Alternative building materials are becoming an increasingly popular choice for builders. That’s because these materials offer customers a cost effective, ecofriendly and durable choice.
Despite the advantages these items provide, not many are familiar with the options on the market today. This is why we’ve listed below the most common alternative building materials that you should use on your next renovation.
1. Straw Bale
Out of the countless products on the market today, straw bale is by far the most common one used. This material is the most common because it is can be used in its raw form. This means, you don’t have to wait around for it to be processed, produced and shipped your way. For this reason, builders choose to use straw bale because it will guarantee their projects is completed on time.
Being able to use this material in its raw form also means the cost of the product is low. Because it doesn’t need to be treated and can be sourced with relatively low labor costs the end product is affordable. This is especially true when compared to other building products that have undergone a long manufacturing processes which increases their final cost.
2. Grasscrete
Grasscrete is one of the eco-friendliest options for builders to use. This material is mostly used for driveways, parking lots or garages instead of concrete. The product uses a combination of concrete and grass to create a driveable surface. The combination of grass and concrete allows for better drainage when compared to a classic driveway.
That’s because the grass will work to absorb any excess rain or moisture that is left sitting on the surface. This makes your building less likely to be affected by flooding or drainage issues as the water has somewhere to go. When compared to a standard driveway, Grasscrete is the safer option. That’s because a standard driveway can’t absorb water as the material can only repel it.
3. Bamboo
Bamboo is fast becoming a preferred product for builders to use. That’s because bamboo is much more environmentally friendly when compared to other types of wood. This is because bamboo can grow very fast and is easily harvested. Other types of trees can take years to reach maturity and be strenuous to source. Not only is the harvesting process longer for other trees but it causes devastating environmental damage.
Removing trees that have been part of an eco-system for years can disrupt the natural habitat of animals and leave behind a huge environmental footprint. That’s why the rapid growth and easy harvest of bamboo makes it the perfect alternative. Bamboo it a much more sustainable resource, as it can quickly be replenished when used.
4. Recycled Plastic
Recycling plastic makes for a great alternative building product. That’s because recycled plastic is am energy, cost and eco-friendly product to use. Rather than leaving the plastic to sit in landfills, reusing it on homes puts otherwise discarded materials to use. Recycled plastic also has a very long lifespan which guarantee’s your building will be durable for years to come.
5. Steel Metal
Steel structures are much easier to assemble and are more environmentally friendly when compared to standard building. That’s because, the steel can be pre-cut and delivered directly to the job which makes building it less labor intensive. Further, steel is an extremely durable material that can withstand nearly every type of extreme weather. In addition to weather, steel metal structures are also fire, mold and mildew resistant.
