Meassures to minimise material degradation
Contents |
[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:
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:
[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
Featured articles and news
Plumbing and heating for successful retrofit and renovation
Low temperature underfloor systems and heat pumps.
Cost-of-living crisis and home improvement plans
Starting on the right footing and top tips for projects.
Delays on construction projects
Types, mitigation and the acceleration of works.
From Chaucer to Fawlty Towers.
Electrotechnical excellence, now open for entries.
Net zero electricity grids BSRIA guide NZG 5/2024
Outlining the changes needed to transition to net zero.
CIOB Global Student Challenge 2024
Universitas Indonesia wins for second year running.
New project and cultural district described in detail.
The nature of EPCs, crticism and inaccuracies.
History, issues and redesign.
From waste recycling to energy performance the hierchy.
An introduction to WERCS and WEEE responsibilities
Dealing with 2 million tonnes of waste equipment a year.
Global BACS Market: analytics and optimisation
A BSRIA glance at building automation and control systems.
What it is and how to use it.
Types of insulating plaster by binder and insulant.
Investors in People: CIOB achieves gold
Reflecting a commitment to employees and members.
Scratching beneath the surface; a guide to selection.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.