CHAPTER 2 f; 
EXTERIOR 
COATINGS 
ARE 
ENGINEERED 
PROTECTIVE 
SYSTEMS 
Modern exterior coatings do far more than add beauty. 
They are engineered systems designed to protect the 
building materials beneath. 
Whether applied to wood, fiber-cement siding, stucco, 
concrete, masonry, or metal, their primary purpose is to 
reduce the rate at which the environment can damage 
the substrate beneath. 
A PROPERLY SELECTED AND 
PROPERLY MAINTAINED COATING HELPS: 
Reduce moisture intrusion. 
Resist ultraviolet degradation. 
Protect against weathering. 
Slow corrosion of metal components. 
Improve resistance to biological growth. 
Enhance long-term durability. 
Preserve the appearance and value of the property. 
In many ways, exterior coatings 
function as the building's 
first line of defense. 
THE COATING SYSTEM: LAYERS THAT WORK TOGETHER 
FINISH COATS 
Provide color, weather resistance, 
and protection from the elements. 
PRIMER 
Promotes adhesion and adds 
an additional barrier against 
moisture and chemicals. 
SURFACE PREPARATION 
Cleaning and proper preparation 
ensure adhesion and long-term 
performance. 
SUBSTRATE 
Wood, fiber-cement, stucco, 
masonry, concrete, or metal-
the underlying building material. 
A coating system is only as strong as every layer 
beneath it. When one layer fails, the entire system 
can be compromised. 
CHAPTER 2 I 
HOW EXTERIOR COATINGS ACTUALLY FAIL 
STEWARDSHIP TODAY VALUE TOMORROW 

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