Construction Materials Guide

Materials & Sourcing

UbuntuBLD Building Construction · Reviewed 23 September 2026

Materials that perform well inland can fail quickly on the KwaZulu-Natal coast, where salt air attacks fixings, sealants and anything left exposed. Choose SABS-approved products, spend the budget on what is difficult to change later — structure, roofing and waterproofing — and economise on the finishes that can be updated easily.

Matching materials to the climate

Durban's humidity, salt air and heavy rainfall mean material selection matters more here than it does inland. Products that resist corrosion, moisture and heat will perform better and need less maintenance over the life of the building.

Coastal exposure is the single biggest factor. Fixings, flashings and metal roofing that would be perfectly adequate inland can corrode surprisingly quickly near the sea, so it is worth specifying materials rated for coastal conditions.

Core material categories

Most decisions fall into one of four groups.

• Structural — concrete, steel, bricks and blocks that form the frame of the building.
• Roofing — tiles, metal sheeting, insulation and waterproofing systems.
• Finishes — plaster, paint, tiling and flooring that complete the interior and exterior.
• Plumbing and electrical — pipes, fittings and cabling that must meet SABS standards.

Balancing quality and cost

The cheapest material is rarely the most economical over the life of a building. A product that needs replacing or repainting every few years can end up costing more than one that simply lasts.

Where budget is tight, it is usually better to spend on the parts that are difficult or expensive to change later — structure, roofing and waterproofing — and economise on finishes that can be updated easily further down the line.

Why SABS approval matters

SABS-approved materials have been tested against South African standards for performance and safety. Specifying approved products protects your investment, and helps avoid complications with insurance and warranty claims later.

If a supplier cannot tell you whether a product is approved, that is worth treating as a question rather than a detail.