Durability Defined

Durability is the ability of a material, product, or building to maintain its intended function for its intended life-expectancy with intended levels of maintenance in intended conditions of use. There’s ample “wiggle room” in this definition admittedly, but ultimately what is built must work as expected, or as nearly so as practicable.

What is a reasonable expectation or goal for durability?

It depends. It depends on how much it costs. It depends on the expectations of the end user and the long-term investment value of the product. It depends on the local climate. It also depends on expected norms when the end user is not intimately involved with or knowledgeable of various design decisions and their implications. It also depends, of course, on the material or building system itself.

For example, a house is expected to last for 75 years or more with normal maintenance and replacement of various components. Current building rates are actually at a pace where homes may need to be in use well beyond a 75 year replacement cycle. “Normal maintenance” is needed to reach these longevity goals, but what one person considers normal maintenance may be perceived differently by another. Durability is, therefore, an exercise in the management of expectations as well as an application of technology.

For this reason, some builders and designers make significant efforts to inform their clients and trade partners about reasonable expectations for the durability, performance, maintenance, and operation of a home.

In addition to this essential task of helping homeowners understand basic maintenance responsibilities and expectations, a growing number of builders are also “taking credit” for the enhanced durability measures they incorporate.