Finishes is an integral part of the Mitchell's Building Series, the standard reference work for all those concerned with contemporary methods of building construction.The finish to a building material not only gives it immediate character and quality, but is also the first aspect of a building that will need replacement or refurbishment. The fourth edition of this well established text brings the subject up-to-date with environmental legislation and provides a thorough understanding of the surface technologies of all materials used for finishes. It also aims to minimise the use of finishes which have shorter lives and hence need renewing more frequently. As the variety of materials used for finishes is so large, they have been grouped into their engineering categories of ceramics, polymers, metals and composites to aid understanding of their structure, behaviour and ability to resist degradation.- deterioration problems are illustrated with many photographs of well-known architectural examples- enables students to transfer their knowledge of materials and surface technology to the design and specification of finishes- sets the decision-making process within the context of environmental responsibility and legislation- well illustrated with case studies showing the applications and performance of finishes in built examplesFinishes is an essential textbook for Materials units on building, architecture, surveying and related degree and postgraduate courses, and for students of BTEC HNC/D building and surveying. Yvonne Dean is Principal Lecturer within the School of Architecture and Design at the University of North London. She is also Director of the Low Energy Architecture Research Unit (LEARN) which since 1987 has established a reputation for the design of passive solar buildings, daylighting and energy consultancy. She won the University of Westminster's National Woman Achiever in Building Technology award in 1994. About this series:Mitchell's Building Series comprises highly practical books for all those studying construction, architecture and related studies at higher technician level and degree level. Each book discusses a specific aspect of a building, focusing on the practical construction issues involved. Necessary building science and theory is provided to explain how and why certain methods and procedures are used. The series systematically covers all stages in the construction of a building.Other books available:Introduction to Building, Environment and Services, Internal Components, External Components, Materials, Materials Technology, Structure and Fabric Part 1, Structure and Fabric Part 2.