Blog - Lamphier & Company

When Painting Over Existing Coatings Fails: Compatibility Checks Most Contractors Skip

Most coating failures on repaints aren’t really paint problems. They’re compatibility problems. The new coat looked fine going on, maybe even great for a few months. Then it started lifting at the edges. Or bubbling in the sun. Or peeling in sheets after the first good rainstorm. That’s not bad paint. That’s the new system …

Interior vs Exterior Commercial Paint: Why Using the Wrong One Ruins Your Coating

Interior and exterior commercial paints are formulated for completely different environments. Interior paint lacks the UV blockers, flexible resins, and mildewcides that exterior coatings rely on, so it chalks, cracks, and peels within months when exposed outdoors. Exterior paint, on the flip side, often contains biocides and VOCs that aren’t safe or comfortable for enclosed …

Commercial Painting Mistakes That Cost Building Owners Money

Painting your commercial building seems straightforward enough. You get some quotes, pick someone, and a few weeks later you have fresh walls. But somewhere between the bid and the final walk-through, things can go sideways in ways that hit your budget hard. Key Takeaways The most expensive commercial painting mistakes aren’t always obvious. Poor surface …

How Often Should Commercial Buildings Be Repainted?

Quick Answer: Most commercial buildings need repainting every 3 to 7 years, though this varies significantly based on your building materials, location, and climate conditions. In Florida's humid climate, expect to repaint more frequently than the national average, typically every 3 to 5 years for most surfaces. Key Takeaways Exteriors: 5-10 years for most materials, but Florida buildings often need attention every 3-7 years Interiors: High-traffic areas every 2-3 years; standard offices every 3-5 years Wood surfaces: Every 3-7 years (more frequent in humid climates) Stucco: Every 5-10 years nationally, but 5-7 years in Florida Metal/aluminum: Every 5-8 years Brick:…

11/24/2025

Protecting Your Building: How Improper Irrigation Can Cause Costly Damage

Irrigation systems are crucial for properly maintaining the landscaping around buildings, but when these are improperly managed, they can cause numerous problems and significant damage to the buildings enclosure. Improper irrigation systems that soak the enclosures exterior walls and foundation can become a costly issue to repair. After 38 years of inspecting the condition of thousands of commercial and government buildings, I can confidently tell you that most irrigation systems are too close to the buildings envelope. During my thorough investigations around various enclosures, I started to only take note of when the irrigation was not soaking the exterior since…

05/29/2024

Blue Ceilings: Scaling Up Bug Deterrent

There are many people who wonder why so many ceilings are painted blue, especially in the Southern portion of the United States. A quick Google search on the topic will come with many articles that explain why only porch ceilings are painted a shade of blue. Many locals and theorists claim that the blue ceilings could be there for a few reasons such as to deter spirits or ghosts from the dwelling by mimicking the sky or water, to indulge in a peaceful environment by mimicking the sky, or the presence of “lye’ (Sodium Hydroxide) in the paint which may…