We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Engineering

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is Weather Resistance?

Helen Akers
By
Updated: May 21, 2024
Views: 22,590
Share

Weather resistance is a material's ability to hold up against deterioration from exposure to harsh elements. This may include strong sun, wind, rain, humidity, snow or extremely hot and cold temperatures. Manufacturers of materials for homes, cars and even clothing may incorporate the idea of weather resistance into their products. For example, the paint finishes of automobiles are often made to prevent rusting by being resistant to the cumulative effects of water, sun and salt.

Some climates are harsher than others and present unique challenges. Homes may need to be built according to certain building codes that make it less likely for structures to sustain damage due to high winds or cold winters. For example, siding materials may provide protection against repeated exposure to wind by containing stronger, more durable material. The material may also be more able to withstand colder temperatures than other forms of siding.

Material with weather resistance may be manufactured to endure several different elements. In some areas there is the problem not only of high temperatures, but also high humidity. This type of climate can lead to problems with mold development and deterioration, which can cause severe damage to a building's structure.

Often the weather resistance of manufactured materials will be tested according to a ratings system. The degree of weather resistance to certain elements is determined by simulating exposure to adverse weather elements such as water, high temperatures, a salty atmosphere, and solar radiation. If a material has a very strong ability to withstand exposure, it will most likely be given one of the highest ratings. The inability to endure exposure will most likely result in a low rating or a rating that indicates the material is not weather resistant.

Although a material may be determined to be weather resistant, this does not mean that it will not incur any damage. Given enough time, even the most highly rated material will eventually wear out. Examples of this can be seen on the exterior of cars that are older than ten years. Manufacturers of weather resistant materials will usually give a time range for expected performance, such as a ten year rust free guarantee.

Clothing manufacturers also incorporate the idea of weather resistance. Certain materials are effective at blocking out repeated exposure to rain and cold. The material is almost pore less in the sense that it does not absorb water, but rather repels it. This prevents the material from becoming wet on the interior. Some coats that are used by outdoor enthusiasts contain this type of material.

Share
All The Science is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Helen Akers
By Helen Akers
Helen Akers, a talented writer with a passion for making a difference, brings a unique perspective to her work. With a background in creative writing, she crafts compelling stories and content to inspire and challenge readers, showcasing her commitment to qualitative impact and service to others.
Discussion Comments
By Drentel — On Feb 23, 2014

Sporkasia - I agree that you will notice a difference if you paint outside with weather resistant paint rather than regular paint. Another way to see how weather resistant products work is to look at an outside deck that hasn't been treated with a sealant and compare it to one that has been treated.

After a rain, a deck that hasn't been treated pulls in the water. The deck that has been treated keeps the water out. That's why you see water forming pools on the deck.

By Sporkasia — On Feb 22, 2014
If you want to see how much difference a weather resistant product can make, then try painting a portion of the exterior of a building with weather resistant paint and another part of the building with a paint not classified as weather resistant. I bet you will notice a big difference.
By Drentel — On Feb 21, 2014
Sometimes I wish all of my clothes were made out of the same weather resistant fabric as my rain jacket. I got caught in a downpour the other day and the top half of my body was dry because I was wearing the rain jacket. My jeans were soaked. If the wind had not been blowing I probably would have been pretty much dry all over.
Helen Akers
Helen Akers
Helen Akers, a talented writer with a passion for making a difference, brings a unique perspective to her work. With a...
Learn more
Share
https://www.allthescience.org/what-is-weather-resistance.htm
Copy this link
All The Science, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

All The Science, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.