Finding high-performance construction materials is easy especially if you have done your research. But this task gets more challenging if you are invested in using sustainable construction materials that would help preserve the environment.
Fortunately, there’s a variety of sustainable construction materials designed to protect the environment and reduce any potential damages. Read on to know these materials.
1. Bamboo
Traditionally, bamboo is used for constructing houses, door-window frames, bridges, partition walls, and more. Today, its modern use includes composites or wood substitutes, prefabricated houses, and bamboo flooring.
Bamboo carries huge potential and offers the best of many worlds. It is durable, lightweight, and renewable.
Bamboo flooring, for instance, is ideal for people who are looking for commercial flooring products that are renewable, easy to maintain, and can be refinished. The most common types of bamboo flooring are stranded bamboo, horizontal bamboo flooring, and engineered bamboo flooring.
The only drawbacks of using bamboo are it is easily scratched, there are toxins present in adhesives, and humidity swings can cause cracks.
2. Reclaimed Wood
Reclaimed wood has become a popular choice for building and construction projects due to a number of reasons, such as the following:
- It’s durable, stable, and strong.
- It is visually appealing.
- It has a unique look
- It adds texture and depth to any space.
- It is environmentally friendly.
Being a sustainable material, reclaimed wood reduces the impact of deforestation, reduces waste, and improves the quality of life.
3. Rammed Earth
Rammed earth comes in various forms but it is generally made from cement, clay, gravel, loam, sand, and silt. It is considered a good alternative to concrete because of its high sustainability, high thermal mass, low transport emissions, and recyclability.
Rammed-earth homes or buildings are likewise breathable, energy-efficient, fire-proof, and termite-proof. And above all, they are durable and weather-resistant. They are designed and built to withstand a range of climates.
Tips for Buying Sustainable and High-Performance Construction Materials
How do you find sustainable and high-performance construction materials? Here are some tips to help you:
Buy from a credible and trustworthy supplier
You must always consider available suppliers in your area. Considering that you might need some additional reclaimed wood or bamboo, you need these materials to be readily available and accessible.
Moreover, it is best to buy from a supplier who is close to the place where the property is being constructed or built.
Stick to your budget
It is highly possible that you will be on a budget if you are planning to build a house or building out of sustainable materials. But even if you are on a budget, you should never sacrifice quality. Luckily, apart from the abovementioned, there are other available sustainable building materials for low-cost housing. These are cork, stone veneer, and used brick.
Know your options
There are several types of sustainable construction materials, but the most common there are bamboo, reclaimed wood, rammed earth, structural insulated panels, recycled metal, precast concrete slabs, cork, and recycled plastic.
Each material has both pros and cons, so it’s a smart idea to familiarize yourself with its properties and benefits before visiting a supplier or heading out to the store.