UV energy causes direct molecular fracturing of plastic-based paints and structures. The following is a mapping of UV intensity of earth by ESA (European NASA).

ZONE experiences the strongest sun exposure and UV intensity. While ZONE 1 may be exposed to the most extreme UV intensity and high temperatures, temperature swings are relatively minor. ZONE 2 is exposed to high but not extreme UV intensity and relatively mild temperature, however, they are also areas that must tolerate more temperature swings that can cause paints and other materials to crack. Thus the combined effect of moisture and UV may be even more deteriorating. In some of the industrial developed areas, acid rain effects are particularly damaging to painted metal structures. 

The ability of different types of plastic materials such as PVC (commonly known as vinyl), PET (polyester), acrylics (plexiglass), polycarbonates, wood (celluloid), paints (mostly acrylic based) etc. to withstand UV damages depends on its molecular structure or the binding energy of the molecular structure. The above listed materials' molecular binding energies are lower than UV and thus are more susceptible to degradation. Highly fluorinated plastics such as Teflon, PVDF and their variations with higher fluorination have been proven scientifically and in practice to survive intensive UV exposure to provide protection for over 30 years. In addition to withstanding UV's damaging effects, its tighter molecular binding is also effective in blocking moisture, sulfur, nitric, and carbon-based acidic gases to provide additional protection against the combination of damaging elements.  

Currently, painted structures, graphics and signs using vinyl or PET laminates that are embedded with UV blocking elements last 6-12 years on vertical surfaces and less than 6 years on horizontal surfaces even in ZONE 2 weather and sun.

Cedar sidings while naturally resistant to insects such as ants, termites, and mice, they must be properly maintained at all times to reach its maximum lifespan, with many planks needing to be replaced after just 10 to 15 years, and even well-maintained cedar siding may only last around 20 to 30 years in some climates. Re-siding your home can be a considerable expense, and needing to redo sections every 10 to 15 years and replace the entire facade every 20 years can be a serious drawback for many homeowners

Cedar even when properly stained and painted wood structures are highly susceptible to color degradation under rains and sun even in ZONE 3 weather. FLUOROSEAL® transparent UV protective coating from AIT with its high fluorination molecular structure have been proven to block UV, rain and moisture including salt spray to provide structural integrity and virgin wood and paint color beyond 50 years even under direct sun in ZONE 1 UV intensity and weather. 

Even with a very thin coating of 10-20 micron thick, the built-in molecular flexibility engineered to extend the life of these wooded structure and signs in cold weather with high UV intensity have been proven to provide effective protection even in extreme temperature swing in ZONE 2.