Material choices have a significant impact on the long-term costs of buildings and facilities. When designing a new space or renovating an old one, the choice of surface materials affects not only the appearance, but also the maintenance needs and costs over the years. High-quality surface materials may seem more expensive as an initial investment, but they will pay for themselves in lower maintenance costs and a longer lifespan. In this article, we look at how the right choice of materials can significantly reduce maintenance costs over the life of a building project.
How do material choices affect maintenance costs?
The impact of surface materials on maintenance costs is multi-dimensional. Low-quality materials may initially appear cheaper, but they often have a shorter lifespan and require more frequent maintenance or even complete replacement. Life cycle thinking is a key factor when making material choices.
In higher quality surface materials, such as high-pressure laminates, the technical resistance of the material reduces wear, scratching and discolouration. This means fewer maintenance cycles and less need for repairs or replacements. For example, high quality laminate surfaces and technical materials can last for decades in public spaces without significant maintenance.
Cleanability also has a significant impact on maintenance costs. The easier the material is to clean, the less time and cleaning agents are needed, which reduces running costs.
Technical characteristics of durable surface materials
Key technical features of surface materials that reduce maintenance costs include:
- Wear resistance: Good wear resistance is particularly important for public areas and surfaces subject to heavy use. High-pressure laminates are known for their excellent wear resistance, making them ideal for table surfaces, worktops and other surfaces in active use.
- Moisture resistance: especially in kitchens, bathrooms and damp areas, the material's ability to resist damage caused by moisture is essential. Composite materials such as Kerrock, offer excellent moisture resistance and are well suited for wet areas.
- UV resistance: in materials exposed to sunlight, good UV resistance prevents fading and discolouration, thus extending the aesthetic life of the material.
- Resistance to chemicals: the ability to withstand the effects of cleaning agents and other chemicals is important, especially in public spaces and healthcare environments.
The advantages of high pressure laminates include excellent durability combined with versatile design possibilities. They resist impact, scratches and chemicals better than many other materials, while offering a wide range of colours and patterns.
Material solutions for challenging spaces
Particularly demanding spaces present exceptional challenges for surface materials:
In public spaces such as schools, hospitals and offices, materials must be able to withstand constant wear and tear and frequent cleaning. High-pressure laminates are an excellent choice for such areas due to their durability, hygiene and ease of cleaning.
In kitchens, surface materials must be resistant to heat, moisture, stains and mechanical stress. Laminate countertops offer a good alternative that combines durability and aesthetics in a cost-effective way.
In wet rooms, moisture resistance becomes the most important property. Composite materials such as Kerrock are ideal for these spaces as they are waterproof throughout, seamless and effectively prevent the growth of mould and bacteria.
Choosing the right materials for these challenging spaces can significantly reduce the need for maintenance and extend the renovation cycle, resulting in significant savings in the long run.
Calculating life cycle costs for different materials
When calculating the total cost of materials, several factors need to be taken into account in addition to the purchase price alone:
| Cost factor | Things to note |
|---|---|
| Acquisition cost | Price of material and installation |
| Maintenance costs | Cost of regular cleaning and maintenance |
| Repair costs | Estimate of the cost of repairing the damage |
| Renewal costs | Replacement cost after the estimated useful life of the material |
It is also important to consider the time horizon: how far into the future the calculation extends. In general, high-quality laminates and composite materials prove to be the most cost-effective solutions when looking at a 15-20 year time horizon.
The cost-effectiveness of laminates is based on their long service life, low maintenance and good value for money. While the initial investment may be higher than for lower-cost alternatives, the savings in maintenance costs and longer lifetime outweigh this difference many times over.
Practical examples of cost savings
The cost savings from the right surface materials are clearly visible in practical projects:
In public projects such as schools and offices, surfaces finished with high pressure laminates have maintained their appearance and functionality for decades without requiring significant repair. Compared to cheaper alternatives that have required replacement after only 5-7 years of use, laminate surfaces have delivered savings of up to 60 % in overall costs.
The use of composite materials in bathroom solutions has reduced the risk of moisture damage and extended the lifetime of the facilities. The use of seamless composite basins and surfaces has reduced the cost of repairing leakage damage and the need for replacement.
For restaurant and public kitchen worktops, laminates have proven to be a durable and hygienic alternative that can withstand intensive use and frequent cleaning while maintaining their appearance and functionality.
See completed projects and reference projects High-pressure laminates and composite panels therefore offer an excellent balance between aesthetics, durability and cost-effectiveness. As professionals, we can help you choose the right surface materials for your project to minimise maintenance costs and maximise the value of your investment.