A material is only as good as its context
Appearance is one part of material selection. Exposure to sun and rain, frequency of use, cleaning, repair access and the skill required for installation are equally important.
Questions worth asking
- Where will the material be exposed?
- How will the surface age?
- Can important junctions be built cleanly?
- What regular maintenance will be required?
- Can damaged areas be repaired without replacing everything?
Durability comes from matching the material, its finish and its detailing to the conditions it will face—not from specification alone.
Filed undermaterialsbuilding durabilitymaintenance