Positional material deterioration over building envelope

This research aimed to better understand how materials perform in different environmental conditions according to construction location and position. Since building materials are estimated to make up around 30% of the overall cost of a new house, the right specification of durable but cost-effective materials is significant. The aim of this research was to improve the reliability of the specifications to which we build and provide input into the on-going revision of the New Zealand Building Code and standards. It specifically looked at how construction features create micro-environments and the deterioration behaviours of materials when exposed to these micro-environments. The research findings helped better decision making when selecting appropriate construction materials.