Indian Architect & Builder – July 2019

designing for the future

17

Low Maintenance
Overlooking the maintenance requirements of a product can be
a costly mistake, hence designers and specifiers should select
durable, low maintenance finishes, which increases the longevity of
a building and its long-term value. The average global lifespan of a
building is 70 years, which requires multiple, costly refurbishments
during this period.

Depending on the quality of interior finishes specified, this needs
replacement every 5-10 years.

This has led many designers to view the longevity of interior
finishes and surfaces as an important factor in the success of a
project. Ceilings are important component of interior of any project
as they are exposed to many pollutants and if left uncleaned can
pose several aesthetic and health issues.

If ceilings are not regularly maintained, then they can discolour due
to dust build-up, damaging the aesthetics of a space and posing a
sanitary problem. Cleaning ceilings attracts a high cost as they are
considerably difficult to sanitise. Ceiling cleaning can often cost
close to 20% of the price to replace it, which can lead to cleaning
becoming overlooked, resulting in aesthetic and health issues.

Choosing materials with low maintenance requirements minimises
long-term cost, disturbances and day-to-day cleaning in commercial

areas. Metals such as aluminium or steel are ideal as they offer an

inert and inherently hardwearing surface that is hygienic and low

maintenance, without compromising on aesthetics.

Metal, acoustic and suspended ceilings can exceed 25 to 40

years depending on material wear and tear. Certain powder

coated ceiling products from reputable suppliers can enable

projects with low maintenance costs as they can be easy to

clean, with some advanced products possessing an anti-microbial

surface that is dust repellent and resistant to mould, mildew and

bacterial growth.

Economic Benefits

The economics of a project stretch well beyond the initial cost of

construction. As awareness of environmental issues has increased,

designers, specifiers and their clients have shifted their focus to

value-efficient specification. There is a renewed push to consider

the lifespan of materials, including the cost of maintenance and

how the end user can benefit from more efficient specification.

As much as 80% of the expenses of a building arise during its

usage, compared to the building stage (15%), planning (2%) and

demolition (3%). The ability to influence these costs is highest

during planning. To secure a favourable return on investment,

building owners and designers must choose materials that are

durable, fit for purpose and efficient to achieve a longer lifespan

and, therefore, a higher return on investment.