A good design is achievable only with quality materials and hence materials are the solution to a good functioning building. The quality of construction is majorly dependent on the materials utilized. The building materials you pick will define the overall durability, endurance, and character of the building. Thus, one should be cautious and particular while deciding building materials. The most beneficial means to decide materials that suit your requirements is by analyzing the stability, maintenance, aesthetics, and cost of each material. There is a broad array of construction materials available and it can be challenging to decide the best possibilities for our various needs as the selection of construction material needs taking note of various factors.
The following are some factors that one should consider while deciding construction materials:
1. Cost
When looking for various construction materials, one will realize that the rate varies extensively. As a rule of thumb, it is not always desirable to look for the most affordable products. One needs to take into account the lifespan or utility of the products. When one buys substandard materials, you may end up having to restore them often and this ends up being costly. Preferring building materials that will serve you well for a long time will be cost-efficient. The cost of material is one crucial factor while choosing materials for construction as eventually, it will safeguard your building.
2. Climate
Another significant aspect of the selection of materials is the climate. Determinants like the average extent of heat or cold during the year, rain or snowfall, amount of daylight, needed ventilation are some points to consider. The construction material should respond to the climate and context. When climate appears in the picture, the characteristics of materials also evolve and help respond to the climate.
3. Durability
Some materials serve longer and are more repellent to corrosion, moisture, and other environmental conditions. By determining the most suitable material for climate, we ensure that they are long-lasting. It is essential to consult experts when choosing building materials that respond to climatic conditions. They will help us to determine materials that are most suitable as per our requirements. The materials should be capable of adapting to the weather and climatic conditions. Some materials degenerate quickly, especially in a humid setting. Materials selected must have the durability and strength required for the specific area and condition of use. It is hence desirable to get materials that demand as limited maintenance and replacement as likely so they can last through the actual life of the building and become profitable for the user.
4. Availability
It is always advisable to acquire easily available materials. The availability of building materials also determines the cost and time for installation. Certain materials are locally available and are challenging to transport. Not only the shipping costs become expensive but it also postpones the work. On the other hand, if the material is locally obtainable, it minimizes the shipping cost. It’s also a time saver and work can be completed smoothly.
5. Sustainability
With the evolution of the construction industry, the requirement for building materials is growing and is also accountable for the surge in carbon footprint, i.e. use of cement raises the carbon emission. Hence using eco-friendly and sustainable construction materials like earth, bamboo, fly ash, metakaolin, silica fume, rice husk ash, etc are beneficial rather than the use of cement or concrete. The best materials are those that can be reused because they reduce the demand for new materials to be produced in the future. How these materials are installed and fixed can also influence the capacity to reuse them. Locally found materials also reduce the transportation hassle and thus reduce the emissions.
6. Maintenance
The most suitable materials are those that are effortless or easy to maintain and manage. Maintenance will aid to preserve the building looking good and new for a long time. Good quality building materials normally require less maintenance than standard and cheap materials. One needs to study the life and quality of the building to ensure good construction. Maintenance is an important selection basis for building material because good materials are those which are easy and inexpensive to maintain. They add value to the building.
7. Aesthetic Appeal
Everyone has diverse tastes, specifications, and needs. Hence if one person considers something charming and attractive, it may not interest the other. Only you know what kind of quality of home/construction/building you would like to live in. For instance, the type of flooring material you select can transform the look of the house or apartment. You select a flooring material that not only suits your tastes but also fits into your budget such as vitrified tiles, ceramic tiles, granite, marble, Kota stone, wood, etc. When choosing these elements, you need to consider the appearance you want. The type of roof you prefer will change the expression of the house. You may like a particular type of roofing material, or maybe you like stone masonry buildings. The choices you make, as well as your budget, climatic conditions, and various other factors will determine the materials and the appearance or look of the building that one desires.
8. Performance
Choose materials that have the structural potential to sustain and bear the building loads. When determining the roofing materials, for example, one needs to make sure that the building structure can completely support the roof material, for the complete life of the building. These materials selected should also make it possible for inhabitants to live comfortably without any unfavorable effects like those caused by harmful chemical emissions by some materials. The choice of material is a great arrangement in construction and it should be cautiously done as it has a direct effect on the user. One significant concern that governs the choice of material is the nature or function of the project. The nature of the project means how it is going to be used as- residential, commercial, gathering space, etc. The material used defines the built space. It also leads to other key factors like budget, durability, and aesthetics.
