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).