Facts about commonly used construction materials
September 16, 2021
A number of building materials are used in the construction industry for various parts of a home project. Architects collaborate with structural engineers on the load-bearing capacities of the materials used in their designs, which include concrete, steel, wood, masonry, and stone. Each has a distinct strength, weight, and durability, making it suitable for a variety of applications. Architects select materials depending on both cost and appeal.
Here are a few little-known facts regarding construction materials and building supplies that could influence your perspective on the construction project around the corner.
Concrete
Isn't concrete a tough material? Concrete contains a little quantity of air in its basic structure, which is a little-known fact. This implies that even the firm concrete under your feet is not as solid as you may believe. A batch of concrete will typically consist of four ingredients: sand, water, cement, and air. In certain regions, the ratios are not as high as one might assume. Basic concrete is composed of around 70 to 75 percent sand, 15 to 20% water, 10 to 15% cement, and 6 to 8% air. These percentages vary depending on who makes the concrete, what firm uses it, and what use it will have in its ultimate phases. It is a staple material for many builds as it outlasts other building materials by decades and strengthens with time. This lowers the overall cost of ownership as well as the environmental effect of more regular restoration or reconstruction.
Metals
Chosen for their durability, strength and resistance to weather, metals used in the construction industry serve a wide range of functions. The most common of them are carbon steel, aluminium, copper tubing and stainless steel, are frequently utilised as building materials due to their conductivity and the fact that they can be fairly strong when used appropriately.
These precious metals are utilised in a wider range of construction applications than you would think. They are also very corrosion resistant, excellent catalysts, and can be utilised for a variety of purposes depending on the temperature to which they are heated. These highly adaptable materials can be used in basic construction but are more likely to be utilised in finer applications, thermodynamics, and other tasks.
Asphalt
Everyone knows that asphalt is used to make roads, but did you know that it is also the most recycled building and construction material? When fresh pavement is laid down, asphalt is frequently pulled up from the road, redistributed, and reused on the same or another road. Since this material is so easy to reuse, many places utilise machines that can remove the asphalt up front, mix it with new tar and compounds, and lay it back down on the road in one fast action. This implies that roads can be paved more quickly, effectively, and with less waste overall, which is beneficial to both you and the environment.
Wood
Did you know that there are hundreds of different varieties of wood, each with its own unique function and purpose? Although wood is a fairly common material, if the wrong wood is utilised in the construction of a home or other structure, the ultimate result might be disastrous. Harder woods are commonly chosen for flooring and other objects that will be subjected to a lot of wear and tear, whilst softer woods are utilised for aesthetic purposes. Medium-soft wood, such as pine, is commonly used in building framing because it is dense and simple to drive nails and other fasteners into.
Although pine is weaker than walnut, your structure will be just as sturdy if you use 10 pine posts as it would if you used six or seven tougher ones. This implies you can use cheaper but equally strong wood without jeopardising the quality or strength of your building.
Brick
Did you know that brick is used for a lot more than simply facing homes to make them look more consistent and decorative? Bricks are excellent insulators that may help retain heat and cool air throughout the year. They are also extremely durable, withstanding rain, wind, and other severe circumstances that would wear out materials like wood. The mineral makeup of the clay used determines the natural colour of bricks. The temperature at which the bricks were burned is another element that might affect the colour which gives it that retro look.
Are you ready to get started with your dream home project? Whatever your thinking about doing, 3C Homes can help. Maybe you are looking at building your dream home in the heart of the city or a small investment property out in the suburbs for a bit of extra income. Whatever it is, we can help. Feel free to get in touch with us via our contact us page if you think your ready to take the next step in your property journey.