What are the Different Types of Home Building Materials?

Posted on by Kasten Admin
When you are building a house, it is very important for you to make sure that the entire building will last for a longer period of time; preferably, more than your lifetime. This is achieved through the use of building materials that are strong enough to endure the test of time. It is highly advisable that prior to building, you should consult first with the ones who know more about construction than you do to ensure that you are buying the right ones.

Types of Building Materials

  • Concrete

When we think about building, what comes immediately to our minds is concrete. Concrete is a type of building material that is generally made up of cement and other mineral aggregates such as the sand. It is used commonly for the building’s foundation primarily because it can carry the weight of the home and withstand the moisture, the natural shifting, and the settling of the ground which occurs over the years. In a hurricane-prone area, houses are made out of concrete mainly because it is more likely to survive in extreme weather conditions. Aside from all that, it doesn’t cost much.

  • Bricks

More often than not, people opt to use bricks as a building material primarily for aesthetic purposes only. However, if you want to build a home that will last for generations, bricks are an excellent choice. It is important to note that the bricks-making process require intensive energy because it is composed of non-renewable resources; thus, it is very costly to begin with. Because of that, people usually only use bricks for the front side of their home or the lower portion while the rest is made up of another material.

  • Woods

Woods have been used as a building material for hundreds of years already. Most houses today are primarily built on wood frames. Note that, there are actually various types of woods which differ in terms of strength. Choosing a durable wood as a building frame is very important in order to prevent future damage from natural disasters such as hurricanes and tornadoes, as well as pests. In log homes, Douglas fir and cypress are the most commonly used types because of their durability and strength.

  • Metals

Metals are rare home building materials. However, steel rods are generally used for home built out of wood, concrete, and brick. Aside from that, it is also popular as a building material for various roofing systems as it can also withstand both time and weather. Note, however, that they can be very costly; but, its durability and longevity as roofs make it a worthy investment.