Food and beverage processing facilities face constant threats to the insulated metal panels (IMPs) used throughout refrigerated processing areas, coolers, freezers and other cooled areas subject to heavy cleanings and sanitizations. These threats include moisture intrusion, bacterial buildup and surface damage from aggressive washdowns.
When those IMPs show signs of wear, facilities often need to make a difficult call between restoring the panels or replacing them altogether. Standard protocols often point to full replacements by default. However, when feasible, facility managers can significantly extend the life of IMPs by applying restorative coating systems that will seal any gaps, mitigate corrosion and protect the panels from wear.
These IMP restoration systems reinforce aging or deteriorated panel surfaces with high-build, chemical-resistant protection that withstands demanding sanitation environments. Such systems should feature significant elongation properties to provide a flexible, durable and seamless solution that bridges joints and minor cracks in IMP walls. This flexibility enables the coatings to hold up to washdowns, impacts from carts and equipment and rigorous facility demands.
Additional helpful properties include:
- Easy-to-clean surfaces that minimize washdown labor
- Durable finishes that resist chips and wear from frequent cleaning cycles and have flexibility to handle impact from workers and machines
- Resistance to chemicals and thermal shock during sanitation
- Verified compatibility with leading cleaners used in food and beverage facilities, including harsh chemicals and sterilants
- Fast return-to-service capabilities to minimize shutdown time
Ensuring the viability of IMP wall restoration coatings systems requires carefully examining the condition of existing IMPs to determine if an overcoat will sufficiently extend their life. Audits and consultations with coatings experts can help facilities determine the optimal path forward to restore the hygiene, durability and long-term performance of their IMPs with confidence, while also helping them be ready to proactively address repairs and get ahead of regulatory auditors.
Key takeaways:
- Learn how food and beverage facilities can reduce maintenance costs and promote sustainability by restoring insulated metal panel (IMP) wall systems with high-performance coatings instead of replacing worn panels outright
- Review the key properties to watch for when specifying coating restoration systems for IMPs to ensure proper hygiene, durability and long-term performance
- Discover how a certified coatings specialist can help facilities assess the viability of restoring, rather than replacing, IMP wall systems to enable maintenance savings