Importance of Fire Escape Paint and Scrape Maintenance
Maintaining fire escapes is crucial for safety, and painting them at least every 5 years is a key part of this process. When it comes to painting a fire escape, proper preparation is essential. Most fire escapes installed before 1978 have lead-based paint, making it necessary to hire an EPA certified lead renovation contractor for any repair or painting work. The EPA also requires technicians working for a certified firm to be EPA RRP certified. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in severe penalties for firms and property owners.
Scraping is the most common method used to prepare steel surfaces for painting. This process involves a combination of electrical and hand brushing, grinding, and removal of lead-based paint. Any bare steel exposed during scraping must be spot primed before applying the final paint topcoat. While power washing and sand blasting are not allowed for lead-based paint remediation due to debris spread, qualified firms use tarps, nets, and HEPA vacuums to contain and collect debris, which is then disposed of at an approved off-site location.
For painting fire escapes, Oil-Based Enamel paint is the strongest product for exterior rusty surfaces. The ideal enamel paint should have a minimum solids content of +50% and provide weather and UV protection for the steel. Gloss finish coats are recommended for fire escapes due to their natural UV protection. Colors such as Black, Green, Brown, and Red are common choices, as they help hide rust staining over time. However, it's important to avoid light colors like White, Sand, or Almond, as they can highlight rust stains.
If your property is a landmark or historic property, the fire escape must be painted in the same general color as originally present. By following these guidelines and using the right products and methods, you can ensure your fire escape remains safe and visually appealing.
Need Fire Escape Maintenance?
Reach out to Maximum Fire Escapes, the fire escape company that focuses on it all: fire escape inspections, fire escape repairs, fire escape construction, fire escape paint and scrape and fire escape certification. Maximum Fire Escapes is located in 15+ states with a a focus on quality work backed by a 25 year warranty.
Call Today: 844-629-3473