Proper housing is a universal basic need, and owning a home is every person’s dream. A good home should be comfortable, welcoming and reflect your style, and at the same time be durable enough to withstand all weather conditions.
Choosing building materials
When choosing what materials to use for building your home, you should find the balance between your personal preference and their durability, depending on the location you are constructing it. For instance, you cannot build a wooden cabin in a place that is prone to landslides and earthquakes. Most people combine different materials to balance cost, durability, and aesthetics.
The different types of building materials are:
1. Concrete
Concrete is a mixture of cement, water, and aggregates like stone and sand, which dries upon hardening to create walls. It is sturdy and durable and can support a lot of weight, thus used in tall story buildings.
Concrete is reinforced with steel bars to make the buildings even stronger. Concrete absorbs heat during the day and releases it at night, thus regulating temperature.
2. Wood
People have used wood to build houses for thousands of years. It is a popular choice due to its relatively low costs. It is also lightweight and provides insulation by absorbing warm air and blocking out cold air.
On the flip side, wood cannot support much weight and therefore cannot hold a building with multiple stories. It is also vulnerable to termite, moisture, and fire damage. Manufacturers have engineered wood by binding veneers together to create composite materials, which are almost as strong as concrete and steel.
3. Steel
Most industrial buildings and tall, multi-story complexes are constructed using steel. Constructors prefer it for its longevity and lightweight nature. It is also not susceptible to elements like water and fire.
It is perfect for open designs that cannot be constructed using concrete and allow designers to get creative with unconventional custom designs. Steel is more expensive than wood, but a good contractor will effectively balance costs. Steel buildings are ideal for warehouses, offices, and commercial spaces. Pre-engineered steel is easy to work with and takes a short time to build.
4. Masonry
Masonry combines different materials like bricks, stone, and concrete blocks. Materials used come in various shapes and sizes and allow for creativity. Masonry protects against elements and pests.
Stonework acts as an insulator that allows the building to absorb some heat when it is cold and cool it down when it is hot. Masonry requires special skills and takes time to install. It is a bit expensive since it requires labour to turn raw materials into usable building materials, but it is worth it because the buildings are durable and can take a lot of weight.
Factors affecting the choice of building materials
1. Cost of the materials
Building cost is a limiting factor for most people and affects their choice of materials.
2. The durability of the materials
Find out how prone the materials you plan to use are to dangers like moisture, heat, and pests like termites.
3. The area’s climatic condition
If you are building in a cold place, you need materials that retain heat. In the same way, building in hotter places may require you to source materials that do not absorb heat.
4. Availability of the materials
Readily available materials are cheap to purchase, while those that are harder to get would be much more expensive.
5. Ease of installation
Research on the installation process of the materials. Some designs are complicated and require specially-skilled builders, making your construction more expensive. The slightest compromise could bring all your investment crumbling down and probably cost lives too.
6. Your building’s maintenance costs
Your expenses may not end upon completing your construction. The building will need to be maintained, and the quality of materials you use will determine how costly your maintenance will get. Substandard building materials will resort to higher maintenance costs in the future.
Final Thoughts
Having a good home is one of the most gratifying things anyone could experience. Save for a long time if you have to, and work with trusted professionals to build a good-quality, cosy home. Remember that it’s better to wait for longer than compromise on quality.
Also read:Â Did You Know That A Passive House Can Save You Some Money in the Long Run?
Author: Samantha Higgins
Samantha Higgins is a professional writer with a passion for research, observation, and innovation. She is nurturing a growing family of twin boys in Portland, Oregon with her husband. She loves kayaking and reading creative non-fiction.
