Canadian Design and Construction Report
Now in its twentieth year, the Alberta Painting Contractors Association (APCA) continues to educate and promote awareness among members and the industry, improving quality and accountability on every project.
APCA general manager Kirk Beggs says though the industry’s industrial side has slowed because of low oil prices, the industry is still active through commercial and large scale residential projects. “People are more educated about investing in and maintaining properties and on the need for quality assurance for work done so that side of the business is very strong.”
This interest in quality work and what it means to the life of a building is just one of the drivers behind one of the association’s key focuses: inspection services.
Beggs says APCA is the province’s original inspection service provider. “Our inspections are taken very seriously and ensure work is done properly and to the project specifications from preparation to final application. We ensure the owner gets the maximum value for their investment.”
Though painting is often a small cost in an overall project, Beggs says it is one of the first things visitors and staff see so many people recognize the value in ensuring work is done properly.
Inspections start before work even begins. ensuring the surface is ready and that the proper materials are being used. Stage by stage inspections then ensure numbers of coats and the accuracy of application. “We can identify problems early and give the contractor an opportunity to fix the issue. A report to the general contractor and architect will identify the issue as a back-up to ensure it is rectified.”
APCA also supports the industry with specifications. Beggs says despite changes in 2012 involving VOCs and products which are not suitable for use, he still regularly sees projects specifying outdated materials. “We work with architects and specifiers updating their knowledge and providing information about product alternatives.”
Within its own membership, APCA promotes a professional painter’s code of conduct and ethics. It also works with educational facilities to develop training programs for the industry, including background on how paints are made, instruction on best use and programs intended to teach people how to be inspectors.
“We have mini-trade shows for members with suppliers showcasing new product and in 2016 we expect to bring in more social opportunities to get members out and networking, as well as continuing our focus on our main functions of education, specification writing and quality assurance.”
For more information, visit http://apca.ca.