Project

Originally constructed in 2003, Crown Point High School had begun to show visible signs of wear on its exterior surfaces. The school administration identified the need to repaint its Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS), main doors, and overhead doors to improve appearance and prolong the life of the building. Discoloration and staining had become increasingly noticeable, especially when compared to the newer construction on adjacent additions. CertaPro Painters of Northwest Indiana was selected to restore consistency to the school’s exterior and protect the building’s surfaces against future damage.

Process

A site assessment was conducted in April 2025 to evaluate existing conditions, access points, safety concerns, and logistics. Sherwin-Williams Loxon XP was selected as the coating system for its high-build formulation, flexibility, and resistance to weather conditions such as wind-driven rain. The school’s facilities team worked closely with CertaPro Painters to coordinate the project schedule, ensuring no disruption to summer programming and avoiding any overlap with the beginning of the 2025–2026 academic year.

To safely access elevated areas, aerial lifts and scaffolding were used throughout the project. The setup included protecting all adjacent substrates, irrigation systems, and other potential obstructions from overspray or equipment damage.

Surface preparation involved high-pressure washing of all EIFS and door surfaces, followed by patch repairs and spot priming as needed. The final finish was applied using Sherwin-Williams Loxon XP in a color matched to the newly constructed addition. All application steps were completed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Quality control walkthroughs took place during each phase of the project, and a final Pride Walk was conducted with the customer and CertaPro Painters of NWI team to confirm satisfaction.

Challenges

Several factors added to the complexity of this project:

- Access Requirements: Many surfaces required the use of aerial equipment and scaffolding to safely reach high elevations.
- Tight Timeline: With the project restricted to the summer break, two full teams were deployed to maintain momentum and meet the deadline.
- Weather Conditions: High temperatures and humidity posed challenges for both application and dry times, requiring constant monitoring and adjustment.

Result

The project was completed on time and on budget. All exterior surfaces now match the newer sections of the school, creating a cohesive and refreshed appearance. More importantly, the EIFS and other exterior elements are now protected with a high-performance coating that will provide durability for years to come. Feedback from school staff and community members has been overwhelmingly positive.

You and your team did a fantastic job; the school looks brand new and please thank the team for continuing to avoid the high traffic areas.

- Mike Malaski