For industrial facilities in South Africa, maintaining infrastructure is more than a matter of appearance – it’s a question of safety, compliance, and long-term cost savings. With the country’s diverse climate conditions – from the salty air along the coast to high levels of UV exposure inland – steel structures, roofs, and equipment face significant wear and tear.
This is where industrial coating services play a vital role. By protecting critical surfaces against corrosion and environmental damage, coatings can extend the lifespan of facilities by decades, saving businesses millions in repair and replacement costs.
Why Industrial Coating Matters
Corrosion is one of the biggest threats to South African industrial and commercial facilities. Research shows that corrosion-related damage accounts for billions of rand in maintenance and lost productivity every year. A properly applied corrosion protection coating acts as a barrier between the environment and the asset, significantly slowing down deterioration.
Beyond corrosion resistance, industrial coatings also:
- Improve fire resistance (essential for compliance with fireproofing standards in South Africa).
- Protect against chemical exposure in manufacturing and processing plants.
- Provide UV resistance, which is critical under the harsh African sun.
- Enhance aesthetics, giving facilities a clean, professional appearance.
- Increases your return on investment through reduced maintenance costs
Coating Corrosion Protection in Action
Let’s take a practical example: a large warehouse in Durban. Constant exposure to salt in the sea air means the roofing and structural steel are at high risk of corrosion. Without protection, repairs could become necessary within three to five years, with major structural replacements required within seven to ten years.
By applying a coating corrosion protection system, the lifespan of these assets can easily be doubled or tripled. Regular maintenance combined with high-performance coatings can keep the facility safe, compliant, and operational for decades.
Long-Term Value for South African Businesses
Investing in industrial coatings is not just about avoiding problems – it’s about creating long-term value:
- Lower lifecycle costs: Preventing corrosion reduces the need for expensive replacements.
- Increased ROI: Reduces maintenance costs and prolongs the expense of recoating.
- Compliance with regulations: Coatings support adherence to occupational health and safety standards.
- Minimised downtime: Fewer repairs mean operations can continue without costly interruptions.
- Sustainability: Extending the lifespan of existing assets reduces the environmental impact of rebuilding and replacing infrastructure.
Choosing the Right Industrial Coating Partner
Not all coatings are created equal. South African businesses should look for industrial coating service providers like DRAM who:
- Have proven experience in industrial coating applications (with 35 years industry experience carrying out coatings and refurbishment work on the biggest construction projects across South Africa and Africa).
- Offer tailored solutions for specific environments (e.g. coastal, chemical, or high-UV exposure) with the ability to develop project specifications and budgets.
- Have access to the best industrial coatings manufacturers in Africa
- Provide back to back warranties (issued by DRAM and our suppliers) and after-sales service to ensure coatings perform over time.
- Follow international best practices and local safety standards.
For example, if your facility also requires structural refurbishment, a partner that offers roof refurbishments alongside coatings provides a more holistic, cost-effective solution.
Conclusion
In South Africa’s challenging industrial environments, industrial coatings are not a luxury – they are a necessity. From corrosion protection coatings that defend against rust to specialised systems that resist fire and chemicals, coatings are one of the smartest investments a facility can make to extend its lifespan.
By partnering with DRAM, businesses can protect their infrastructure, cut long-term costs, and ensure their facilities remain safe, durable, and efficient for years to come.
Ready to protect your facility for the future? Request a free industrial coating consultation with DRAM today and discover how our experts can extend the life of your assets.