Building in Use - Economical Aspects

Maintenance costs

Maintenance costs for clay brick wall constructions are generally very low because they require little attention over their very long lifespan.

In the case of rendered walls, the only regular maintenance is painting, which may be necessary after 30 years, depending on the location of the building. After 50 to 60 years, the wall has to be re-rendered completely. Clay brick cavity walls normally require no maintenance or repair over their very long lifespan and are highly durable and resistant to environmental pollution. Even when clay brick walls are used with additional external insulation, they will require no maintenance or repair. The only costs incurred will be the renewal at specific intervals of the external insulation. This normally has a shorter lifespan than the clay brick wall and has to be renewed at specific intervals, depending on the location of the building and the type of insulation used.

Maintenance of roof tiles is easy and can be scheduled. It consists in cleaning of vegetal rubble and replacement of broken tiles on a roof that is easily reachable.

ťThe Clay Life Cycle
ť	Building in Use
	ť Economical Aspects
	ˇ Lifecycle costs
	ˇ Investment costs
	ˇ Maintenance costs
	ˇ Heating and cooling costs
	ť Environmental Aspects
	ť Social Aspects

Š TBE-Europe 2005
www.staywithclay.com