24. How to read test reports and inspect completed work
1. Match the report to the purchased product
Check the submitting organization, product name, grade, specimen identification, report date and test conditions. Elongation from an elastic waterproofing product does not establish the behavior of a hard matte finish. Adhesion on one substrate does not establish suitability for all substrates.
If a supplier provides family-level literature, clarify which data apply to each grade. Clear identification helps procurement and acceptance. Where supporting evidence is missing, treat the property as requiring verification rather than infer it from a similar name.
2. Read results together with conditions
Hardness, abrasion, adhesion and chemical resistance can depend on conditioning and test procedures. Compare using consistent methods and specimens wherever possible. Large numerical differences under different methods may not be directly meaningful.
For weathering and corrosion, examine failure descriptions. Color change differs from loss of integrity; creep from a scribe differs from blistering away from it. A complete report is more informative than one extracted number.
3. Inspect process and outcome
Process acceptance covers substrate, environment, batches, mixing ratios, consumption and recoating. Outcome acceptance covers appearance, thickness and contracted functional checks. Looking only for uniform color at completion can miss hidden system problems.
For matte finishes, check gloss consistency under specified conditions. For hammered finishes, compare texture with the approved sample. Both also require inspection for missed coverage, pinholes, abnormal adhesion and edge integrity. Decorative and functional acceptance should coexist.
4. Match standards to the intended use
Waterproofing, flooring, corrosion protection and decorative coatings may require different product and test standards. Check the current edition, scope and clauses before citing a standard in a contract. A familiar number copied from advertising is not a universal specification.
Confirm special certification or contact requirements before purchasing, rather than search for a report after installation. Specimen testing, product certification and site acceptance provide different forms of evidence and should be verified separately.