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The clean, green revolution is well underway throughout the world. People want to be more kind to the environment, and sometimes that comes at a cost. However, there are actually plenty of ways you can save money while still making sustainable choices.
The average family home is probably built with a lot of materials that aren’t exactly environmentally friendly. But in newer homes, people are looking for eco-friendly solutions in place of older materials. So, whether you’re building a new home, renovating, or just doing some projects around the house, here are some tips for sustainable building materials that can save you money.
Recycled metal
Metals like aluminium and steel are heavily used in the construction of homes. They’re strong, durable and versatile and can help if you are looking for gate ideas. However, all that metal comes from somewhere, and usually it takes a lot of energy to mine and manufacture.
Fortunately, metal can be recycled numerous times before losing the durable qualities that builders love. So, for the metal in your home, try to buy recycled products. Even leading metal roofing manufacturers are now focusing on the use of recycled materials.
Pre-cast concrete
If you’re using concrete slabs for any part of your home, pre-cast is definitely the way to go. While the product is much the same as other concrete, it uses much less energy to produce and assemble pre-cast slabs. So, it’s a slightly greener option.
Concrete is also great for maintaining good home insulation, so you’ll also save money and energy on air-conditioner use.
Bamboo
Bamboo is another item that you may not think of first when it comes to building materials. However, it’s actually an extremely strong and durable material. Believe it or not, bamboo actually has more compressive strength than brick and concrete. SO, it’s actually a pretty valuable building material for those who like the appearance.
It’s used in walls, scaffolding, bridges, flooring, carpentry, and even as fence planters because it’s lightweight and extremely durable. Best of all, it’s fast-growing and even self-replenishes, so there’s no need to re-plant after harvesting.
Sustainable insulation
Everybody likes a comfortable temperature in their home, which is why insulation is essential. The good news is, you can no go green with your insulation batts too. Many modern types of insulation are made from recycled glass or other products, making them much more sustainable. You’ll also get added benefits such as fire resistance.
In addition, you can now find insulation that uses binders made from bio materials instead of chemicals. Once again, it’s better for your family, and better for the environment.
Reclaimed timber
Using reclaimed wood won’t be everybody’s cup of tea, especially since it has a certain aesthetic that doesn’t suit every home. However, reclaimed timber can be used all throughout the home, from walls, floors and beams to decks and carpentry.
Reclaimed timber comes from old-growth trees, so there’s less demand on fresh timber from first-generation forests. Like any timber products though, recycled wood can be damaged by pests, so inspect thoroughly before using in your home.
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