Visual Assessment Training

Identify Types of Deterioration

There are many types of deterioration. Below is a list of the types of deterioration you will learn about.

	Peeling
	Chipping
	Chalking
	Cracking
	Holes in walls
	Damaged substrates

In addition to looking for deteriorated piant, remember that you should look for debris from deteriorated paint.

Peeling

Peeling paint is always considered to be deteriorated.

	Peeling paint is often caused by moisture or poor preparation of the surface before painting.
	This may affect small or large areas

Chipping

All chipping paint should be considered to be deteriorated.

	Chipping often is a result of impact to the painted surface
	Chipping paint may also be caused by poor surface preparation or paint failure

Chalking

Some paints were designed to chalk as a method to keep the paint surface clean. If these paints contain lead, the chalking will also contain lead.

You should consider chalking paint to be deteriorated if you can see evidence of chalking on the surfaces below the paint or on the ground.

Cracking

Before you call a crack deterioration, you should determine if the crack is below the de minimis level. The photo to the right shows an example of what cracking looks like.

	This photo shows a different form of cracking on a column base.
	This paint may start chipping soon.
	This type of cracking is considered deteriorated paint and must be repaired.

	Setttlement cracks are often seen in older homes
	If a settlement crack shows signs of deterioration (cracking or flaking of the painted surface) the painted surface should be considered deteriorated.

Holes in Walls

All holes in walls larger than nail holes or tack holes are considered to be deteriorated and should be repaired.

Nail and tack holes are not usually classified as deteriorated because:

	They are too small to meet de minimis levels
	The substrate is usually stable

Damaged substrates

These photos show evidence of substrate damage.

	The window sill has extensive moisture damage.
	The stair tread shows wear, tear, and deterioration.

In Summary, deteriorated paint is:

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