Painting the exteriors of multi-tenant buildings is a thrilling and artistic thing that aims to enhance the buildings’ beauty. It’s something that makes those buildings look even better. There are challenges, like managing the building’s size, handling different apartments, and, most importantly, keeping the residents safe during the painting process. 

That’s where a reliable and experienced company like Custom Painting Inc. steps in. They know their stuff and can make sure the painting project goes without a hitch. In this article, we’ll check out various ways to achieve this goal and maintain safety. 

The Building And its Size 

Heritage Estate is a residential area in Livermore, all geared towards senior citizens. The building covers a sprawling 8.38 acres, and it’s got 65 units and 20 cool communal places. There are 60 to 65 assisted living units and a whopping 190 independent living units, making it a total of around 244,000 square feet of living space.

They hired us to work on their multi-building complex, and it’s been quite the project. We tackled it in two phases. First, we painted the senior apartment building. Phase two, where we’ll be painting the assisted living building, is all set to kick off in the spring/summer of 2023.

The Challenges In Painting Exterior Features  

In our exterior painting project for multi-tenant buildings, one of the major challenges we face is building height. Painting at significant heights requires specialized equipment and safety measures to ensure the well-being of our team members and everyone around the site.  First, we work hard to obtain approval on the color scheme from all involved parties, such as homeowners’ associations or property owners.

Next, we take the time to walk through the building, address any abnormalities, and carefully plan all the necessary preparations before we start painting. We make sure to keep all the tenants informed well in advance about the upcoming painting project, so they can plan their schedules accordingly and experience minimal disruptions.

Lastly, we make sure to clearly communicate the project’s timeline and the specific steps involved, ensuring everyone is on the same page and well-prepared. Our effective communication and careful planning led to a smooth and satisfying exterior painting experience for everyone involved.

Specialty Equipment To Help Solve Challenges

Specialty equipment is essential in painting projects, addressing unique challenges with precision and efficiency. From intricate tasks to working at heights while ensuring safety, standard equipment may not be enough. In this section, we explore how specialized tools have been instrumental in overcoming various obstacles, 

Aerial Boom Lifts

Imagine having a tool that allows you to reach the highest and most inaccessible parts of buildings effortlessly. Well, that’s where aerial boom lifts come into play! These amazing mechanical devices, also known as aerial work platforms, cherry pickers, or bucket trucks, provide temporary access to areas that are typically hard to reach, especially when they’re up high.

Scaffolding

Scaffolding gives you stability and platforms to place your painting tools, reducing the risk of spills and ensuring precise work without tiring your arms as extension poles might. 

There are different types of scaffolding for specific projects.

•  Aluminum scaffolding is lightweight and great for exterior painting, making it easy to assemble and move around quickly for short-term jobs. 
• Steel scaffolding is ideal for long-term projects, providing strength and stability for extended use. Most painters prefer renting steel scaffolding instead of buying it.

During a project in the courtyard, we couldn’t use aerial boom lifts due to weight limits. So, we set up scaffolding all around the courtyard to access different levels for painting. It was a safe and effective way to reach the walls and balconies while adhering to the structural weight restrictions.

Barricades

Safety barricades we use at construction sites, especially during painting, construction, and mining projects. You know, those places where accidents can happen more often.

So, these safety barricades play a crucial role in warning both drivers and pedestrians about potential risks. They make sure everyone is aware of the possible dangers in these accident-prone areas, keeping them safe and sound.

We’ve got different types of barricades to get the job done:

The folding barricades: These guys are lightweight and super handy! You can easily fold them flat when they’re not in use. And guess what? There are three types of them:

• Type I: One reflective panel and rail with orange and white stripes at a 45-degree angle.
• Type II: Two reflective barriers, same orange and white stripes.
• Type III: Big and bold, with three reflective panels and alternating orange and white stripes.

Steel barricades: These are built to last! They’re tough and have interlocking features, making them perfect for managing big crowds.

Plastic pedestrian barricades: These are cool, lightweight, and eye-catching. You’ll spot them on roads, construction sites, and even at sports events.

The Painting Process 

During the painting process, we had a skilled paint crew consisting of 8 to 15 painters working on the project at any given time. They had access to all areas, including the patios, balconies, and courtyards, using scaffolding or boom lifts for their convenience. To apply the paint, our crew utilized an airless pump sprayer, ensuring efficient and even coverage.

For this project, we chose specific types and brands of paint for different surfaces. The stucco walls were coated with Sherwin-Williams A-100 flat paint, while the metal balcony railings received Sherwin-Williams DTM (direct-to-metal) paint.

In phase one of the project, we used approximately 1,500 gallons of paint. As we move on to phase two, we estimate that another 2,500 gallons will be required to complete the painting process successfully.

Safety Measures

The safety of our team, residents, and visitors was our top priority during the painting process. We made sure to cover adjacent finishes and residents’ belongings with drop cloths, so no paint spills would cause any damage. When using the boom lifts, our painters wore safety harnesses to prevent any potential falls from elevated surfaces.

To protect everyone from foot traffic, we installed plywood ceilings beneath the scaffolding, creating a safety barrier for anyone passing below. These extensive safety measures created a secure and worry-free environment for everyone involved. 

Conclusion

We did a fantastic job in phase one of our painting project at Heritage Estates Livermore! We faced challenges like painting at great heights and making sure everyone was safe, including our team, tenants, and people passing by.

Despite all that, we successfully updated the color scheme of the senior apartment building, and our client was really happy with the results. We’re excited about phase two and can’t wait to deliver excellent results again, making sure everyone has a great experience throughout the painting process. 

If you are looking for the best painting contractors in Danville, don’t hesitate to contact us. We can manage any project whether you have a specific concept in mind or are looking for a professional opinion to guide you in selecting colors that go well with your brand. For a consultation and a free estimate, contact us at 510-795-0903.