Whether you’re a homeowner or a contractor, there are plenty of reasons why you should consider using eco-friendly materials for your next construction project. Today, more businesses, contractors, and homeowners switch sustainable building materials for cost-saving returns and minimal environmental impact. These include materials that consider the quality of life of future occupants. One example is using a silicone top coat formula for walls that is highly breathable, durable, and water-resistant.
In this article, we’ll talk about the many reasons why sustainable building materials are becoming a practical choice among construction professionals.
Built to last
From its definition, sustainability means anything that lasts over a period. The main concept of sustainable construction materials is to build a home that lasts longer with minimal upkeep and low maintenance costs. A longer lifespan and cost-effectiveness are enough reasons to convince homeowners to consider living in a sustainable home. Although building one comes at a hefty price, the financial returns are worth every cent.
There are plenty of materials available to build a sustainable home that is cost-efficient and can withstand extreme weather conditions. These include reclaimed wood, metal siding and roofing, concrete walls and flooring, fiber wool carpet, solar panel, cork flooring, durable bamboo, and low-flow plumbing.
Sustainable design
Sustainable design is the core of modern architecture. This includes any method or system that protects the occupants’ safety, welfare, and health.
One of the high-value objectives of modern designers is to improve a structure’s life-cycle while ensuring the reduction of building costs. A great example of this is a rain screen siding system made of sustainably designed wood. Not only is it stylish to look at, but it also comes with a functionality that aims to preserve and protect your home.
Higher home value
Real estate experts say that sustainable homes are proven to be a massive investment in today’s housing market. Consumers these days are becoming extremely conscious of their impact on the environment, so they want a home that is environmentally designed inside and out.
Some are even willing to pay a premium for homes built using natural resources and eco-friendly materials that consider air quality and energy costs. These homes often come with energy-efficient systems, such as geothermal cooling and heating, solar-paneled roofs, rainwater collection, and cutting-edge design.
Equipping your home with sustainable materials and energy-efficient elements can dramatically increase the overall value of your home. You don’t have to worry about sacrificing the aesthetic features of the house since there are a lot of options and styles for sustainable materials and fixtures to choose from. Put them all together, and you get a house that isn’t only sustainable but also beautiful inside and out.
Better health
Homeowners living in sustainable homes experience countless health benefits than those living in traditional homes. One reason is the quality of materials used in the construction of residential buildings.
For example, eco-friendly construction firms avoid using plastic by-products that likely produce toxic substances, such as carcinogens, asbestos, mercury, lead-based paint, and volatile organic compounds (VOC). When inhaled, these materials can lead to life-threatening illnesses, such as heart disease, cancer, respiratory problems, and fetal development disruption.
Compared to traditionally built homes, sustainable buildings are healthier and more convenient to live in. They include materials that enhance air quality and lifestyle, such as air systems that invite fresh outdoor air and insulation that prevents mold growth.
Environmental considerations
Clearly, the biggest benefit of building sustainable homes is its long-term impact on the environment. The use of sustainable materials leads to a significant decrease in many things: energy generated from transportation and manufacturing, environmental waste, and byproducts related to the manufacturing of construction materials.
The majority of sustainable construction materials use recycled or reclaimed materials. As a result, the more products you reuse, the lesser chances of depleting global resources and acquiring new products.
Since these materials have a longer lifespan than the ones used in traditionally built homes, you can guarantee that you’re helping conserve energy and reduce the impact of environmental damage while ensuring high-quality building standards.
As the benefits of sustainable buildings show, it’s possible for people to effectively provide for their immediate needs without endangering the environment and depleting resources in a way that makes it difficult for future generations to live comfortably. Sustainable buildings use specialized construction methods that ensure the materials are used responsibly and efficiently without compromising the occupant’s comfort and health.
