Maintenance and Repair

Lightly abrade the scratched area with a fine paper - If the scratch is superficial, continue to abrade until the scratch cannot be felt under the fingers tips

Lightly abrade an area at least 100 mm over the good surface but resist breaking through the top coat

Clean away all dust and loose residue

Apply the same top coat to the treated area and feather-in the existing good surface

It may be necessary to apply a second coat to achieve the correct coverage

The surface finish will vary dependent on the method of application of the original coat. The manufacturer recommended a roller finish which, with the correct amount of thinners, can be replicated in the repair.

The surface finish recommended by the manufacturer will produce a lightly textured finish.

If replication of the existing finish is required, it is advisable to carry out a sample application prior to applying to the column

The minimum casting thickness for Interactive Columns is 12 mm. This thickness may be greater than that required to meet the building fire protection specification. (Refer to Interact for the minimum requirement and thickness actually installed). If the material thickness is greater than that required for the fire rating, the additional thickness can be equally added to the maximum 1 mm depth referred to above.

Clean out the indentation and ensure that all grease and loose materials have been removed.

Using a two pack epoxy filler (car body filler), fill the hole slightly more than the surface level.

When cured, carefully remove as much excess material as possible without damaging the surrounding area. Use a surform or sanding block.

Bring the surface down to the casting surface using varying grades of paper

There may be air holes in the first application which will require filling again to get the desired surface finish.

Lightly abrade an area of at least 100 mm over the good surface but resist breaking through the top coat.

Clean away all dust and loose residue.

Apply the same top coat to the treated area and feather-in the existing good surface.

It may be necessary to apply a second coat to achieve the correct coverage

The surface finish will vary dependent on the method of application of the original coat. The manufacturer recommended a roller finish which, with the correct amount of thinners, can be replicated in the repair.

The surface finish recommended by the manufacturer will produce a lightly textured finish.

If replication of the existing finish is required, it is advisable to carry out a sample application prior to application to the column.

Refer to the above recommendation prior to these instructions to ensure this type of repair is required. Heavy impact damage may cause localised de-bonding. This is most likely to occur when the impact has penetrated the entire depth of the casting to the subsurface or steel structure. It is important that all de-bonded material is removed. This can be done by using a chisel and can be assisted by use of a drill to explore the extent of the damage.

Remove all the de-bonded material taking care to keep the wire mesh as intact as possible.

It may be necessary to replace or reinstate the wire mesh following the above operation.

Clean out the damaged area and ensure that all grease and loose materials have been removed.

It is likely that the surface primer has been damaged. This should be re-coated using a compatible primer. Refer to the maintenance manual for the correct specification.

Secure a maintenance pack of epoxy intumescent. Refer to the maintenance manual for the material specification.

Following the instructions on the tin, make up the full pack, regardless of the area to be filled.

Overfill the damaged area.

The following day it will be possible to knife back the overfilled area close to the original surface.

At the same time, remove all other residues left through this operation. You should be left with a tidy patch repair.

Leave for at least 3 days to allow the epoxy to cure.

When cured carefully remove as much excess material as possible without damaging the surrounding area. Use a surform or sanding block.

Clean any loose materials

There may be minor deformations in the first application that will require filling to get the desired surface finish.

Using a two pack epoxy filler (car body filler), fill the hole slightly more than the surface level.

When cured, carefully remove as much excess material as possible without damaging the surrounding area. Use a surform or sanding block.

Bring the surface down to the casting surface using varying grades of paper.

There may be air holes in the first application that will require filling again to get the desired surface finish.

Lightly abrade an area of at least 100 mm over the good surface but resist breaking through the top coat.

Clean away all dust and loose residue.

Apply the same top coat to the treated area and feather-in the existing good surface.

It may be necessary to apply a second coat to achieve the correct coverage.

The surface finish will vary dependent on the method of application of the original coat. The manufacturer recommended a roller finish which, with the correct amount of thinners, can be replicated in the repair.

The surface finish recommended by the manufacturer will produce a lightly textured finish.

If replication of the existing finish is required, it is advisable to carry out a sample application prior to applying the column.