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Materials & Specifications

Substrate

In Plain English

The base surface that another material is applied to or installed on.

Definition

A substrate is the underlying surface or base material to which a finish material, coating, or membrane is applied. The condition and preparation of the substrate significantly affects the performance and adhesion of the material applied over it. In flooring, the substrate is typically a concrete slab or wood subfloor; in roofing, it is the roof deck.

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