New Trier High school in Winnetka, Ill., services about 4,200 students from Chicago’s North Shore Suburban communities of Glencoe, Kenilworth, Northfield, Winnetka and portions of Glenview and Northbrook. During construction of the high school’s expansion project, the contractor reached out to Tnemec representatives for coatings assistance.
“He found the entrance canopy to be a concern because of the thermal break that wasn’t being addressed,” recalled Steven Taylor of Taylor Coating Sales, Inc. “He was looking for a high-performance, cost-effective option that could be installed without disrupting the current schedule.”
Taylor recommended Series 971 Aerolon Acrylic, Tnemec’s aerogel-modified thermal insulating coating, and coordinated with the architect’s on-site project manager to discuss the use of Aerolon. Due to its low thermal conductivity, Aerolon keeps surface temperatures above the dew point, thus reducing condensation and inhibiting moisture buildup inside walls.
The carbon steel canopy beams were prepared to standards SSPC-SP2 and SSPC-SP3 Hand Tool and Power Tool Cleaning. Tnemec Series 1224 Epoxoline WB was applied as the prime coat followed by Series 971 Aerolon Acyrlic, which was applied with a hopper gun to achieve 80-100 mils DFT in two coats.
“I contacted the project manager, and he was impressed with Aerolon’s performance and simple design compared to other alternatives,” Taylor recalled. “Since completion, the canopy is performing as expected.”
The project at New Trier High School, which involved the replacement of three aging buildings on the west side of the school’s campus, was completed close to its original budget. The renovation included building a new student cafeteria, a new library, two green roofs, new art labs and more than 25 new classrooms.