other systems.

Who will do it?
The fact remains any product is only as good as its installation. The architect can specify the product, but it is not enough to ensure success. Architects familiar with the system should also specify a certified applicator be used—one familiar with the nuances of a specialty coating of this type.

The better manufacturers of acoustical coatings have a certification program that includes on-the-job training for contractors. When asked to

recommend a contractor in a particular geographic area, manufacturers turn to the list of certified applicators.

Whether or not the project is to be competitively bid, it is wise to contact the manufacturer and obtain the names of recommended, certified applicators.

Lifecycle analysis
When making a decision on which response to use in addressing an element of the construction, it is recommended to review the options analytically. When it comes to the financial implications, a long-term assessment should be used.

In cases where the existing ceiling is aged and discoloured, but still structurally sound, the options other than ceiling coating restoration are:

replacement with new materials;
painting the entire ceiling system with conventional products; and
chemical cleaning (used primarily for acoustical tile systems).

Each of these options has an average life expectancy and cost per area. It is relatively simple to assume the expectancy and cost for a ceiling area of 929 m2 (10,000 sf). Then, one should list for each, how many times over a 12-year period (based on the average life expectancy) the process must be repeated. This is then carried out in combination with average costs per area and it is easy to determine what each process costs over the 12-year period.

The numbers are based on non-union costs in the United States, but conversions can easily be made to Canadian currency and the benefits would be proportionate. Further, the assumed life of the ceiling restoration option is conservatively shown as equal to new ceiling tiles when in reality the better acoustical coatings hold their colour much longer.

For that table, all pricing is based on the average job size/masking complexity, and non-union wages. While the actual costs in a particular market may vary from the assumed averaged shown in this analysis, it is more important to note the relative costs of each process to that of replacement with new materials. It is also understood when replacing the ceiling tiles with new material, treatment to the grid system and air diffusers (cleaning and/or painting) is also included. This allows and apples-to-apples comparison with restoration that also treats the entire ceiling system. In other words, if ceiling restoration in this analysis saves 52.8 per cent of the cost of replacement, then it is reasonable to assume a similar percentage savings at the locations with various labour bases.)

In addition to cost considerations, the option providing the best light-disbursing ability should be reviewed. The less dependency there is on artificial light, the less energy is consumed. Lighting is important to commercial facilities, such as retail stores. Also, the better the lighting, the more ‘natural’ merchandise appears in terms of colour and overall appearance.

Conclusion
Ceiling restoration in commercial property renovation is by no means a panacea. It is not the preferred approach each and every time, but, when it can be used it is beneficial. The ability to install new ceiling systems in designer colours is becoming a reality. The common denominator, the quality acoustical coating, is a valuable option for the architect and building owner/manager.