When you’re preparing to construct a new building, going green might sound like a great idea, but won’t the green building materials that are used fall apart after just a few years and fail to hold up like traditional construction materials?
This is a question that many people ask because they mistakenly believe that green building materials aren’t as strong and durable as traditional materials. While this may have had a bit of truth when more eco-friendly materials first arrived on the market, that couldn’t be further from the truth today. There are many green materials now available that will not only make your new building more energy efficient, but will last just as long – if not longer – than traditional construction materials.
Bamboo is one excellent example of this. It has become very popular in the U.S. in recent years with many builders now opting to use it to frame buildings, but it’s actually been used all across the world for years and praised for its high tensile strength, notes Inhabitat. It’s a worthy alternative to other materials and will stand the test of time once you have it installed.
HempCrete, a material that is created using the fibers found inside of hemp plants, is another good example. It’s a material that looks and acts like concrete, but it is significantly lighter and better for the environment. The hemp fibers are combined with lime, and the resulting bricks and blocks are cheaper to transport while still being durable and capable of standing up to years of use.
There are also plenty of even newer green materials that are being tested right now that seem like they will improve upon traditional building materials and give people the green options they’re looking for. Ferrock is a newer material that was actually invented accidentally, according to Build Abroad. This combination of recycled materials and iron carbonate produces an exceptionally eco-friendly material that not only recycles, but also essentially absorbs carbon dioxide. Ferrock is even said to be five times stronger than traditional Portland cement (concrete)!
These are just three examples, but there are scores of materials now available for new construction and renovation work that offer eco-friendly benefits and exceptional longevity and versatility. If you’re planning a construction project or looking to make your home more energy-efficient, Ricks Energy Solutions can help. We provide a full range of green building solutions to make your home or business greener and more efficient. To learn more, call us at 707-578-5380 today and schedule a consultation.