Abstract: The method comprises the determination of at least one signature (2a) of the response to an impulse shock of a sound reference coating or covering, and a plurality (2b-2i) of signatures of the response of an impulse shock to a covering having sample defects in order to establish reference signatures. The covering to be controlled is subjected at a plurality of test points (Pi) to at least one impulse shock test in order to determine the corresponding measurement signatures (MSi). A comparison of the measurement signatures with the reference signatures makes is possible to identify defects by resemblance criteria. Application to the control of coatings of traffic roads such as motorways for motor vehicles and runways for aircraft.