There are close to 583,000 bridges in the United States. Structurally unsound bridges are a threat to public safety, which is why regulations covering bridges exist in many areas. In addition to the damage caused by a total or partial collapse, corroded bridges can lead to increased vehicle repairs, gas usage and medical expenses, along with lost time and productivity due to delays and bridge closures.

Approximately 15% of the bridges in the U.S. are structurally deficient because of corroded steel and steel reinforcements. The estimated annual cost of corrosion to the U.S. economy is $276 billion. The direct cost for highway bridges equal 3% of that total cost ($8 billion). Indirect costs to the public are estimated to be at least 10 times higher than the direct corrosion costs, according to the National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE).

Industrial coatings can protect bridges from corrosion. Finishing Solutions Network has nationwide industrial coatings contractors certified in large-scale industrial painting and coating applications to protect your bridges from surface and structural damage.

NACE and the Society of Protective Coatings (SSPC) established the Painter, Industrial Coating and Lining Application Specialist Certification program. They jointly published standards that define the criteria for the education, training, experience, knowledge, and motor skills required to prepare and apply protective coatings to steel and concrete surfaces of complex industrial and marine structures.

FSN’s nationwide industrial coatings contractors have completed the SSPC/NACE certification program, which ensures they have experience and training in all aspects of hands-on surface preparation and coating application for bridges.

Effectively applied industrial paint and coatings can eliminate corrosion and extend the life of bridges. Industrial coatings should be selected based on the anticipated lifespan of the structure and its environment, including UV light, salinity, temperature and other factors. FSN’s nationwide industrial coatings contractors are available to advise you at every step of the process.