The uses of building materials and their components are varied and numerous. These days, homeowners must be aware of what are the different types of materials used on modern homes. Choosing these materials can also be a challenging task. Knowing which materials work best is essential in building your dream home.
The right materials ensures durability, longevity, and protection to the foundation of your home. For instance, wooden homes are inappropriate in wet weather condition, whereas humid areas have open roofs instead of slanted ones. Each material serves its purpose, according to the weather and requirements, among other criteria. As home builders, it’s of utmost importance to know in extent what these materials are that build your home, their purpose, and how and when they are remotely useful.
Various building materials work together for different purposes. They are indispensable to a home. But what are the different types of materials used on modern homes? The list below is a guideline:
Wooden
The use of wooden structures continues to be the most popular among today’s homeowners. The uniqueness of wood has allowed it to provide a structure that is durable, aesthetic and easy to maintain. Wood is considered as one of the most powerful building materials. Wood could be painted and stained and could be exposed to any weather conditions. It is one of the most versatile building materials that can be used on a wide range of applications.It is commonly used in construction of homes because of its versatility and durability. It is also affordable and easily installed.
Wooden frames are used in homes. Its construction also comes with additional advantages such as durability and affordability. Most houses are constructed using wooden frames. It is also used as trim and architectural elements to give your home its distinctive look.
However, take note that even the best-quality wood materials tended with consistent care and maintenance are still susceptible to degradation. Since wood is a natural material, it makes a great breeding ground for pests such as termites, beetles, and carpenter ants. This material also reacts easily to water, thus causing shrinkage or swelling when damaged with water.
Metal
Metal construction is another type of home building material. It is also lightweight. It is easier to install and easy to maintain. It is commonly found in sheds, walls, and other metal pieces. Metal heat treating services are widely used in construction projects because of their versatility and affordability.
It is also commonly used for exterior and interior decorations. It is durable and strong. Many metals such as steel, aluminum, copper, and tin are used in homes.
Metal is typically used in commercial building structures, but it’s also as useful in residential ones. Working with metal for your home projects is relatively safer than wood as the former doesn’t warp or splinter.
When using metal for your home projects, make sure to prime and coat them properly to slow down rust formation. It’s also ideal to use special fireproof coatings as metals are good conductors of heat and can contribute in the spread of fire.
Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF) Or Laminate Board
Most commonly found materials for home construction are wood and metal. However, medium-density fiberboard MDF is also a choice among today’s homeowners. This particular kind of construction is commonly known as particle board or engineered board. It is also known as laminate board.
MDF is generally used for wallpaper. It has the ability to withstand most home building materials and weather conditions. It is an excellent choice because it is easy to clean, easy to install, and is resistant to some types of insects and mold. Its glossy look is also attractive.
Lastly, MDF is ideal for customization projects. You can cut, bind, paint, and seal it however you’d like. On the downside, its weight support isn’t the best, so you might want to stay away from MDF if you’re using it on bookshelves, wardrobes, and cabinetry.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Another common material is polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is a product commonly used in home applications. The unique quality of PVC is that it is less likely to cause air leaks and is virtually unbreakable. PVC is commonly used in vinyl siding.
Furthermore, PVC is an excellent material in repipe plumbing. With excellent ductwork and high-quality pipe materials, PVC is better than metal in terms of corrosion resistance.
Vinyl
Vinyl siding is very popular and also one of the most common materials for building modern homes. It is also used for adding protection from insects and fire. It is also stain-resistant and comes in many designs. It has high resistance to weathering and is easy to paint and affix.
Vinyl is perhaps one of the cheapest materials you can use for your home’s siding. It’s inexpensive, easy to install, is low maintenance, and doesn’t need any more painting. If you’re looking for budget options for attractive flooring, vinyl has got your back.
Brick
This is also one of the different types of materials used for building homes. Brick is widely used in construction and homes. It is the most expensive material available
, but thankfully, it only requires minimal maintenance.
Using bricks on your home projects is also eco-friendly, as you can repurpose them anytime for landscaping projects. If you’re playful with colors, bricks may not be your best choice as it has limited color options, and repainting them can be too painstaking.
Thanks to Nichiha for consulting
