Discover how high-performance protective coatings extend the life of coastal infrastructure over winter. Find out the ideal time for inspections and repairs.
Coastal bridges, piers, retaining walls, ports and transport structures face relentless environmental pressures year-round, but winter accelerates the damage dramatically.
With storms, UV fluctuations, salt spray and freeze–thaw cycles all combining to weaken concrete and steel elements, asset owners must take proactive steps to protect their structures before seasonal deterioration sets in.
One of the most cost-effective and impactful strategies is the use of high-performance protective coatings.
Why are coastal environments so damaging to infrastructure?
Infrastructure in coastal locations is exposed to airborne chloride particles, saltwater splash zones, and repeated wet-dry cycles, all of which significantly accelerate corrosion.
Steel reinforcement corrodes faster, concrete carbonation progresses more aggressively, and surface deterioration can lead to structural vulnerabilities if left unmanaged.
When winter arrives, these problems compound. Water fills cracks and pores, freezes, expands and causes spalling. Salt spray becomes more frequent during storms. Combined, these stresses can lead to rapid degradation in a matter of months.
The role of protective coatings in winter asset protection
Protective coatings act as a barrier between the structure and the aggressive external environment. They can prevent chloride penetration, slow carbonation, resist abrasion, and enhance durability under heavy weather conditions.
Different systems offer varying properties:
- Epoxy coatings for exceptional chemical resistance and adhesion
- Polyurethane coatings for UV stability and flexibility
- Cathodic protection systems to protect steel through galvanic action
- Elastomeric coatings to seal cracks and accommodate thermal movement
- Cementitious coatings for breathable, robust concrete protection
Choosing the right system depends on the substrate, exposure zone, and the required performance lifespan.
Why late autumn/early winter is the critical window
Asset owners often underestimate the importance of timing. Late autumn/early winter is an ideal moment to prepare for the winter period, because:
- Temperatures are still suitable for coating application before colder conditions restrict work windows.
- Chloride levels are at their seasonal peak, making pre-winter inspections easier to interpret.
- Storm frequency increases, highlighting the urgency of sealing vulnerable surfaces.
- Preventative works now avoid emergency callouts during winter, which can be far more expensive and disruptive.
A small investment in pre-season coating applications can prevent costly structural failures later in the year.
Preparing a structure for coating application
Before protective coatings can perform effectively, correct preparation is essential:
- Grit blasting to remove surface contaminants and achieve required anchor profiles
- Hydrodemolition or mechanical removal to eliminate delaminated concrete
- Crack repair and grout injection to restore integrity
- Leak sealing if water ingress is present
- Environmental controls to ensure correct curing conditions
Proper preparation significantly increases long-term coating performance and reduces maintenance cycles.
Strengthening long-term durability in harsh environments
Protective coatings are not simply an added layer; they are a critical part of long-term asset management. For coastal and high-salt structures, they can extend service life, reduce whole-life costs, and provide essential winter resilience.
With winter approaching, now is the ideal time for operators, councils, contractors and port authorities to assess vulnerabilities and schedule protective coating works that will safeguard their assets through the harshest months of the year.