CHAPTER 1 - )( ---
THE 
FIVE 
PRIMARY 
DRIVERS 
OF EXTERIOR 
DETERIORATION 
IN HAWAII 
Although every property is unique, most exterior deterioration in Hawaii 
can be traced to five primary environmental influences working together 
over time. Understanding these forces helps property owners make 
smarter maintenance decisions and extend the life of their buildings. 
ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION 
Hawaii's intense year-round sunlight breaks 
down the chemical bonds in exterior coatings. 
This reduces flexibility, fades color, causes 
chalking, and weakens overall protection. 
South- and west-facing surfaces and roofs 
receive the greatest UV exposure. 
8 MOISTURE AND HUMIDITY 
Rain, dew, condenstation, and high humidity keep 
surfaces damp for long periods. Moisture slows 
drying, encourages biological growth, affects 
wood movement, and accelerates deterioration 
when protective systems begin to break down. 
e SALT-LADEN AIR 
Trade winds carry microscopic salt particles inland. 
Salt accelerates corrosion on exposed metals and 
increases the environmental demands on coatings, 
especially in coastal areas and on metal 
components such as fasteners, railings, and gutters. 
0 BIOLOGICAL GROWTH 
Algae, mildew, mold, and fungi thrive in warm, 
moist conditions. They retain moisture against 
surfaces, reduce drying efficiency, and can lead 
to staining, coating breakdown, and potential 
damage to materials over time. 
A 
THERMAL EXPANSION 
V 
AND CONTRACTION 
Daily temperature changes cause materials to 
expand and contract. Over thousands of cycles, 
this movement stresses joints, sealants, fasteners, 
and coatings-contributing 
to cracking, gaps, 
leaks, and other failures. 
THESE FORCES 
WORK TOGETHER 
0 
Individually, each factor 
creates stress on building 
materials. Together, they 
amplify one another and 
accelerate deterioration. 
STEWARDSHIP TIP 
)·( 
You can't eliminate 
these forces, but you 
can manage their impact. 
Regular inspections, early 
intervention, and consistent 
maintenance are the keys to 
slowing deterioration and 
protecting your investment. 
,, 
These five drivers are at work on every exterior surf ace-every 
day. 
1 
The goal of stewardship is to understand their impact and stay ahead of it. 
CHAPTER 1 
I 
HAWAII'S CLIMATE 
STEWARDSHIP TODAY. VALUE TOMORROW. 

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