If you are looking to build your next home but want to keep your budget under control, you might be wondering what building materials you can use that are environmentally friendly. Here are a few options to choose from.
Recycled steel
Recycled steel is one of the eco-friendliest building materials available today. It is durable and long-lasting and can be recycled indefinitely. With its durability and high strength-to-weight ratio, it is ideal for use in a wide variety of buildings and construction projects.
In addition to its eco-friendliness, recycled steel also has a number of other benefits. For example, it is resistant to rust, mold, and mildew. Also, it is dimensionally stable, able to withstand extreme weather conditions. It can stand up to the pressures of high winds, rain, and earthquakes.
It is also dimensionally flexible, making it easy to work with. It is non-porous, which means it does not absorb moisture, so it does not warp or crack. This makes it perfect for windows and doors.
Bamboo
Bamboo has become a popular building material in Asia and other parts of the world. However, it’s not a foolproof solution. Some bamboo companies have a history of using chemicals to treat the wood. These chemicals may be harmful to human and wildlife.
Using bamboo as a building material for an eco-friendly home may be a good idea. Several benefits of this green option include ease of use, sustainability, and cost savings. Choosing bamboo for your home may also help you avoid wasting natural resources.
Bamboo is a very fast-growing plant, and it is capable of growing up to 40 metres. The plant has a complex root system, which anchors the soil and prevents erosion. This complex root system also helps with water absorption.
In addition, bamboo has been used as a kitchen fuel in China and Japan. It is a renewable raw material.
Sheep’s wool
Sheep’s wool is a natural building material that is considered eco-friendly. Its benefits include being renewable and recyclable. Moreover, it is environmentally friendly because it absorbs moisture, regulates humidity and prevents the accumulation of dirt.
The sheep wool fibre is also an excellent thermal insulator. This is because it has a very high hygroscopicity, which means it is able to absorb and retain water.
Another benefit of the material is its ability to absorb sound. As a result, it can be used as an acoustic absorber inside a room.
Moreover, it is considered as a good choice for insulation in stud-built homes. It provides a low-energy, biodegradable alternative to fiberglass and polyurethane insulation. In addition, it can be installed in almost any stud-built home.
Although sheep’s wool has several applications, it is best known for being an outstanding home insulator. It can be used for insulating walls, ceilings, attics, and even for loft insulation.
Straw bale
When it comes to building a green home, you might want to consider using straw bales. Straw bales are a natural structural material, available in abundance and cost effective. They are lightweight, non-toxic, and easy to process. Besides being inexpensive, they provide a great deal of insulation.
When constructed correctly, a straw bale house can last for years and years. However, there are several considerations to make before deciding to build a home this way.
The biggest concern when building with straw bales is moisture. In wet climates, moisture can cause decay, mold, and even collapse. If you live in an area that is prone to rain, you should also look into a moisture barrier. A moisture barrier is typically made of stucco cement, earthen plasters, or gypsum plasters.
Advanced framing
Advanced framing is a home improvement method that can help your home become more energy efficient. It improves the insulation in your walls and reduces the amount of wood you’ll need to use. This will result in lower material costs, saving you money in the long run.
The National Association of Home Builders Research Foundation studied the benefits of advanced framing during the energy crisis. According to them, it can save up to 2 percent of a home’s total energy consumption. They also found that implementing advanced framing techniques can cut labor costs by up to 5%.
Advanced framing is a better way to build a house than the conventional stick framing that most builders do. It is a method that can be implemented individually or as a complete package.
