Natural weathering testing sites

In viewing a climatological map of the world, it is obvious that a wide range of climates exists. These different climates are a result of latitude, weather patterns, topographical and geographical features.

It is not practical to determine the weathering characteristics of materials in all the world's climates. Therefore, those climates selected for exposure testing are based on their known severity for the weathering of materials and the anticipated market of the product. The major marketing area of the material should be taken into consideration when selecting suitable climates and sites for weathering tests. If the material were sailcloth, a coastal marine location would be a primary climate to test. However, this location would not be suitable for materials used globally because the effect of the salt air dissipates within 12 kilometers of the ocean.

Each class of materials is sensitive to a specific group of environmental parameters. Humidity, rain, and salt spray can cause corrosion of metals. For plastics and coatings, ultraviolet radiation, temperature, and moisture can initiate material degradation.