Many marble projects in Saudi Arabia use high-quality materials, yet problems still appear after a short period of operation. This contradiction raises an important question: why does marble fail in some projects even when the material itself is excellent?
In most cases, the issue is not the marble, but a series of poor decisions and execution errors that start at the planning stage and continue through operation.
Poor Planning Before the Execution Phase
One of the most common reasons is starting marble works without proper studies that consider:
- The intended use of the area
- Daily user traffic
- Surrounding environmental conditions
- Future maintenance methods
Lack of proper planning leads to selecting unsuitable marble, even if the quality is high.
Relying on a Single Supplier Without Alternatives
In large projects, complete reliance on one supplier without a backup plan can cause:
- Supply interruptions
- Batch inconsistencies
- Schedule delays
- Color and pattern variations
Smart project management always prepares alternatives to reduce risk.
Weak Coordination Between Project Stakeholders
Poor coordination between:
- Contractors
- Suppliers
- Consultants
- Installation teams
Leads to conflicting decisions, such as changing installation methods or adhesives during execution without evaluating technical impact.
Skipping the Testing Phase Before Full Execution
Some projects bypass:
- Mock-ups
- Trial areas
- On-site performance testing
This results in discovering problems after full installation, when correction costs are significantly higher.
Focusing on Handover Over Quality
Schedule pressure often pushes teams to:
- Rush installation
- Reduce curing time
- Skip critical technical steps
As a result, issues appear after handover rather than during execution.
Poor Maintenance After Project Completion
Even high-quality marble requires:
- Proper cleaning materials
- Regular maintenance
- Periodic surface treatment when needed
Neglecting maintenance makes marble appear defective, while the issue is operational, not structural.
Lack of Technical Documentation
Failure to document:
- Marble type used
- Installation materials
- Approved cleaning methods
Causes future maintenance teams to handle marble incorrectly, accelerating deterioration.
Impact on Project Reputation
Marble issues affect:
- Visual appearance
- User satisfaction
- Contractor reputation
- Owner confidence
In commercial projects, this can directly impact investment value.
How to Prevent Marble Project Failure
Prevention starts with:
- Proper planning
- Selecting the right marble
- Choosing a professional supplier
- Executing works according to specifications
- Implementing a structured maintenance plan after handover
Successful marble projects are the result of a series of correct decisions, not a single choice.
Conclusion
Marble failure in projects does not mean material failure, but management and execution failure. When marble is treated as an engineering and operational component rather than just an aesthetic finish, projects shift from recurring problems to long-lasting success.
