Coating Failure
Investigation
Systematic root cause analysis for protective coating failures. Technical reports suitable for dispute resolution, warranty claims, and remediation planning.
When Coatings Fail, Evidence Matters
Protective coating failures on high-value assets create significant financial exposure. Whether the failure involves warranty disputes, contractor liability, or remediation planning, the quality of the technical investigation determines the quality of the outcome.
NCIS provides systematic coating failure investigation services for asset owners, project managers, and legal counsel. Investigations are conducted using a structured root cause analysis methodology, with findings documented in technical reports that clearly distinguish between observation, analysis, and conclusion.
NCIS does not advocate for any party. Investigation findings are objective, evidence-based, and referenced to applicable specifications and standards.
Common Coating Failure Modes
Intercoat adhesion failure, substrate adhesion failure, or cohesive failure within the coating film. Root causes include surface contamination, inadequate surface preparation, incompatible coating systems, or application errors.
Osmotic blistering, solvent entrapment, or cathodic disbondment. Common in immersion service and marine applications. Root causes include soluble salt contamination, inadequate cure, or coating system incompatibility.
Rust breakthrough, underfilm corrosion, or corrosion at coating defects. Root causes include surface preparation failures, coating thickness deficiencies, or holiday/pinhole defects in immersion service coatings.
Thermal cycling, mechanical damage, or coating system incompatibility. Root causes include excessive film build, recoat interval violations, or specification non-compliance.
Investigation Methodology
Visual inspection and documentation of failure patterns, extent, and distribution. Photographic record of failure modes and affected areas.
Review of available project records: surface preparation documentation, application records, environmental condition logs, DFT data, and inspection reports.
Field testing as applicable: adhesion testing, DFT measurement, holiday detection, soluble salt testing, coating identification. Laboratory analysis where required.
Systematic analysis of failure evidence against specification requirements and industry standards. Identification of primary and contributing causes.
Structured technical report documenting findings, failure mode analysis, root cause conclusions, and recommendations. Suitable for dispute resolution, warranty claims, or remediation planning.
Findings are evidence-based and referenced to applicable specifications and standards. No advocacy for any party.
Technical reports structured for dispute resolution, warranty claims, or legal proceedings. Clear distinction between observation, analysis, and conclusion.
Where applicable, recommendations for remediation scope, surface preparation requirements, and coating system selection.
Coating Failure Investigation Enquiries
Contact NCIS to discuss your coating failure investigation requirements.