How can you replace wallpaper around customers and staff without disrupting the retail experience?

Project Overview

A client determined that the damaged wallpaper in a high traffic area was distracting customers from their shopping experience.  The need to return the facility to normal was paramount to the client in that they specifically requested the work to be conducted during regular business hours rather than overnight.  However, the project had to be completed without disrupting the normal flow of business.

Scope

The scope of work needed to execute this project included:

1. Remove damaged sheet of wall paper in a high traffic area.

2. Repair damaged drywall under the existing paper prior to replacing the wall paper.

3. Install section of new wall paper, while integrating it with the old wall paper.

4. Execute the project during business hours.

Challenges & Solutions

The constraints of the project that were overcome included:

1. Avoiding additional damage to wallpaper surrounding area that needed to be replaced.

1. • The seams had to be carefully removed so that the older paper surrounding the damaged piece was not torn or damaged.

2. Ensuring repaired section of wallpaper is indistinguishable and new seams are tight.

1. • Resicom verified that the new section of wallpaper matched the existing section exactly, and that all seams were aligned in perfect coordination.

3. Completing the Project During Business Hours without disrupting the flow of business.

1. • Days known for slower retail traffic were scheduled over high-traffic weekends.
   • The crew systematically worked in marked off sections to have the least impact on the customers’ ability to access merchandise and move freely through the store.

4. Keeping customers out of the area being painted.

1. • Project Manager remained onsite to ensure that customers were protected from any potential hazards and to stay in constant communication with both management and Resicom technicians.
   • Project management also coordinated the relocation and protection of the large amount of breakables and delicate merchandise.

Summary

The execution of project was unique because we were working during business hours.  Resicom is confident that detailed project management and execution will not have adverse effect on a retailer’s daily revenue.  Regardless of working conditions or environment, Resicom is able to execute project completion that is consistent with our standards.

Protect or Repaint?

During the 1980’s, urban culture began to find new ways of expression in music, dance and art. Tagging became an art form as the talents of the early Generation X’ers combined spray paint and public spaces to promote just about everything. Needless to say. tagging is a nuisance in the vast majority of instances, and over the past 20+ years coating companies have created an array of defenses to (as David Horowitz put it) Fight Back!

The purpose of this monograph is to provide an abridged, but accurate description of the options available to retailers in terms of anti-graffiti coatings.

Serve and protect

Coatings have a function that is more important than color – substrate protection. Coatings do this by providing a thin film (measured in thousandths of an inch) that provides a barrier between the environment and the substrate. This small film is the only thing used to fight graffiti – so it has to be tough, right? Sometimes. Lets explore the types of films used.

Type 1 Permanent

Spray paints are low viscosity solutions laden with hydrocarbon solvents. These

solutions are sprayed onto a surface and the paint converts from a liquid to a solid by means of solvent evaporation (for further explanation, see Monograph titled Film

School). A Type 1 Permanent Anti Graffiti coating’s method is resilience. The film

created by Type 1 coatings are typically 2 component, networked films which dry by

cross-linking. The net result is a film that is both impervious (to combat the low

viscosity penetration of spray paints), as well as chemically resilient. Paint removers can be applied directly to the spray paint with a rag, and removed but the Type 1 coating will remain in-tact. A common assumption is that these coatings make graffiti “fall off” the wall – this is untrue. The system simply works like a dry erase board and is ideal for protecting murals and specialty surfaces like decorative stone.

Type 2 Sacrificial

Type 2 coatings work completely differently. Instead of providing a film that is

networked, hard and chemically resilient, it provides a film that is easily removed!

When spray paint is used over these coatings, a property owner will simply

pressure clean the affected area using tap water. The mechanical force applied by

the water stream will remove the Type 2 coating along with any graffiti that is

sticking to it. After cleaning, the Type 2 coating will need to be re-installed. This is

both time consuming and can be expensive, however is an ideal system for

concrete, stone or brick surfaces where a Type 1 (impervious) coating will not

allow the necessary vapor migration to occur. Think of it like a wax film.

Type 3

Type 3 is a reality check. Since both Type 1 & Type 2 coatings require a technician visit to remove the graffiti, it is often less money to simply paint over the graffiti with an attic stock of the original coating. Often times, poor record keeping result in technicians painting over graffiti coatings because they are not aware of their presence – this negates any value in either Type 1 and 2 systems.

Blogspot Press Release

Lemont, IL

Known as the nationwide company to experience normalcy, Resicom strives

ways to bring clarity and options for solutions to facility maintenance

challenges.

We are pleased to announce that Executive VP Michael Fairclough has again

been published in Retail Facility Business. His article “Voc”abulary discusses

how volatile organic compounds affect the environment, and what that

means for the painting industry. The abundance of chemical compounds in

our atmosphere and oceans, mixing through the soil has created an

unsustainable cycle. In response, regulations to reduce the amount of VOC

allowed in a given gallon of paint have been enacted. A can of paint from

1989 is much different in application and aesthetic from one purchased

today, and facility maintenance providers must plan accordingly.

With a background in chemistry coupled with a project specific approach to

solutions, Michael has written and implemented solutions for hundreds of

projects- ranging from historical preservations to the latest retail concepts.

As Executive VP, Michael focuses on research and development and

information systems to create and audit the unique processes which drive

Resicom’s business structure. Michael is equally insightful in researching

and implementing new technology systems that promote our ability to

leverage innovative programs and communication tools into knowledge for

our clients.

Tile installations date back to 2500 BC – yes, BC. People discovered that if you take natural clay and mix with minerals, heat them to extreme temperatures then allow them to cool, you end up with the world’s first honey-do task – maybe. Tile has proven to be the most versatile decorative finish that humans have engineered, in fact silica tile is used to protect the space shuttle as it re-enters the Earth’s atmosphere. This monograph will offer an abridged but accurate description of a two tile types that are used in retail environments, ceramic and porcelain.

Though the terms are often used interchangeably, they are in fact different. To add to this confusion, Ceramic is also the term used to define the entire set of inorganic materials prepared by heating and cooling, which includes ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles. For sake of clarity, when the term ceramic is used to reference the tile type (subset), it will not be underlined.

Constituents of Ceramic & and Porcelain tile types-

Much like concrete, tiles are a mixture of materials found in the Earth’s crust.

Clay + sand + feldspar + minerals + water comprise the bulk of the mixture for both ceramic and porcelain.

Differences between Porcelain tile and Ceramic tiles-

Porcelain tile contains a higher ratio of feldspar and lower ratio of clay than ceramic. Feldspar (pictured) is a silicate mineral which is both hard and can withstand high temperatures. Another difference between ceramic and porcelain are the pressures used to prepare them. Porcelain tile types are made using higher pressures – resulting in a harder surface. As a general rule, porcelain tiles are harder than ceramic. In addition, the porosity of the porcelain tile is less, providing better stain resistance than ceramics. Porcelain tiles are ideal for exterior applications.

To glaze or not to glaze-

Both tile types come in glazed and unglazed finishes. Glazing is an added step in the manufacturing process which involves the coating of the unbaked tile with a glass like film. To do this, extreme temperatures are used, and the glaze penetrates into the bulk of the unbaked tile (bisque) – sealing and encapsulating the tile, rendering it relatively impervious. The higher the luster of a tile, the greater the stain resistance. Although a performance benefit, glazed tile can be an end use disadvantage as it is slippery and will highlight an uneven floor or wall surface.

Mortar and grout-

Mortar is the term used to describe the cementitious compound in which the tiles are set. Once the tiles are set in the mortar, the mortar cures and mechanically locks the tiles in place. The width between each tile is the grout line. In America, these are spaced between 1/16” – 3/4”. Grout selection is made based on the desired width, as well as environment. For small widths (less than 1/8”), a non sanded grout should be used. Between 1/8” – 1/4”, a finely sanded grout works best and coarser grouts for widths greater that 1/4”. In harsh environments, epoxy resins can be added to the grout to provide sealed and chemically resistant spacing.

Ben Bodell

Lemont, IL

Resicom brings normalcy to facility maintenance by opening possibilities with smarter spending, transparency and brand wide consistency.  We are always looking to add great people to the team to provide objective clarity and solutions to our clients.

Therefore, we are pleased to announce the addition of Ben Bodell to the position of Project Developer.  Ben will work in a hybrid role where he will largely split his time between expanding our national client base with our Business Development Team, and lending his copywriting talent and project management experience to the Marketing Team.

Ben brings a diverse background in the building retro-fit and clean tech fields. He recently worked developing and marketing energy management initiatives for the City of Boston, and has previously worked as a consultant on energy performance contract negotiations as well as structured finance for project development.  Resicom looks forward to Ben lending his expertise as we expand our national client base, in-house marketing, and sustainability (green) offerings.

“Our facility management partners look to Resicom to provide not just maintenance solutions, but to provide innovative green and sustainable energy options too,” says Team Development Manager Laurie Ledonne.  “Ben will be a vital part of these endeavors and dialogues with clients, as Resicom moves towards LEED and other certifications.”

“Resicom has a dynamic, visionary team with a solid foundation for growth.  I’m delighted to join Resicom at a such an exciting time as we work to expand our services throughout the nation,” says Bodell.

Case Study

What do you do when a school calls with mysterious pools of water in the halls?

Project Overview

A school contacted Resicom to respond to standing water that had pooled in a high traction hallway.  The client needed rapid response to avert any safety hazard posed to students and faculty, while minimizing damage to the building structure itself.  Resicom’s ability to quickly respond with a structured action plan would be the differentiator in helping restore the situation back to classes as usual- most likely to the disappointment of students.

Scope

The scope of work needed to execute this project included:

1. Complete emergency site inspection at facility in order to determine cause of standing water.
2. Provide comprehensive project scope to client so quick decision could be made regarding repairs.
3. Execute the necessary demolition to reveal source of leak.
4. Repair leak, and take steps to prevent reoccurrence.
5. Provide a written inspection and photo documentation of all completed work.

Challenges & Solutions

The constraints of the project that were overcome included:

1. Determining the exact location where the leak originated.

1. • Systematic inspection begins of possible leak culprits starting with area around bathroom countertop sinks.
   • Sinks are thoroughly inspected once demolition commenced.  On wall with evidence of standing water, technician makes a small cut out of the drywall to inspect the piping.  It is determined that the pipes are not the source of the leak.
   • Wood flooring is then targeted as area of leak source.  Wood planks are removed, and a clogged drainage system is discovered.
   • A plumber is dispatched to clean, rout, and repair the drain.
   • Technicians immediately return to replace wood flooring, repair drywall and repaint wall.

Summary

Because Resicom took a disciplined approach to systematically determine the source of the leak, demolition and subsequent repairs were minimized.  At Resicom we understand the frustrations clients experience when leaks disrupt the normal flow of a facility.  Resicom relies on not just our technical expertise, but our structured approach to get things back to normal.

CASE STUDY

How can you coordinate and execute multiple bathroom remodels in numerous locations nationwide within a tight deadline?

Project Overview

A retail client slated bathroom remodels throughout their nationwide locations.   Needing a quick turn around on a comprehensive scope and project completion, Resicom was ready to take on the challenge.  Relying on our structure helped deliver greater nationwide consistency for each facility restroom needing a face-lift.

Scope

The scope of work needed to execute this project included:

1. Plan site visits to each location to complete assessment and provide accurate pricing to client.  Accurate measurement is key considering all sourced material would need to be based off of these calculations.
2. Secure all material including partitions, tile, countertops, drywall, paint, mirrors, toilets, sinks, etc.
3. Assign thorough, specialized crews for multiple locations.
4. Coordinate travel so that teams are effectively dispatched to grouped regions.
5. Procure support items for project including dumpsters at each facility.
6. Complete all demolition and build back each individual restroom.
7. Provide client with customized schedule for rollout and real-time updates on project progress.
8. Complete a final walk through with the client providing before and after photos.

Challenges & Solutions

The constraints of the project that were overcome included:

1. Sourcing all of the materials needed in each city.
   • Suppliers were immediately contacted to begin the ordering phase of all material.
   • Measurements and drawings were submitted for partition orders two weeks in advance to ensure timely arrival.
   • A single floor tile supplier was contacted to coordinate delivery of all floor tile material needed nationwide.
   • Plumbing suppliers were contacted in each city to place necessary orders.
   • Countertops were ordered near home office and driven to each facility along with necessary tools and equipment to minimize shipping costs.
2. Coordinating technicians crews to maximize delivery.
   • In order to complete work by the clients deadlines, crews were scheduled in shifts to work around the clock.
   • Day crews complete demolition, followed by nights crews responsible for flooring installation.
   • Following day, shift crews return to fully complete restroom remodeling.
3. Nationwide remodeling project of all locations must be executed within tight scheduling deadlines.
   • Supervisor remains onsite at all times to provide status updates and detailed communication to home office.
   • Supervisor ensures crews operate effectively within schedule constraints, and to coordinate all material delivery.

Summary

Completing this project beyond the client’s expectations required detailed planning and project management to ensure each restroom was completed with minimal disruption.  Resicom listened to the client’s need for customized updates and verified information that each stage of the project was running smoothly.  Resicom creates options for our clients using our structure and communication, and in doing so opens possibilities.

Case Study

How do you respond with quick thinking solutions and resources when a car crashes through a storefront?

Project Summary

A national client who relies on Resicom for routine maintenance and exterior painting called us with a critical facility emergency.  At one of the client’s retail locations, a car had driven right into front of their building, causing tremendous damage to the structure.   The store facility was now exposed to the elements, with the merchandise left unprotected.  The client needed Resicom to react expeditiously so that the store would be sealed, with the facility ready to reopen and resume business in only a few days.

Scope

The scope of work needed to execute this project included:

1. An emergency crew had to be immediately assembled for briefing of project logistics, and to arrive onsite no later than that evening.
2. Crew had to acquire a cargo van to acquire and deliver all the proper material and tools.
3. Crew needed to remove, replace and dispose of damaged metal panels on storefront exterior.
4. Entire storefront needed to be repainted since the new panels are not the correct color.
5. All project execution had to be completed by 10 a.m. the following morning.

Challenges & Solutions

The constraints of the project that were overcome included:

1. At 8 am technicians had already been assigned jobs and were on the road.

1. • The operations department reacted quickly to identify which two technicians are best suited for this particular job.
   • Currently running projects are reorganized with additional manpower reallocated so that project delivery is not sacrificed.

1. The metal siding that is needed can only be sourced from Dallas, Texas.

1. • Our local technician in Dallas picks up the material and drives it to the project site to expedite turnaround.

1. The paint that is needed for the storefront is only available in St. Louis, MO.

1. • The storefront paint was picked up by the crew while in transit to the project location in Little Rock, AR.

1. All company cargo vans were currently assigned to other projects.

1. • The travel department acquired a cargo van for two days from a rental company.

Summary

At Resicom we understand the frustrations that a client may experience from emergency situations. We understand that the execution of projects often requires quick thinking, and flexible, creative options to offer the best possible solution to our client. Taking the initiative to find innovative solutions, particularly in emergency situations, is what we strive to do so that our client can get back to normal with their facility re-opening as planned.