ABSTRACT
The use of finishes is often regarded as a separate and final application to the fabric of the building, sometimes even the last part of the building to be specified. This may mean finishes are subject to compromise in their quality by late cost-control exercises. It is appropriate and convenient to think of thick and thin finishes or, to be more exact, macro and micro finishes. Macro finishes have a detailed microstructure that determines their properties and behaviour. The correct specification of finishes is vital to the durability and appropriate use of a given material. Most finishes applied to the surface of buildings fall into two major categories: polymers and ceramics. At some point every designer, architect or contractor deals with the specification of materials. Architects and designers have very specific responsibilities under the terms of their contractual arrangements with clients. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
