How to Improve the Durability of Buildings

There are several ways to improve the durability of buildings:

1. Use high-quality materials: Using materials that are known to be durable, such as concrete, steel, or brick, can help improve the longevity of a building.

2. Proper design and construction: Proper design and construction techniques, such as using reinforced concrete or steel framing, can help ensure that a building is structurally sound and able to withstand external forces such as wind and earthquakes.

3. Protection from water ingress: Protecting sensitive building materials from water damage and pest infestations.

4. Regular maintenance: Regular maintenance, such as cleaning gutters and inspecting the roof, can help prevent damage and extend the life of a building.

5. Upgrade building systems: Upgrading building systems, such as the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems, can help prevent breakdowns and improve the overall efficiency of a building.

6. Protect against natural disasters: In areas prone to natural disasters, such as earthquakes or cyclones, it is important to design and construct buildings to be resistant to these events. This can involve using specific materials or construction techniques, such as reinforced concrete or steel framing, or installing protective devices such as cyclone shutters.

It's important to note that most building defects are related to water issues, including:

• • • Foundation and Embankment Failure following heavy rain cycles.

    • Road potholes and tension cracks following heavy rain cycles.

    • Plumbing leaks damaging sensitive building elements.

    • Leaking windows, reveals, and flashings.

    • Rain driven pressure on roof and wall cladding elements.

    • Pests attracted to moist conditions, or seeking protection through building cavities.

    • Reduced structural adequacy due to steel rust, timber rot, or concrete cancer.

For the above reasons it's imperative to address moisture related issues first and foremost in order to increase building and structural durability. This may mean ensuring suitable roof overhangs, suitable window pressure ratings, maintaining protective linings (fasteners with rubber washers, wall and roof claddings, joints, reveals and the like). 

Having a good engineer, building designer and building team will ensure your next project is both cost effective and durable.