AbstractEvidence is presented of the main steps in the physical breakdown of glass‐fiber reinforced polyester (GRP) composites on outdoor weathering. The chronological sequence is fiber ridging, rupture of the resin layer covering ridging fibers or fibers running close to the surface, spalling of the resin at the site of failure and subsequent erosion, fiber prominence and formation of a network of microcracks. Breakdown is believed to be caused by a type of stress fatigue imposed on the composite by cyclic variation of humidity and temperature in conjunction with solar radiation, and by the action of water and oxygen. The under side of the exposed GRP sheeting shows only incipient breakdown, indicating that solar radiation is an important factor. Countermeasures suggested to reduce breakdown include techniques to keep fibers away from the surface, use of resins with better thermal and moisture characteristics, and use of resin formulations with the best light stabilit