,.. 
CHAPTER 2 •• 
WHY 
COATINGS 
RARELY 
FAIL 
FOR 
A SINGLE 
REASON 
Coating failure is almost never caused by a single issue. 
It is the result of multiple factors working together over 
time. Understanding these factors helps you make better 
decisions and prevent future problems. 
When a coating fails, it is usually the combination of several 
influences-not 
just one. 
COATING PERFORMANCE IS INFLUENCED BY 
MANY INTERCONNECTED FACTORS 
• 0 • • 0 
Ultraviolet 
Moisture 
Wind 
Temperature 
Biological 
Exposure 
Changes 
Activity 
0 C) G • 0 
Surface 
Product 
Application 
Maintenance 
Building 
Preparation 
Selection 
Conditions 
History 
Design & 
Drainage 
These factors interact differently 
on every property. 
EXAMPLES: HOW MULTIPLE FACTORS CAN LEAD TO FAILURE 
M 
E.:.0 
EXAMPLE 1: 
Algae and mildew growth 
may result from: 
O High moisture 
o Limited sunlight 
o Organic debris 
0 
Poor ventilation 
O Surface roughness 
0 No single factor caused 
the growth-it 
was the 
combination. 
Looking at the big picture helps you: 
Identify root causes 
Choose the right solutions 
Prevent repeat failures 
Extend the life of your exterior 
Protect your investment 
The more you understand 
about your building, the more 
control you have over its future. 
KEY TAKEAWAY 
• 
STEWARDSHIP INSIGHT 
Coatings do not fail overnight. 
EXAMPLE 2: 
Peeling paint may result from: 
0 
W degradation 
0 
Moisture intrusion 
0 
Inadequate surface 
preparation 
0 
Incompatible previous 
coatings 
0 Thermal movement 
0 
Each factor contributed 
to the breakdown of 
the coating system . 
They fail gradually, influenced by many small exposures. 
Instead of asking, "What caused this?" ask, "What has my 
property been exposed to, and how has it been maintained?" 
This shift in perspective helps you take ownership 
of your building's future. 
Understanding the full story behind coating failure 
empowers you to make smarter, more cost-effective 
decisions----and avoid unnecessary repairs. 
Coatings fail due to the cumulative effect of multiple enllironmental and maintenance factors. 
The goal is not to find blame, but to find solutions. 
CHAPTER 2 
I 
HOW EXTERIOR COATINGS ACTUALLY FAIL 
STEWARDSHIP TODAY VALUE TOMORROW. 

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