Now that you have secured that piece of land where your dream of a home or business are set to materialise, you want this reality to last for as long as possible right? Let us reveal the different materials and how durable they are.
Wood
Wood has been used for a while now but locally it is mostly used for partitioning and as a decorative element. If you are considering using wood as a primary material ensure you season it to remove moisture so that it lasts for a very long time. This material is easier to cut and transport but is susceptible to rotting due to moisture. The oldest wood structure is said to be the Horyu-ji temple in Japan built in the 8th century.
Brick
Bricks as we know are made from fired clay making them weather and fire resistant. Bricks have been used for a while now starting off as clay bricks to being fired up so they last during the rainy days. They are easy to make, work with and transport making them a favorable choice. Bricks as a material are cheaper and locally they are the most used for building both commercial and residential structures. Bricks were used for some remarkable structures with the Great Wall of China being one.
Stone
Stone is very durable but presents a challenge when it comes to quarrying and transporting. This makes it more expensive and less popular as a building material choice. However where resources are available to cut and move it, stone is one of the best materials. This is so because it makes for a stable interior environment where temperatures are concerned. In modern day architecture, stone is used mainly for decoration. When used to build, stone does not require mortar as it is heavy and stable. Stone is resistant to deformation, weather and fire making it very durable. It is however cheaper to use it for commercial structures rather than residential ones.
Concrete
Concrete is an aggregate made up of stone,sand and other materials bound together by cement and water. It is the most economical of all materials and very durable. Concrete use is on the rise with it being used for walling purposes. The most common use of concrete is precast concrete products such as pillars and coping. These have been so popular and continue to be in both residential and commercial structures.
Steel
You will agree that the use of steel is on the rise. At first it was only common in commercial building structures but now even in residential structures, steel is making its appearance. This is due to the fact that people are also building up and not only building out. Steel makes for a strong tall building as it provides support and reinforcement. It is good at taking the weight off load bearing walls and providing support. Steel is one of the most economical and durable building materials of all times especially for commercial purposes. In residential building, it is good to use steel where the house is a double or triple storey.
So now that you are well informed, get in touch with us and we will turn that dream into a reality. Like we say “If you can dream it, you can have it”
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