Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center - Commercial Case Study

Commercial Case Study – Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center

CertaPro Painters of Reading was hired to restore and paint key structures at the Reading Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center in Reading, PA. The project involved prepping and painting over 1,200 linear feet of vertical I-beams, 1,500 linear feet of horizontal I-beams, and 16 vertical posts supporting the carport canopy, all of which had peeling paint and rust due to age and sun exposure.

To complete the job, we scraped, sanded, primed, and painted all the beams and posts using Sherwin-Williams “Pro Industrial” and “Marine & Protective Coatings” for long-lasting protection. Additionally, we repaired the base of the carport posts using METALCLAD DurAlloy, a durable polymer composite, to restore their strength and appearance.

This project highlights our ability to handle large-scale commercial painting jobs while ensuring high-quality repairs that enhance both the look and longevity of the structures.

About the Project:

Project Involvement:

The project involved preparing and painting over 1,200 linear feet of vertical I-beams, 1,500 linear feet of horizontal I-beams, and 16 vertical posts supporting a carport canopy. These structures were peeling and rusting due to long-term exposure to the sun and weather.

Our team started by scraping and sanding the beams and posts to remove peeling paint and rust. We then primed and painted the surfaces using Sherwin-Williams “Pro Industrial” and “Marine & Protective Coatings” for lasting protection. For the carport posts, which had rust near the ground, we repaired the damage using METALCLAD DurAlloy, a strong, multi-purpose material. Once the repairs were completed and smoothed out, the posts looked renewed and structurally sound.

Special Challenges:

One of the main challenges during the project was coordinating with other tradesmen who were working in the same carport area, performing concrete repairs, and recoating. We had to be particularly careful while applying METALCLAD DurAlloy to the posts, as we followed another contractor who had just completed the concrete repairs and surface coating. This required extra attention to detail to ensure the post-repairs were completed without disrupting the freshly finished work.

We used special equipment such as mechanical grinders and sanders to properly prepare the surfaces of the posts. Additionally, despite some sections of the building being over 20 feet high, all work was completed from ladders, showcasing our commitment to efficiency and safety.

Project Timeline:

Overall we finished the project within 7 days.