Author:
Cortney Chalifoux | Program Director | [email protected]

When you look at a structure—whether it’s a pipeline, a storage tank, a bridge, or a roller coaster—what do you see first? The coating. It’s the first impression your client gets, the first sign of quality, and most importantly, the first layer of defense against corrosion, extreme heat from fires, and environmental catastrophes. But coatings are more than just aesthetics—they are essential for protecting assets, extending service life, and enhancing safety.

Corrosion alone costs industries billions of dollars annually in repairs, downtime, and lost productivity. Without proper coatings and thorough inspection, the consequences can be severe: pipeline ruptures, bridge collapses, and storage tank leaks that endanger lives, the environment, and business operations. Correctly applying and maintaining coatings is not just a best practice—it’s a necessity for long-term asset integrity.

This is where a coatings inspector comes in. Their expertise in successfully implementing protection strategies can prevent failures before they happen. In the following sections, we’ll explore the key reasons why hiring a coatings inspector is a critical investment for safeguarding infrastructure and maintaining compliance with industry standards.

Here are five key reasons to hire a coatings inspector:

1. Industry Expertise and Best Practices

Pond’s certified coatings inspectors and protective coatings specialists (PCS) are trained in OSHA, Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP, formerly NACE and SSPC), ISO, and ASTM standards to safely and correctly prevent premature failure. 

Our inspectors and protective coatings specialists (PCS) actively participate in industry committees and training programs, keeping clients ahead of technological advancements and evolving best practices. Failure to meet industry standards can lead to costly repairs, compliance violations, and reputational damage – risks that a high-quality coatings inspector helps mitigate. 

2. Preventing Costly Failures and Extending Asset Lifespan

One of the biggest reasons coatings fail is poor surface preparation. Inadequate blasting, contaminated abrasive materials, insufficient cleanliness, or poor environmental control can lead to premature failure and costly rework. 

A coatings inspector identifies and documents these issues early to quickly course-correct and maximize the coating’s performance. By catching problems before they escalate, businesses can extend asset life, minimize downtime, and avoid costly repairs – potentially saving millions in labor and maintenance expenses. 

3. Advanced Inspection and Testing Capabilities

Pond’s AMPP QP-5 Coatings Inspectors provide on-site application oversight, while our PCSs perform condition assessments and maintenance planning for long-term protection.  Our team utilizes specialized tools and techniques, including Dry Film Thickness (DFT) measurements to confirm proper coverage, adhesion testing to verify adequate bonding to the substrate, and holiday testing to detect coating defects in high-risk environments. Additionally, environmental condition monitoring verifies optimal application conditions. 

These inspections prevent premature degradation, enhance coating durability, and maintain compliance with project specifications.

4. Improving Workplace Safety and Reducing Risk

Corrosion failures pose risks beyond just financial losses – they can lead to toxic leaks and structural collapses, putting lives and infrastructure at risk. 

Fireproofing inspections are equally critical. Many commercial and industrial facilities depend on passive fireproofing to protect infrastructure in the event of a fire. For example, intumescent coatings expand under heat to insulate structural steel, while cementitious fireproofing provides a durable heat barrier. Improper application of these coatings creates a false sense of security, leaving structures vulnerable in an emergency.

A coatings inspector also inspects the fireproofing systems to make sure they are installed correctly, inspected regularly, and fully functional when needed most.

5. Objective and Unbiased Quality Assurance 

Independent coatings inspectors provide an unbiased evaluation of the work to see if it adheres to industry standards, project specifications, and warranty requirements.  

Unlike in-house inspectors, third-party specialists bring an objective perspective, identifying areas for improvement and enhancing long-term maintenance strategies. Additionally, comprehensive documentation is crucial for liability protection in case of failures, regulatory compliance and audit readiness, and future maintenance planning. 

By sharing lessons learned across industries, Pond helps clients implement proactive strategies that improve coatings performance and asset longevity.

Conclusion

Hiring a certified coatings inspector isn’t just a precaution—it’s an investment in asset longevity, safety, and cost savings. Coatings inspections help prevent corrosion-related failures, compliance violations, and unexpected downtime.

Pond’s AMPP QP 5-accredited coatings inspection team assesses the full lifecycle of a protective coating, from proper surface preparation, to application and maintenance. Our experts assist clients achieve longer-lasting assets, lower maintenance costs, and the confidence in meeting industry standards. As an AMPP QP 5-accredited firm Coating Inspection, Pond adheres to the highest level of coatings inspection quality, helping clients meet rigorous industry requirements, while protecting infrastructure for years to come. Learn more about Pond's coatings services or contact our experts.