TOP 10 NEW BUILDING MATERIALS

When construction formally came into being, structures were built that served the purpose without much concern for economy. Naturally with time, economy came into play and things changed. Today it is all about economy, environment and its protection. Structures are not only designed to minimize the costs but also so that they are eco-friendly. Here are few cutting edge construction materials.

10. Recycled steel

Steel Recycling Institute has introduced some pretty convincing building materials. According to the SRI, builders are customizing the process of framing to simplify it and so that the steel beams and panels can fulfill the required specifications. The SRI vouches that recycled steel is highly wind resistant and can also handle earthquakes. A report of SRI states that around 40 to 50 tress are required for construction of a 2000 square foot house which once constructed with steel will utilize material no more than what comes from six scrapped cars. Recycling scrap steel reduces the energy produced in making the steel by 75 percent, and it saves space in landfills as well.

9. Insulating concrete forms

Its an old technology given a new form as the energy saving properties are now integrated with it. The Portland Cement Association, one of the top makers of concrete forms, defines them as “cast-in-place concrete walls that are sandwiched between two layers of insulation material.” It’s like a sandwich since the concrete is place between two walls made out of insulating materials and remain in place to become the part of building. Massachusetts Institute of Technology conducted a research and issued a report in which they stated that this technology saves up to 20% energy in comparison to traditional wood construction for cold climates such as that of Chicago. The research was funded by industry.

8.  Plant-based Polyurethane Rigid Foam

One of the best surfboard making company was fined by Environmental Protection Agency for using toxic chemicals; a surfboard maker in San Diego took a different path. He made foam that comes from plants. Ned McMahon, chief operating officer of Malama Composites, is manufacturing the foam from materials such as bamboo, hemp and kelp. This rigid foam is used in insulation, wind turbine blades, furniture and, naturally surfboards. When used as insulation, the foam offers high moisture and heat resistance, excellent acoustics and protection against mold and pests. It also has a higher R-value than fiberglass or polystyrene, meaning that it has a higher thermal resistance and insulates better.

7. Straw Bale                                                                                   Mark Jensen has a philosophy; one can build a house just like making small buildings with Lego. But here he plans to use straw bales instead of Lego blocks. Straw is a byproduct of the grain industry that is often burned otherwise. California Straw Building Association stated that straw, if kept dry, can last for thousands of years. Straw bales bond well to stucco and plaster walls, and they provide good insulation. Naturally straws have few limitations when it comes to buildings and the building code too deals with it on case to case basis. It weighs around 23 to 41 kg per unit volume and about 300 medium sized straws are sufficient for 2000 square foot house.

6. Cool Roofing

Cool roofing works on the same principle as a white shirt does in comparison to a black one. White shirt reflects most of the heat and keeps the person cool. Cool roofing too reflects most of the heat from the sun and keeps the house cool. In the past, color was the governing factor and the customer were advised to choose lighter colors. However with betterment in technology even dark colors now reflect heat back into the atmosphere making the spectrum of  color choice wider. Naturally such material cost more than traditional materials. Eco Home Magazine put forward an estimate that a surplus cost of $80 along with principle amount is needed if the customer opts for cool roofing. However people argue that this cost can be saved up in terms of electricity bills.

5. Structural Insulated Panels

The general principle of this technology is that an insulation material is place between pieces of plywood, strand board or cement panels. In 2009, the material was used in less than 2 percent of new homes. Some estimates tell us that such materials can save up to 50% in energy cost. However, architects are not fully aware of the ways to use it and some people find them ugly. According to the National Association of Home Builders, the material is fire resistant, and it can be used for foundations, floors, basements and load-bearing walls. And as to the aesthetic issues, the association’s research notes that the surfaces can be given a finished looks, such as wood grain or stucco. Siding, bricks and stone can be installed on the panels, too.

4. Recycled Wood/Plastic Composite Lumber

National Association of Home Builders prefers 50-50 combination of wood fibers and waste plastics over traditional treated lumber as it is more durable and less toxic. Due to its composite nature the material is more rigid that plastic lumber. The wood fibers add the extra strength. While it’s more resistant to mold and rot, the composite lumber is more rigid in the cold and more pliable in the heat than plastic lumber. This also implies that the material is expensive as well.

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3.  Low-E Windows

The low emissivity windows have a coating of metallic oxides on them that prevent the heat to transfer through them. Normally the windows are employed on external windows without double-pane windows. There are two types of coatings; soft and hard coating. The soft coating is usually between the glass panels while the hard one is on the outside of the glass. These windows cost 10 to 15 percent more than your average storm window however they do save 10 to 20 percent in heating costs.

2.  Vacuum Insulation Panel

For an inch panel, the vacuum insulation panel (VIP) can give as much as 10  times more insulation as compared to our conventional products. Although this is an exceptional technology, yet it is currently only available for commercial industrial refrigeration and specialized container systems. It’s a textured silver rectangle that holds a core panel enclosed in an airtight envelope. Manufacturers can make the panels in any size. According to National Association of Home Builders the major problem with the material is its fragile exterior. The association is working with The Dow Chemical Company, the chief manufacturer of the product, to make the panels available as insulation for attics in future residential construction. 

1. Earth

Building with rammed earth or adobe has its advantages. To begin with it is free, abundant and readily available at the site thus eliminating the need for transportation. However, finding the right craftsmen for this type of construction on the other hand is not an easy job. Countries like China, Peru and New Zealand actually have integrated such type of constructions in their building codes, United States on the other hand refrained from it. This is mostly because craftsmen are not easily available and cost for labor alone for such work can go up to $80 per square foot.  Even so, researchers at the association note that earthen walls provide excellent thermal protection, and the material comes from the ultimate in renewable sources.