Beyond first cost
A material's real cost is the sum of purchase, installation, maintenance and replacement. A cheap-looking finish that is renewed twice in ten years can be the expensive choice.
Access for maintenance
A detail that cannot be maintained will fail sooner or later. On façades, pools and wet areas, maintenance access should be part of the design.
A decision framework
- Intensity of use and exposure to climate
- Repairability and availability of spares
- How it ages: does it age well or badly?
