When building or purchasing a house, you want to choose a structure that will stand the test of time. You will most likely want to learn what type of house will last the longest.
Stone and brick houses last the longest. If you are using wood, choose a hardwood for durability. A one-storey house will last longer because it is easier to maintain. Steel-frame techniques are also more durable for building houses than traditional stick-framing techniques and can last for 100+ years.
By reading this post, you will learn what type of house lasts the longest so you can make an informed decision about a home you are planning to buy or to build in the near future.
What type of House Lasts the Longest?
When you consider the worlds most famous historical buildings that are still standing, then it should come as no surprise to you that the strongest types of houses and building are made from masonry materials. Newer materials have also come onto the market such as steel, and when paired with brick or stone, are built to last long after you are gone.
In an age where houses are built as cheaply as possible, it can be tempting to go for the cheapest option. But if you are going to invest your time and money into a house, you are much more often better off doing it properly and making sure it will stand the test of time. Not only is it much better for the environment, to make sure that you build your house from long lasting materials, a strong house will not only secure your own investment as well as looking after the generations that follow.
So before you accept that project plan from your builder. Have a think about what you actually want. Talk to them about the material selection, and make sure your house is going to be something you will be happy with for the long term. And I tell you, it should not be going anywhere fast.
How long do houses last?
It should come as no surprise to hear that real estate does not last forever. However, the typical lifespan of a house is more than 100 years if it is built with the proper techniques and materials. This statistic means that about one in 100 houses is replaced every year. When building a home, if you invest in the best materials, you can build a residential structure that can last for several generations.
What makes a house sturdy?
A sturdy house has a solid foundation and strong framing techniques. Without a good foundation, the whole house will fail. Typically, the foundation is built from the most durable materials, such as stone, brick, or hardwood. A poured-concrete foundation ensures your house will last for at least 200 years.
Invest in a high-quality roofing system to help your home withstand the elements as well. Although it may cost more to build a sturdy house, it is an investment that will be worth it in the years, decades, and maybe even centuries to come.
If you are planning to build a house from scratch, it is worth building a house that is sturdy and durable so it will last for years to come. If the house is built from high-quality materials and using the best techniques, it is likely to outlast you.
How long do frame houses last?
When it comes to home construction, you would be hard-pressed to find a modern house built without a frame. Of course, the overall longevity of a frame house depends on what material the frame is made from. Poured-concrete houses, structural insulated panel houses, and timber-frame houses will last at least for a lifetime.
According to recent studies, log-frame houses last for 80 to 200 years, poured-concrete systems last for 100+ years, steel-frame houses last for 100+ years, structural insulated panels (SIPs) last for 100+ years, and timber-frame houses last for 100+ years.
What is the strongest type of house frame?
The strongest type of house is one with a steel frame. Time and time again, steel has proven to be one of the strongest building materials. In fact, steel has a strength-to-weight ratio 25 times greater than wood. In areas prone to severe weather, such as cyclones and tornados, steel frames are a necessity.
Although it might not be aesthetically pleasing to have a steel home exterior, when building a house from scratch, choosing a steel frame for the interior structure can make all the difference when it comes to your house’s durability and overall longevity.
Stone and brick houses have proven to last for centuries
When it comes to longevity and durability, you can’t beat stone and brick as home building materials.
There is a reason people have been using these materials to build their homes for centuries.
Made from clay and shale, bricks are excellent building materials because of their sturdiness, low price, and design flexibility. They are also resistant to fire.
Cut from quarries, stone is also great at resisting fire. It also stands up well against hail and other forms of precipitation. It is also worth mentioning that stone is stronger than brick.
When building a house from timber choose a hardwood
There is something soft and elegant about timber which makes it a truly desirable material for building with. But, if you want to go with wood for your house material, make sure you choose hardwood. These include ash, elm, maple, and oak, to name a few. Wood makes a popular building material because it occurs in nature and is readily available. Most hardwoods are also easy to find.
These woods make great choices for walls, floors, and other structural parts of your home. They stand up against the elements and are likely to weather the passage of time. They also offer a less severe look than stone and brick materials. (Source)
The durability of a two-storey house vs a single-storey house
After you choose your home framing and building materials, you might be wondering whether a two-storey home is more durable than a single-storey dwelling. A single-storey home is easier to maintain because everything is easier to reach, making it more likely to withstand the passage of time.
A home that is easier to maintain is less likely to degrade over time, thanks to the routine maintenance and care. This makes a one-storey home the best choice in terms of durability.
Construction techniques matter just as much as materials
Along with the size of the home and the materials used to build it, construction techniques can have a big impact on how long a home lasts. The most common home-building techniques include traditional stick-framing, light-gauge steel, modular homes, structural insulated panels, and concrete.
Stick-framing may be popular, but since it uses wood, it is less resistant to weather and the elements than its more industrial counterparts. Steel, for example, doesn’t warp, split, or rot, and termites will not eat it.
Concrete is unbeatable in terms of strength and durability, but it is seldom used in modern home building aside from concrete foundations. But this is a great example of how important construction technique is. You do have to be careful because if the steel reinforcing within a concrete slab begins to rust it will undermine both materials and you will get ‘concrete cancer’. This is when the concrete can start to show rust and even start to flake away. Generally due to poor preparation during the building stage! If preparation is done properly, than these materials can last the test of time.
You might want to consult with a builder about their techniques and durability before making a home purchasing or building decision.
Deciding what type of home to build or purchase may seem intimidating. If you want to build the type of house that lasts the longest, keep building materials, one-storey or two-storey heights, and construction techniques in mind. House can last hundreds of years, so by choosing the right materials, you can ensure that yours will stand the test of time.
If you found this article interesting, you will probably love our other articles such as Is Brick Veneer Better than Cladding? or Are Old Houses Better than New Houses?
Already a Bricklayer and need some Bricklaying Tools? Did you know that Paragon Tools Ireland is a premium supplier of Bricklaying and Masonry tools across Ireland and Europe. We are a specialised importer of tools that many of you would have used while working in Australia.
