ABSTRACT
Themain purpose of surface materials is to form a protective layer on a
building’s structure. Through their hardness and durability they must
withstand wear and tear on the building, from hard driving rain on the
roof to the never-endingwandering of feet on the floor. Sheetmaterials
can also have structural and climatic functions such as bracing, wind-
proofing, moisture control, noise protection, etc. Certain structures in
brick, concrete and timber are in themselves surface materials and,
therefore, do not need further treatment. Surface materials are other-
wise used in roof covering, internal and external cladding, and on floors
(Table 15.1).