Construction Considerations In Coastal Areas
Beachfront properties and coastal developments may be some of the most appealing projects, but they also present some of the most challenging conditions for construction. High humidity, increased exposure to sunlight and the corrosive nature of salty sea air, tropical storms with high winds and high seas mean coastal structures are subject to increased wear and tear compared to their inland counterparts. Sun, sand, sea and salt are synonymous with coastal climates that demand more durable and resilient building materials.
Composite building materials such as Eva-Last’s advanced bamboo composite ranges are designed to weather environmental exposure and are outperforming traditional materials on several fronts.
Corrosion Resistance
Coastal environments are notorious for their high salt content, which can accelerate the corrosion of conventional steel reinforcements and finishes. Composites, particularly those using fibre reinforced polymers (FRPs) such as Eva-Last’s bamboo composites, are highly resistant to saltwater corrosion. Their protective polymer content prevents damage from water, heat and humidity, extending the lifespan of decks, docks, beach or boathouses, patios, pergolas and promenade walkways, to name just a few. Cladding the façade of buildings or walls with a composite like VistaClad can enhance the exterior while extending the lifespan of the structure. What’s more, composites often come complete with clever installation systems which further improve their corrosion resistance.
Durability and Longevity
Eva-Last composite products are engineered to withstand extreme conditions. They are resistant to UV radiation which can degrade, damage or discolour other materials such as wood or metal over time. Their inorganic composition also protects against damage or degradation from pests, moisture ingress or seasonal temperature fluctuations, ensuring stable, scratchproof and strong structures that will remain functional and aesthetically pleasing for decades with minimal upkeep.
Lightweight and High Strength
Eva-Last’s lightweight Lifespan architectural beams feature a hollow aluminium core with a protective polymer capping, ideal for pergolas, screens or shading. The lightweight nature of these aluminium composite beams compared to traditional materials like wood and steel makes them easier to transport, handle and install.
The Pioneer, Apex, Infinity and Eva-tech technologies of bamboo composite decking offer various board profiles and can be installed using Hulk fasteners for safe, secure installation. HULK Fasteners and CHAIN collated clips offer a range of hidden fasteners for grooved boards, as well as colour-matched top fixing screws, that deliver a strong, reliable finished surface installation that will withstand wind, salt water and every day wear and tear.
Flexibility and Design Freedom
Composites can be manipulated into complex shapes and designs, providing architects and engineers with greater flexibility. This design freedom is particularly advantageous in coastal construction, where structures must often integrate with natural landscapes and withstand dynamic environmental forces. Eva-Last’s composite ranges come in authentic timber tones and textures that complement and reflect the natural environment, that could be reflected in a boma with curved wooden ceiling or an elevated walkway over a lagoon with matching handrails.
Reduced Maintenance Costs
Given their resistance to environmental wear and tear, especially in coastal areas where maintenance requirements are more demanding, composites can significantly reduce maintenance and repair costs. No more sanding, sealing, varnishing, rusting, or rotting, resulting in a cost-effective alternative to traditional materials that require frequent attention, repair and/or replacement.
Environmental Sustainability
Not only do Eva-Last composite materials outperform alternatives in coastal regions, but by recycling plastic waste that would otherwise end up in our oceans and landfills in their production, they help keep our oceans clean. The recycled plastic content combined with the easily replenishable bamboo fibres of Eva-Last’s composites, also helps protect the earth’s precious trees, further boosting environmental sustainability. Produced in a factory powered by solar, Eva-Last composite materials’ extended durability and ease of maintenance means less replacement and toxic chemical treatments, reducing the carbon emissions resulting from their production, as well as the material itself.
Conclusion
Coastal climate conditions present significant demands on the materials used in the construction of attractive, durable structures. Innovative materials manufacturers such as Eva-Last are developing versatile and valuable composite alternatives to overcome these challenges and outperform more traditional materials, while protecting the natural environment for generations to come.
