Each week we’re bringing you an in-depth look at one of the standard conditions we encounter and document during inspections of buildings and civil structures. 

Part 13: Failed Coatings

Failed coatings include paints, sealants, and other surface treatments that exhibit blistering, peeling, wrinkling, crazing, checking, alligatoring, chalking, staining, discoloration, pinholes or other types of deterioration.

Failed paint coating on wood

Coating failure – especially paint failure – has numerous causes. These can include: poor surface preparation, weathering, use of inappropriate or incompatible treatments, poor bonding between layers of coatings, ultraviolet degradation, atmospheric or biological soiling, improper application, and more. Coating failure can be both a symptom and a cause of deterioration.

Failed paint coating on sheet metal

Next in this series: Previous Repairs

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