Why Do Buildings Require Maintenance?

All building materials experience some level of deterioration over time. Common examples of this are timber rot, steel corrosion and concrete spalling. These processes are often exacerbated by exposure to the external environment, particularly when moisture is present, or there is direct contact with the soil.

How Can We Best Design Structures to be Durable?

The best approach to ensuring buildings are durable, is to ensure that the building materials have appropriate durability design specifications for their particular use and exposure classification. Examples of this include ensuring timber is adequately treated for pests and fungal decay, providing hot dipped galvanised coatings for steel, and providing sufficient concrete cover to reinforcing steel. These measures can help ensure that your building lasts for its intended design life.

What Does Regular Building Maintenance Involve?

Regular building maintenance can lower the risk of potential building issues that could end up costing hundreds or thousands of dollars. Common building maintenance could include the following:

• Fixing pipe leaks and ensuring rainwater is directed away from the building.

• Ensuring gutters are not blocked by leaves and detritus

• Replacing rotted stumps

• Renovating bathrooms and balconies due to compromised waterproofing

• Addressing non-compliance issues, particularly related to water tightness of the building

• Replacing roof and wall cladding

• Managing vegetation growth in proximity to the building

• Monitoring building movement issues.