Commercial roof coating failures cost facility owners millions annually, with 80% of premature failures stemming directly from inadequate surface preparation. The difference between a coating that protects for decades versus one that fails within months often comes down to the critical hours spent conditioning the substrate before application.
Yet surface preparation remains the most misunderstood aspect of commercial coating systems. Facility managers routinely witness coating investments transform into expensive liabilities when preparation shortcuts compromise adhesion and long-term performance.
This comprehensive guide examines the technical fundamentals, practical applications, and decision factors that determine coating success across commercial facilities. Understanding these preparation principles enables informed investment decisions that protect buildings while maximizing return on coating expenditures.
SECTION 1: THE BASICS EXPLAINED
Commercial roof coating failures represent one of the most preventable yet costly mistakes in facility management. Up to 80% of all coating failures stem directly from inadequate surface preparation, transforming what should be protective investments into expensive liabilities.
The difference between a coating that lasts decades and one that fails within months often comes down to the hours spent preparing the substrate before application begins.
What It Is (In Plain Language)
Surface preparation encompasses the systematic process of cleaning, inspecting, and conditioning a roof substrate before coating application. This critical phase removes all contaminants including dirt, debris, ponded water, deteriorated coatings, and loose materials that compromise adhesion.
The process mirrors automotive paint preparation but addresses commercial roofing’s unique challenges. Facilities must contend with years of accumulated pollutants, weathering damage, and structural movement that residential applications rarely encounter.
Professional preparation also involves comprehensive damage assessment and repair. Cracks, blisters, membrane splits, and corrosion must be addressed to create a uniform, stable foundation.
The surface must achieve complete dryness and soundness before coating application. Moisture trapped beneath new coatings accelerates substrate deterioration and guarantees premature system failure.
Modern preparation techniques vary significantly based on substrate type, environmental conditions, and expected coating performance. Concrete surfaces require different approaches than metal or membrane substrates.
Why It Matters (To Your Building)
Properly prepared surfaces extend coating service life from years to decades, dramatically reducing lifecycle costs. Commercial facilities that invest in thorough preparation typically achieve 15-20 year coating performance compared to 3-5 years for inadequately prepared systems.
Moisture infiltration through failed coatings creates cascading damage throughout building systems. Water intrusion compromises insulation effectiveness, promotes mold growth, and accelerates structural deterioration that extends far beyond the roof assembly.
The surface must be dry and in sound condition with all contamination removed to ensure proper adhesion. Mildew, oil, dust, dirt, loose rust, and peeling materials create barriers that prevent molecular bonding between coating and substrate.
Energy efficiency depends heavily on coating adhesion and integrity. Properly bonded reflective coatings maintain their thermal properties throughout their service life, while failed systems lose effectiveness rapidly.
Insurance and warranty coverage often requires documented preparation procedures. Facilities that skip proper preparation risk voiding manufacturer warranties and facing coverage disputes during claim events.
How It Works
Preparation methodology depends on substrate composition, environmental exposure, and expected coating lifespan. Metal surfaces require different cleaning protocols than concrete or membrane systems, with each demanding specific contamination removal techniques.
Mechanical cleaning methods include power washing, abrasive blasting, and grinding to remove surface contaminants and create appropriate profile depths. Chemical cleaning addresses oil contamination, efflorescence, and biological growth that mechanical methods cannot eliminate.
Structural repairs address substrate defects that would telegraph through new coatings. Crack injection, blister removal, and corrosion treatment prevent localized failure points that compromise entire coating systems.
Primer application serves as the critical bridge between substrate and topcoat. Primers penetrate porous surfaces, seal substrates, and provide enhanced adhesion for subsequent coating layers (source: Sherwin-Williams).
Quality control measures verify preparation completeness through adhesion testing, moisture measurement, and visual inspection. These verification steps ensure substrates meet manufacturer specifications before coating application begins.
SECTION 2: PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
Commercial facilities face mounting pressure to maximize roofing investments while minimizing operational disruptions. Surface preparation decisions directly impact coating performance across diverse building types, environmental conditions, and operational schedules.
Understanding specific application scenarios enables facility managers to optimize preparation strategies for maximum return on investment. Strategic timing and system coordination prevent costly mistakes that compromise building protection.
Common Uses & Examples
Manufacturing facilities with aging metal roofing systems represent the most frequent surface preparation scenario. These structures require comprehensive rust removal, primer application, and surface profiling to ensure coating adhesion over large square footage.
Retail centers and shopping complexes utilize preparation techniques to address membrane deterioration on low-slope roofs. Power washing removes accumulated dirt and biological growth while crack sealing prevents moisture intrusion beneath new coatings.
Healthcare facilities demand specialized preparation protocols due to contamination concerns and operational continuity requirements. Chemical cleaning methods often replace mechanical abrasion to minimize dust generation and maintain sterile environments.
Educational institutions frequently coordinate preparation activities with academic schedules to avoid classroom disruptions. Summer preparation windows allow comprehensive substrate conditioning without impacting daily operations.
Distribution warehouses benefit from preparation techniques that address thermal cycling damage and structural movement. Joint sealing and membrane repairs create stable substrates capable of accommodating continued building movement.
When You Need It Most
Emergency preparation becomes critical when minor roof issues threaten to escalate into major failures. Facilities experiencing isolated leaks or coating delamination require immediate substrate assessment and targeted preparation to prevent widespread damage.
Planned maintenance cycles typically trigger comprehensive preparation activities every 10-15 years. These intervals align with coating service life expectations and allow for systematic substrate evaluation across entire roof areas.
Environmental exposure events such as severe weather or industrial contamination necessitate accelerated preparation timelines. Hurricane damage, chemical spills, or fire exposure compromise substrate integrity and require immediate remediation.
Energy efficiency upgrades often drive preparation projects as facilities seek to maximize reflective coating performance. Proper substrate conditioning ensures new cool roof systems achieve expected thermal benefits and utility cost reductions.
Warranty compliance requirements frequently mandate specific preparation procedures and documentation. Facilities must complete prescribed cleaning and repair protocols to maintain manufacturer coverage and avoid claim disputes.
Interactions With Other Systems
HVAC equipment creates complex challenges during surface preparation activities. Power washing operations must be carefully coordinated to prevent water intrusion into air handling units while maintaining adequate access for substrate cleaning.
Solar panel installations require specialized preparation techniques that accommodate mounting systems and electrical components. Chemical cleaning methods often replace mechanical abrasion to prevent damage to photovoltaic arrays and associated wiring.
Fire suppression systems and emergency access requirements influence preparation scheduling and methodology. Sprinkler heads, alarm devices, and egress pathways must remain functional throughout surface conditioning activities.
Building automation systems monitoring roof conditions may require temporary disconnection during intensive preparation work. Temperature sensors, moisture detection devices, and communication equipment need protection from cleaning chemicals and abrasive materials.
Structural loading considerations become critical when preparation activities involve equipment mobilization on existing roof systems. Weight distribution calculations ensure substrate integrity while accommodating necessary machinery and material staging requirements.
SECTION 3: KEY TERMINOLOGY DECODED
Technical terminology confusion costs commercial facilities thousands of dollars in failed coating projects annually. Misinterpreted specifications lead to inadequate surface preparation, while unclear communication between facility managers and contractors results in substandard work that requires complete system replacement.
Industry jargon creates barriers between facility managers and the critical preparation processes that determine coating success. Clear understanding of essential terms, common practices, and measurement standards enables informed decision-making and prevents costly miscommunication during project execution.
Essential Terms Explained
Substrate preparation encompasses the systematic cleaning and modification of roof surfaces to enhance coating adhesion and performance. This fundamental process removes contaminants, creates appropriate surface profiles, and establishes the foundation for long-term coating success.
Adhesion represents the molecular bond strength between coating and substrate materials. Poor adhesion manifests as blistering, peeling, or delamination that compromises entire coating systems within months of installation.
Surface profile refers to the microscopic texture created through preparation techniques to maximize coating grip. Smooth surfaces provide insufficient mechanical bonding, while excessive roughness can cause coating thinning and premature failure.
Contamination includes any substance that interferes with proper coating adhesion, from visible dirt and grease to invisible chemical residues. Even microscopic contamination layers can prevent successful molecular bonding between coatings and substrates.
Key preparation techniques include acid etching, grinding, and sandblasting to achieve the appropriate surface profile for coating adhesion, creating high-performance and long-lasting coating systems (source: Armorthane Coatings).
Industry Jargon Translated
Power washing utilizes high-pressure water streams to remove loose debris, biological growth, and surface contaminants. However, power washing alone cannot eliminate oil-based contamination or create adequate surface profiles for demanding coating applications.
Abrasive blasting employs compressed air to propel cleaning media against substrate surfaces. This mechanical process removes stubborn contaminants while simultaneously creating the textured profiles necessary for optimal coating adhesion.
Prime coating application serves as the critical interface between prepared substrates and finish coating systems. Primers penetrate porous surfaces, neutralize chemical incompatibilities, and provide enhanced adhesion properties that extend coating service life.
Solvent wiping involves chemical cleaning to remove oil contamination, residual dust, and surface films that mechanical cleaning cannot eliminate. This final preparation step ensures completely clean substrates before coating application begins.
Moisture testing verifies substrate dryness through electronic measurement or calcium chloride testing. Trapped moisture beneath new coatings causes blistering, adhesion failure, and accelerated substrate deterioration that compromises entire roofing systems.
Measurement & Units Simplified
Mil thickness measurements specify coating application rates in thousandths of an inch. Ten mils equals approximately the thickness of a standard business card, providing a practical reference for understanding coating specifications.
PSI ratings indicate pressure levels for power washing, adhesion testing, and substrate evaluation. Appropriate pressure selection prevents substrate damage while ensuring adequate contamination removal and surface preparation effectiveness.
pH measurements determine surface acidity or alkalinity levels that affect coating compatibility and adhesion performance. Many coating systems require neutral pH substrates to achieve manufacturer-specified bond strengths and service life expectations.
Surface tension measurements evaluate substrate cleanliness and coating wetting properties. High surface tension indicates contamination presence, while proper surface tension values confirm successful preparation completion.
Pull-off strength testing quantifies coating adhesion through standardized measurement procedures. These mechanical tests verify that preparation techniques achieved specified bond strengths before facilities accept completed coating installations.
SECTION 4: DECISION FACTORS
Commercial facilities face critical decisions that determine whether roof coating investments deliver decades of protection or fail within months. Surface preparation choices directly impact building safety, operational costs, and asset value across millions of square feet of commercial roofing annually.
Decision-makers must navigate competing priorities of budget constraints, performance requirements, and long-term durability expectations. Strategic preparation investments prevent the cascading failures that transform routine maintenance into emergency capital expenditures.
Cost Considerations
Initial preparation costs represent only a fraction of total coating system expenses over building lifecycles. Facilities investing in comprehensive surface preparation typically reduce long-term maintenance costs by 60-80% compared to those utilizing minimal cleaning protocols.
Equipment rental, specialized labor, and contamination disposal create variable cost structures that fluctuate based on substrate conditions and preparation intensity. Power washing operations cost significantly less than abrasive blasting but fail to address oil contamination or create adequate surface profiles for demanding applications.
Labor productivity varies dramatically between preparation methods, with mechanical cleaning requiring fewer skilled technicians than chemical treatment protocols. Complex substrate conditions often necessitate multiple preparation techniques, compounding both time and material expenses.
The method of surface preparation depends on the substrate, the environment, and the expected life of the coating system, with economic considerations affecting preparation method selection relative to expected coating lifespan (source: Sherwin-Williams). Emergency preparation scenarios typically double standard costs due to expedited scheduling and specialized contamination handling requirements.
Warranty compliance costs often exceed preparation savings when facilities attempt to reduce upfront expenses. Manufacturer coverage requirements specify documented preparation procedures that, when omitted, void system warranties and expose facilities to complete replacement costs.
Performance Trade-offs
Surface preparation intensity directly correlates with coating adhesion strength and environmental resistance capabilities. Aggressive mechanical preparation methods achieve superior contamination removal but risk substrate damage on aging roof systems with compromised structural integrity.
Chemical cleaning protocols effectively address biological growth and oil-based contamination while preserving delicate membrane surfaces. However, chemical residues require thorough neutralization and removal to prevent coating compatibility issues that manifest as adhesion failure or discoloration.
Profile depth optimization balances coating mechanical grip with application uniformity requirements. Excessive surface roughness creates coating thickness variations that compromise weather resistance, while insufficient profiling prevents adequate molecular bonding between coating and substrate materials.
Multi-step preparation sequences maximize coating performance but extend project timelines and increase operational disruptions. Single-stage cleaning approaches minimize facility downtime while potentially compromising long-term system reliability in contaminated or weathered substrates.
Environmental exposure conditions influence preparation method effectiveness across different climate zones and pollution levels. Industrial facilities require more intensive preparation protocols than office buildings due to chemical contamination and thermal cycling damage patterns.
Lifespan & Durability Factors
Comprehensive surface preparation extends coating service life from 5-7 years to 15-20 years, fundamentally altering facility maintenance strategies and capital planning requirements. This performance improvement reduces coating replacement frequency and associated operational disruptions across building lifecycles.
Substrate conditioning quality determines coating resistance to thermal cycling, UV degradation, and moisture infiltration that drive premature system failure. Properly prepared surfaces maintain coating integrity through extreme weather events that cause widespread failures on inadequately prepared installations.
Adhesion durability depends on contamination elimination completeness and surface profile consistency across entire roof areas. Localized preparation deficiencies create failure initiation points that progressively compromise adjacent coating areas through moisture infiltration and thermal stress concentration.
Energy efficiency benefits from reflective coatings require sustained adhesion to maintain thermal performance throughout service life. Coating delamination eliminates energy savings and increases HVAC operational costs that often exceed original coating investment values.
Asset protection extends beyond immediate waterproofing to include structural preservation and interior systems protection. Failed coatings accelerate substrate deterioration that requires comprehensive roof replacement rather than routine recoating, multiplying facility capital expenditures by factors of three to five.
SECTION 5: COMMON CHALLENGES
Surface preparation failures create cascading problems that compromise entire commercial coating systems within months of installation. Industry data reveals that 70% of premature coating failures trace directly to preparation shortcuts that seemed minor during application but prove catastrophic over time.
Hidden contamination, environmental conditions, and contractor inexperience combine to create preparation challenges that destroy coating investments. Understanding these failure patterns enables facility managers to recognize problems early and implement corrective measures before minor issues escalate into complete system replacements.
Frequent Problems & Solutions
Invisible oil contamination represents the most deceptive preparation challenge facing commercial facilities. Kitchen exhaust, HVAC condensation, and industrial processes deposit microscopic oil films that mechanical cleaning cannot remove. These contaminants prevent molecular bonding between coatings and substrates, causing widespread adhesion failure.
Solvent wiping protocols eliminate oil-based contamination through systematic chemical cleaning procedures. Multiple cleaning cycles with fresh solvent ensure complete contamination removal before coating application begins.
Moisture entrapment beneath new coatings creates blistering and delamination that spreads rapidly across roof areas. Power washing operations often drive water into porous substrates or membrane seams, requiring extended drying periods that contractors frequently ignore under schedule pressure.
Electronic moisture testing verifies substrate dryness through calibrated measurement before coating application. Facilities must establish maximum moisture content specifications and enforce compliance regardless of project timelines.
Substrate damage from aggressive preparation techniques compromises aging roof systems that cannot withstand intensive mechanical cleaning. High-pressure washing and abrasive blasting create membrane tears, granule displacement, and structural damage that exceeds original contamination problems.
The substrate must be clean and dry, free of dust, chalk, oils, or loose debris, with any required repairs completed and fully cured prior to priming (source: Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association). Substrate evaluation protocols determine appropriate cleaning intensity based on material condition and contamination severity.
Warning Signs To Watch For
Coating adhesion failures manifest within 30-90 days through visible blistering, edge lifting, and progressive peeling patterns. Early failure indicators require immediate investigation to determine preparation deficiencies before warranty coverage expires.
Localized discoloration or staining suggests chemical incompatibility between substrates and coating systems. These visual cues indicate contamination presence or inadequate surface neutralization during preparation activities.
Premature chalking or coating degradation signals insufficient surface profiling or contamination residue that accelerates weathering processes. Normal coating aging occurs gradually over years, while preparation-related failures appear within months of installation.
Water infiltration through apparently intact coatings indicates microscopic adhesion defects that create pathways for moisture penetration. These failures often appear during first severe weather events following coating installation.
Biological growth beneath coating films suggests trapped moisture or organic contamination that creates favorable conditions for mold and algae development. This growth pattern compromises coating integrity and building air quality simultaneously.
Preventative Approaches
Comprehensive pre-coating inspection protocols identify substrate conditions that require specialized preparation techniques. Systematic evaluation prevents preparation method mismatches that compromise coating performance across diverse facility conditions.
Contractor qualification verification ensures preparation crews possess adequate training and experience for specific substrate types. Many coating failures result from general contractors attempting specialized preparation work without proper expertise or equipment.
Environmental monitoring during preparation activities prevents moisture entrapment and contamination introduction that compromise substrate conditioning. Temperature, humidity, and dew point measurements guide preparation timing and coating application schedules.
Quality control testing validates preparation completeness through adhesion pull-tests, surface cleanliness verification, and moisture content measurement. These verification procedures confirm substrate readiness before coating application begins.
Documentation requirements establish preparation protocol compliance and warranty protection for facility investments. Detailed records of cleaning methods, environmental conditions, and test results provide evidence for warranty claims and future maintenance planning.
SECTION 6: NEXT STEPS & RESOURCES
Commercial facilities implementing coating systems face a critical decision point where preparation investments determine decades of building performance or immediate system failure. Industry research demonstrates that facilities investing in comprehensive preparation protocols achieve 300-400% longer coating service life compared to those utilizing minimal cleaning approaches.
Strategic resource allocation and contractor selection directly impact coating adhesion, warranty compliance, and long-term facility protection. Decision-makers must navigate technical specifications, industry standards, and provider qualifications to ensure coating investments deliver expected returns rather than costly failures.
Questions To Ask Providers
Substrate evaluation protocols determine preparation method selection and project success rates across commercial installations. Qualified contractors conduct comprehensive moisture testing, contamination assessment, and structural damage evaluation before recommending preparation techniques or coating systems.
Contamination removal capabilities separate experienced preparation specialists from general contractors attempting complex substrate conditioning. Providers must demonstrate proficiency with oil-based contamination elimination, biological growth treatment, and chemical neutralization procedures that mechanical cleaning cannot address.
Documentation requirements verify preparation completeness and maintain warranty coverage throughout coating service life. Contractors should provide moisture content measurements, adhesion test results, and photographic evidence demonstrating substrate conditions before and after preparation activities.
Equipment specifications and crew qualifications indicate contractor capability for demanding preparation scenarios. Facilities require providers with specialized abrasive blasting equipment, chemical cleaning systems, and certified technicians trained in substrate-specific preparation protocols.
Project timeline coordination prevents operational disruptions while ensuring adequate preparation quality across facility schedules. Contractors must demonstrate flexibility for emergency repairs while maintaining systematic preparation procedures that cannot be compressed without compromising coating performance.
Industry Standards & Guidelines
ASTM International maintains comprehensive testing standards that verify substrate preparation completeness and coating system compatibility. ASTM D4263 moisture testing protocols prevent trapped water beneath new coatings, while ASTM D4541 adhesion testing confirms preparation effectiveness before facilities accept completed installations.
Coating failures attributed to inadequate surface preparation affect up to 80% of commercial installations, with contamination removal and substrate drying representing critical preparation requirements. Proper preparation depends on substrate composition, environmental exposure, and expected coating performance across diverse facility applications (source: Sherwin-Williams).
The Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association establishes preparation guidelines specific to commercial roofing applications and environmental conditions. These standards address moisture content limitations, contamination removal procedures, and surface profile requirements that general construction specifications often overlook.
National Roofing Contractors Association technical bulletins provide substrate-specific preparation checklists for metal, concrete, and membrane systems. These guidelines prevent preparation method mismatches that compromise coating adhesion and accelerate system failure across different roofing materials.
Manufacturer specifications override general industry standards when warranty compliance requires specific preparation procedures. Facility managers must verify that contractor protocols align with manufacturer requirements to maintain coverage and prevent claim disputes during system failures.
Further Learning Simplified
Professional development opportunities enable facility managers to oversee coating projects effectively and recognize preparation deficiencies before they compromise building protection. Industry associations offer certification programs focused on commercial roofing systems and coating application oversight.
Manufacturer training seminars provide hands-on experience with preparation techniques and coating compatibility requirements. These educational programs demonstrate proper contamination identification, moisture testing procedures, and quality control measures that facilities must enforce during contractor activities.
Technical publications from roofing trade associations deliver case studies documenting preparation failures and corrective measures across commercial installations. These resources illustrate costly mistakes and prevention strategies that facility managers can implement during project planning phases.
Online webinar series address emerging preparation technologies and environmental compliance requirements affecting commercial facilities. Regular participation keeps facility managers current with evolving industry practices and regulatory changes that impact coating system selection and installation procedures.
Peer networking through facility management organizations facilitates knowledge sharing regarding contractor performance, preparation techniques, and long-term coating results. These professional connections provide valuable insights for vendor selection and project oversight strategies across similar facility types.
The Bottom Line
Commercial facilities lose millions annually to coating failures that proper surface preparation could prevent entirely. The stark reality remains: 80% of premature coating failures stem directly from inadequate substrate conditioning, transforming protective investments into recurring maintenance nightmares.
The evidence is overwhelming—comprehensive surface preparation extends coating service life from 5-7 years to 15-20 years while reducing lifecycle costs by 60-80%. Facilities that cut preparation corners face cascading damage extending far beyond roofing systems into structural deterioration and operational disruptions.
Surface preparation decisions made today determine whether commercial buildings receive decades of reliable protection or expensive system replacements within months. The technical knowledge, industry standards, and contractor qualifications outlined in this guide provide the foundation for coating investments that deliver lasting value rather than costly failures.
Commercial roofing success demands unwavering commitment to preparation excellence—because shortcuts taken during installation create years of expensive consequences.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. Why is surface preparation crucial for commercial roof coating longevity?
A. Inadequate surface preparation causes up to 80% of coating failures by allowing contaminants to compromise adhesion. Proper cleaning, damage repair, and moisture elimination create a stable substrate that extends coating service life from a few years to multiple decades. This process prevents premature deterioration, reduces lifecycle costs, and protects underlying building systems from water infiltration.
Q. How do commercial roof surface preparation methods vary by facility type?
A. Preparation techniques differ based on facility-specific needs, such as rust removal in manufacturing metal roofs or chemical cleaning in healthcare to reduce dust. Timing is also critical, with educational facilities scheduling during academic breaks to avoid disruptions. Tailoring preparation strategies optimizes coating adhesion, minimizes operational impacts, and addresses unique contamination or structural conditions.
Q. What key surface preparation terms should commercial roof managers understand?
A. Understanding terminology such as adhesion, surface profile, contamination, and prime coating is essential. Adhesion refers to molecular bonding strength critical for durability, while surface profile relates to microscopic texture optimizing grip. Recognizing these concepts enables managers to assess preparation quality accurately and communicate effectively with contractors, preventing costly misapplications and failures.
Q. What factors most influence commercial roof surface preparation decisions?
A. Budget constraints, substrate condition, and expected coating lifespan are primary factors guiding preparation choices. Investing in comprehensive cleaning methods reduces long-term maintenance costs by up to 80%, while inadequate preparation can cause early failures and increased operational expenses. Decision-makers must balance preparation intensity with risks to substrate integrity and future performance.
Q. What common challenges cause failures in industrial roof surface preparation?
A. Invisible oil contamination is a frequent issue that mechanical cleaning alone cannot remove, leading to adhesion loss. Moisture entrapment beneath coatings causes blistering, often resulting from inadequate drying or power washing methods. Additionally, aggressive cleaning can damage aging substrates. Addressing these challenges requires chemical cleaning, moisture testing, and substrate condition assessment to prevent premature system failures.
Q. What questions should commercial roof owners ask contractors about surface preparation?
A. Owners should inquire about contractor protocols for moisture testing, contamination removal, and damage assessment before coating. Requesting documentation such as adhesion test results, preparation photos, and compliance with manufacturer guidelines ensures accountability. Additionally, verifying equipment capabilities and technician qualifications confirms contractor readiness to handle substrate-specific challenges effectively.
Q. How does surface preparation affect warranty and insurance coverage for commercial roofs?
A. Manufacturers often require documented adherence to specific preparation standards as a condition for warranty validity. Failure to comply with moisture limits, cleaning protocols, or repair requirements can void coverage, leaving facilities liable for costly replacements. Insurance claims may also be disputed if preparation shortcuts contributed to coating failure. Thus, rigorous documentation and protocol compliance are critical to maintaining protection.
