Meassures to minimise material degradation

[edit] Introduction

All building materials can suffer from deterioration and decay if they are not protected or maintained correctly. Some common scenarios that can lead to the degradation of construction materials are:

• Natural agents.
• Moisture.
• Shrinkage.
• Exposure conditions.
• Corrosion in metals.
• Loading.
• Chemical.

For more information see: Degradation of construction materials.

Some measures that can be put in place to minimise the early degradation of materials are descibed below.

[edit] Timber

Timber can deteriorate due to a range of circumstances. It is particularly susceptible to wet rot, dry rot, woodworm and shrinkage.

Wet and dry rot:

• Address any signs of damp.
• Apply anti-fungal treatment.
• Ensure there is good ventilation.
• Apply paint that excludes moisture.
• Remove and replace any infected timber.

Woodworm:

• Apply insecticide treatment.
• Address any signs of damp.
• Ensure there is good ventilation.
• Remove and replace any weakened timber.

Shrinkage:

• Allow timber to acclimatise to the conditions it will be installed in before installation.

[edit] Stone

Stone can be susceptible to deterioration from acid rain. To minimise decay, the following measures can be implemented:

• Apply specialist treatment.
• Remove and replace damaged stones.

For more information see: Defects in stone.

[edit] Concrete

Concrete is susceptible to sulfate attacks. To minimise the damage the following steps can be taken:

• Address any signs of damp.
• Use sulphite-resistant cement.

[edit] Polymers

Polymers like uPVC are easily damaged by exposure to UV light. In sunlit exposed areas, it is advisable to use polymers that have a UV-inhibiting additive.

[edit] Steel

Corrosion is the main contributing factor to the degradation of steel. The following steps can be taken to minimise rust:

• Galvanising which consists of a hot-dip zinc coating.
• Painting which excludes moisture.
• Stainless steel can be used for areas exposed to high moisture content.

[edit] General

The degradation of all materials can be induced by stresses from loading forces. Materials should be designed by taking into consideration their strength and weaknesses and the maximum loading and bearing capacities of their structures.

Frost action can also cause damage. This can be prevented by quality control of materials and components, as well as workmanship on site, appropriate ventilation and drainage, the prevention of condensation and suitable maintenance.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• Building Regulations.
• Construction materials.
• Defects.
• Degradation of construction materials
• Dry rot.
• Materials on site.
• Quality control.
• Schedule of defects.
• Testing construction materials.
• Timber preservation.
• Truth to materials.

[edit] External references

BTEC National Construction - Pearson