The Splendor of Sand

Sand in your eyes causes pain, but how soothing it is under your toes! Vast amounts of it are suspended in seawater, but it also abounds in bone-dry deserts. Hordes of creatures flee its encroachment, but for others, it is home. It is often considered a nuisance, but without it, modern living would be nearly impossible.

From the above description, sand seems to be somewhat of a paradox. Just what is sand, and where does it come from?

A Rough Beginning

Sand is composed of particles of minerals, rock, or soil, with quartz being the most common constituent. Peaks that once stood rock solid have eroded into sand. How does such erosion occur?

Sand is often the product of ocean violence. Waves smash against coastal cliffs, and these collisions loosen and rip away slabs of rock. Very large pieces surrender before the unremitting assault, being sloughed off in chunks into the surf. The churning sea grinds off sharp edges, producing boulders. Constant motion gradually wears them into pebbles, and these are crushed into still smaller particles, which we know as sand. Sometimes the sea carries the sand off, but in many places, waves heave the sand back ashore, leaving pristine beaches.

When cold weather combines with ocean violence, frozen water becomes trapped in rock, producing icy wedges that split the stones. The fracturing goes on, reducing large rock masses to smaller and smaller pieces, which eventually become sand.

The wind too plays a role, lifting grains of sand and driving them against rock masses. The abrasion creates more sand. Layers of rock hundreds of feet thick give way before this natural form of sandblasting. Meanwhile, the wind scatters the resulting sand, stretching it out like a carpet on the desert floor.

Over millenniums, these harsh processes have yielded countless tons of sand. Many people would be delighted if it were used only to provide contoured cushions at the beach. But sand's value reaches far beyond the shore, as we shall see.

Tiny Grains, Huge Benefits

To a large degree, our eating and drinking is dependent on sand. How is that? In one way or another, all our food comes from the vegetation of the earth. Sand and its finely ground cousins silt and clay supply minerals that plants need. Also, sand in the soil allows air and water to circulate. Thus, plant roots can easily absorb nutrients. But how is sand involved in quenching our thirst?

If you fill a one-quart (one-liter) jar with dry sand, you can add a third of a quart (300 milliliters) of water to that same jar without making it overflow. This is so because sand is porous-that is, between its grains there is a lot of space. In fact, there are sand "water jars" large enough to supply large cities with the life-giving fluid. What are they?

Geological formations called aquifers lie below much of the earth's surface. Composed of vast layers of sand and other porous minerals, these contain water that has been filtering downward for possibly thousands of years. Scientists calculate that these unseen "water jars" hold 40 times more fresh water than all the lakes and rivers on earth. Wells tap aquifers for their precious liquid, which sustains the lives of millions.

Sand Before Your Eyes

You may be walking on sand every day without ever going to the beach. Are streets or sidewalks in your hometown paved with concrete? In some cases, sand makes up one quarter of this common building material. Hundreds of millions of tons of sand are consumed annually as construction material, so much so that some places have experienced shortages of sand.

While sand generally lies underfoot, in another form it may be right before your eyes. The screen on your computer is likely made from sand, as are the lenses of mountaintop telescopes and desktop microscopes. The same is true of crystal vases and your bathroom mirror. Those items are all made of glass, and sand constitutes over half the raw material that is used in glassmaking. How is sand used to make glass?

Sand and other ingredients are mixed and then melted at temperatures exceeding 2,600 degrees Fahrenheit (1,400°C). The resulting viscous liquid can be rolled, blown, bent, drawn, and spun into almost any form. Glass fibers are even woven into cloth. But whether it promotes beauty or industry, whether it refracts or reflects, smooth, clear glass comes from the opaque grit of sand.

Sand on the Move

Imagine a hill 250 feet high that moves. This happens when piles of sand called dunes migrate, pushed by the wind. In some parts of the Sahara, dunes seem to string out their undulating ridges endlessly.

When humans establish themselves nearby, dunes may pay them an unpleasant visit. Indeed, sand on the move has been known to block highways, swallow houses, and bury entire towns.

Abounding With Life

As lifeless as sand may appear, many creatures call it home. Foxes, snakes, and scorpions burrow in desert sand during the day. Sleeping through the heat, they come out at night to hunt for food. Along Namibia's Skeleton Coast, in southwest Africa, elephants roam the vast dunes. They seem to have fun on the steep, sandy inclines, sliding down dragging their back legs. The "ship of the desert," also known as the camel, cruises the sand seas of Asia and Africa.

Some animals come up out of the ocean to make use of sand. When their biological clocks sound the alarm, horseshoe crabs, sea turtles, and small fish called grunions ride the surf to the shore. There they lay their eggs to incubate in the softness of the sand.

For certain flowers, a dune is as comfortable as a window box. Sea rockets, beach peas, and beach morning glories flourish in sand and push their heads back up even when a dune buries them. Their long roots pull up water and nutrients to feed dainty blossoms-dabs of color on the monotone canvas of sand.

Frankie Goh is a full-time family counselor. He manage and host a website : Earn Money Online http://www.ezy-cash.com
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What Are Hard Landscaping Materials?

In landscape design and architecture, hard landscaping materials refer to construction materials that a designer or architect uses to enhance the landscape design. Some examples of hard landscaping materials include stones, bricks, gravel, concrete, glass, and the like. The matching term soft landscaping materials refers to the plants.

Here are some common hard landscaping materials to get you familiar with these important elements in your landscape design:

Pavers are widely used in landscaping . There is a wide range of pavers to choose from to suit different areas in your home such as a patio, driveway, walkway, pool area atc. Pavers are also used as edging or as stepping stones. Pavers can be made of stone, brick, concrete, grass, and other materials. They come in all sorts of colors, shapes, patterns, and sizes. It is up to you or your landscape designer to choose which kind will fit your landscape theme or style.

Another common hard material for landscaping is crushed rock, which is also available in various sizes and colors. Crushed volcanic rock is a popular choice. Its red color gives a rustic appeal to the landscape. Other kinds of crushed rock include gravel, sandstone, quartz, limestone and others. Crushed rock is versatile, very low-maintenance, and affordable. They are commonly used for paths, driveways and drainage areas.

For constructing decks, steps, edges, walls, pergolas or gazebos, the most widely used material is timber. It is relatively inexpensive, easy to procure and work with. Consider using salvaged or recycled timber instead of new ones. You can re-use this material so make sure not to waste it.

Soils are valuable hard landscaping materials. To improve soil condition in the yard or garden, add organic fertilizing matter or compost. Remember to choose plants that match or thrive on the type of soil that area has.

Because of the broad range of hard landscaping materials, choosing the right product can be overwhelming and confusing. Just remember to select materials that will both go well with the site, the plants, other hard landscaping materials and the overall theme of the garden. For instance, materials made of steel and metal may not go well with an Asian inspired garden. Highly reflective materials are not ideal for areas that get a lot of sunlight. There are also certain pavers that are suitable only for light foot traffic and should not be used on driveways. You should also make sure that the hard landscaping materials you use are durable enough to withstand the type of weather and climate in your area.

Choosing the right hard landscaping materials is very important to a landscape designer. It is just like choosing the floor or fixtures in a house. The landscape designer must ensure that the hard landscaping materials will work together to truly enhance the surroundings.

Milos Pesic is an expert in the field of Landscaping and Gardening and runs a highly popular and comprehensive Landscaping web site. For more articles and resources on landscaping designs, landscape ideas, garden landscaping and much more visit his site at:
http://landscaping.need-to-know.net
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Straw Bales as a Building Material

If you are considering building your own home, you might be looking to alternative building methods. Straw bales present an option that is becoming more and more popular.

If you are thinking about building your own house, you have many different construction materials to choose from. All of these materials make great places to live in, but there are certain drawbacks, including expense and ecological unfriendly pollutants. One way to get around using these traditional materials for your structure is to think differently. Straw bale building materials are a popular option that is popping up all over the world.

Straw bale structures were first built by settlers who moved to Nebraska during the expansion westward in the United States. When these pioneers arrived in Nebraska, they found their typical building materials of wood and stone in short supply. So the settlers decided to build their homes with compressed bales of hay and straw – the only items they could find in the rather bleak landscape. After a bit of trial and error, straw bale construction resulted in warm, secure structures. Turning to modern times, the straw bale construction process was rediscovered by researchers looking for more eco-friendly building ideas. Now, there are straw bale structures being built all over the world.

Straw bale structures are built by creating a frame (out of wood, usually) and stacking bales of straw as if they were cement bricks in order to create walls. These straw bales are then plastered over on both the inside and outside of the bale to create walls that are strong and insulated. Depending on your preferences, the walls can be covered in a manner that hides the straw bale construction or reveals it. Straw bale structures with walls made out of these bales are also great at providing sound insulation, a fire barrier strong enough to be used in a commercial building and reducing energy consumption for heating and cooling by as much as 40 percent. Straw bales also adapt easily to existing architectural patterns, foundations and roof structures. Using straw as your chosen wall material can also save you tons of money, up to 50 percent off of the cost of traditional wall materials.

How popular are straw bale structures? Of all places, China is starting to take the lead in straw bale construction. With massive population issues, housing in China has always been an issue. Now the country has cost and pollution issues given an exploding economy. With this in mind, China is looking to alternative building resources to address the problems. Working with American architects, China is now building straw bale homes in test communities. In Northern China, straw bale structures are being built in the provinces of Jilin, Liao Ning, Heilongjiang and Inner Mongolia. The primary attractiveness of the process is cheap building costs and 50 percent less energy use required to heat the homes. If the initial efforts go well, China intends to use straw bale construction on a massive scale.

Straw bale structures are being embraced by people who enjoy green living throughout the world, as well as people who want an affordable alternative to traditional building materials. Straw bales are very renewable as a resource, and the fact that they cut down on energy consumption is definite positive.

Rick Chapo is with Solar Companies - a directory of solar energy companies. Visit us to read more articles on renewable energy.
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Using Fresh Air as a Construction Material

Is it possible to create a building with walls and a roof made from 99.5% fresh air? Would it then be possible for this building to withstand anything the weather could throw at it – from gale force winds to heavy snow fall? The surprising answer to these questions is yes! Not only is it possible but it is already being done in many countries around the world. The buildings in question are in fact inflatable buildings.

It’s important at this point to make a distinction between air-supported buildings and inflatable buildings. A traditional air-supported building is one which is comprised of a single layer membrane attached to the ground around its perimeter. Air is blown under the membrane to lift it off the ground and form the shape of the building. An inflatable building on the other hand, uses two layers of membrane connected together typically using spars made from the same material. The cavity formed between the layers is pressurised with air producing a rigid structural element which allows large span structures to be achieved. The key difference between the two styles of building is that air-supported buildings require airlocks at all the access points to prevent air being lost when doors are opened since the entire occupied space of the building is pressurised.

An inflatable building only requires pressurised air within the cavities of the walls and so does not require airlocks since the occupied interior of the building is at normal atmospheric pressure. Since a much lower volume of air is pressurised, inflatable buildings require a lot less power for continuous operation.

The air contained within the walls of an inflatable building become a true structural part of the building. The membranes used in the construction of such buildings are typically less than 1mm thick and so the amount of membrane used compared to the volume of air contained within the walls is incredibly low (typically less than 0.5%).

A major benefit of this style of construction is that air is available just about everywhere on the planet. When a building needs to be moved, the air can simply be allowed to escape enabling an entire building to be packed in to a very small volume compared to its inflated size. The building can then be transported easily to its new location and inflated using the one building material which is readily available everywhere – air! Better still, this building material is absolutely free.

David Kelsall is the technical director of Tectoniks Limited in the UK. He has over 14 years experience in the design of pressurised structures including inflatable buildings, hot-air balloons, airships and pressure vessels. Examples of his work can be found at http://www.tectoniks.com/products.php
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Concrete Coating

Concrete Coating and concrete painting

Many home improvement projects will require you using a concrete coating. Concrete is used for a wide variety of purposes in building and construction. Concrete is made up of a mixture of different substances such as cement, gravel, sand and other aggregates, mixed with water. Special caution should be taken to prevent the water in the mixture from evaporating because if this happens, gaps and voids may be left behind which can cause the concrete to weaken and create small holes and cracks in the concrete. Further exposure to water and the harsh elements of the weather may erode the concrete, reducing its strength greatly. Concrete coating is beneficial to homeowners and construction workers alike because it protects concrete from such structural problems.

Where should you use concrete coating?

If you have never used a concrete coating before, you may wonder exactly how it works. Concrete coatings are special chemical solutions that create an impenetrable coating, or layer on the concrete preventing the transmission of water molecules while at the same time keeping the structure safe. Concrete coating is typically used in filling the voids left from water drying up in the concrete, strengthening the surface due to a coating effective. Concrete coating is also used on pre-cast concrete used in parking areas, protecting the structural steel body from the effects of water transmission. Salt and other corrosive elements can cause damage to concrete structures, especially in high traffic areas. Concrete coating can be used to prevent and reduce damages in such areas.

What are the advantages of using concrete coating?

There are several advantages of using concrete coating. As discussed above, the biggest advantage is providing protection from water transmission. Another advantage is concrete coatings is also an excellent acrylic crack resistant. Concrete coating conveniently adheres to most kinds of construction materials such as block, concrete, polystyrene, SIPs and ICFs. Concrete coatings are available under different brands and two or three coats should be applied depending upon the kind of construction material used and to the extent of which it needs protection.

Where to buy concrete coating products?

Concrete coating products are available at most home improvement material suppliers. However, for larger projects, it's advisable to directly contact dealers to purchase such products. Concrete coating products suppliers can be easily located through concrete contractors as well as home building associations. The Internet is also a valuable resource, especially with its multiple websites on such products and applications. The Internet is not only a good source of information on the various concrete coating products and brands available, but also a good way to compare prices. Concrete coating projects are best handled by professional concrete coating contractors because they have the ability to correctly determine the specific kind of pressure withstood by concrete in a particular construction project.

Trevor is a leading home improvement author and writes often for http://www.homearticle.info. There are also more concrete care ideas on that site.
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The Best Thing About Vinyl Siding

For homeowners who want to avoid the headache of painting the exterior of their homes every few years, vinyl siding is a great idea. It is good looking, long lasting, almost maintenance free and relatively inexpensive.

Vinyl siding is very durable, which is its main selling point for most people. It stands up to almost any kind of weather without damage. The newer kinds of vinyl siding are crack resistant and will not fade in continued exposure to sun.

The biggest attraction that vinyl siding has for most homeowners is its easy maintenance. It never needs to be painted, and just spraying it down once a year will keep it new looking. Rarely, it may need to be recaulked between the vinyl siding and the trim of the house.

When you consider the costs of painting and repairing the wood on the exterior of your home, year after year, you will find that vinyl siding pays for itself in just a few years, even though the initial cost is greater. Depending upon the choice of thickness and grade of the vinyl, you can get reasonably priced siding or more expensive siding. Vinyl siding also saves energy costs in the long run because of the additional level of insulation it adds.

New vinyl siding is very attractive, and comes in such a wide variety of styles that any home style can be accommodated. The color in vinyl is now baked on and therefore keeps the color for years and does not show each little scratch that occurs. But no product is completely perfect, so anyone who thinks vinyl siding cannot be damaged will be disappointed. You do have to take some precautions.

In extremely violent weather conditions such as hurricanes, vinyl has been known to blow off if the wind penetrates beneath the strips and lifts them. Flying debris from a storm such as this will damage vinyl, whereas it would not dent wood. If vinyl is damaged, the entire strip would have to be taken off and put back.

Another disadvantage of vinyl is that it tends to be a moisture trap. This can be the cause of mold and mildew and create a perfect environment for insects. If it is allowed to continue, the moisture may seep into the house.

Although siding does add an extra layer, if it is not thick, it will not help in keeping energy bills down to a very great extent. A last disadvantage of vinyl siding is that if one of the panels is damaged, it will be almost impossible to get the exact same color a few years later. In addition, you should make sure that your neighborhood or development association will permit vinyl siding.

For these reasons, make sure you do a lot of research into the type and quality of vinyl siding before you decide on the purchase. It can be a long lasting maintenance free solution if you choose the right kind.

Kurt Schefken routinely pens publications on issues similar to cordless tool reviews and diy tools. His work on diy tools and cordless drills can be discovered on his online publications.
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Salvage Building Materials

One of the most recent innovations in the construction industry is the development of the "Green building," which is the process of building structures that use environment-friendly building materials and building methods. Among the criterion that a building must meet to be considered "green" is that the house should be built using environment-friendly building materials. This is because building materials play a major role in making a structure environment-friendly. As seen in the past, using building materials such as asbestos or those that release toxins can have a detrimental effect, not only to the builders and future occupants, but to the environment as well. However, environment-friendly materials are not only limited to those that do not release toxins or pollution -- recycled materials are also considered to be environment-friendly.

One very good example of recycled or salvaged building material is steel. This is because steel is 66 percent recyclable, and can be derived from scrap metal, including old automobiles, machines and old steel buildings. This means that using steel does not require e mining because it can be derived from recycled metals. In addition, precious resources such as trees are also preserved if steel is used to build structures instead of wood. Apart from being good for the environment, using steel also has other advantages. Steel is stronger and able to withstand extreme weather conditions, and it is cheaper than most building materials. It is also fire resistant, resistant to termites, rotting and cracks.

More and more people are becoming aware of environmental issues and new environment-friendly innovations are being developed. The development of alternative building materials used to build structures like homes is an example.


Building Materials provides detailed information on Building Materials, Building Material Manufacturers, Recycled Building Materials, Deck Building Materials and more. Building Materials is affiliated with Home Buildings.
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Distinguished Feature Of Granite

Granite, the most precious natural stone used by home owners and builders for their houses, building and monuments. Granite stones come in different products like tiles, slabs, sinks, countertops. Granite stones guarantees durability, existence, resistance, long lasting beauty and long lasting stone. Most of the people prefer to install granite for their kitchen, bathrooms as well as for interiors and exteriors of the building, because of its durability. Generally, granite is said that it is next to the diamond, i.e. its hardness is compared to diamond. Nowadays, the trend has been changed and most of the people prefer to install granite stones for the homes, buildings and monuments.

It can also be said that granite stones satisfies the needs and requirement of the customer around the world and large number of install granite for their floors. Installation of granite plays major role in the existence and beautifulness of the stone granite. When proper installation process does not takes place for the floors, buildings, monuments and homes then the home owners and builders have to suffer. Installation of granite stone can be carried with the help of the installer or professional or experts who posses adequate knowledge and experience in the field of granite installation. Granite comes up with wide applications and features to facilitate the customers to meet their requirements.

Granite adds beauty to the homes and buildings for which it is installed. Granite stones are considered one of the important and essential materials of interior and exterior decorations. When proper care and maintenance is given for the natural stone granite then the home owners and builders can feel hassle free. Granite stones are imported and exported from many countries and large numbers of manufacturer are involved in the field of supply of granite stone to the people needed. Granite stones are supplied at competitive prices and it is also an expensive natural stone. Among the different natural stones such as marble, limestone, travertine, vanity, granite plays the dominant role in the market.

Nowadays, large number of home owners and builders started installing granite stones for their houses, monuments and buildings. From during the past days itself, granite founds its existence and for large monuments and buildings, granite stones were used. Granite stones come in different colors, designs and shades to satisfy the requirements of the customer. The customer can select any of the color and design for their houses and buildings in reasonable prices. Granite stones are resistance to stains, scratches, spills, heat, moisture and water and so on. This resistance will prevent the granite stones with everlasting beauty and everlasting existence.

Granite stones are the hardest material, durable, resistant, beautiful material. When people finds to be satisfied, when they install granite stones for their kitchen and bathrooms. Even scratches affects the granite stones, it can be removed using quality products. While stains or spills takes place, then quality cleaning agents can be used to remove the spills and stains from the surface. Therefore, granite stones provide excellent workmanship to the customers.

Shijina is an expert author for Granite Countertops Houston Tx. She written many articles like Granite Countertops, Granite Houston, Granite Texas, Granite New Orleans and Marble Countertops. For more information visit our site. Contact me at shijina.seo@gmail.com
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Bamboo Cutting Boards

Bamboo is a very versatile material, and bamboo products are strong, durable, and light weight. Bamboo products range from furniture to fine textiles. One type of product that is made from bamboo are bamboo cutting boards. These boards are functional, fashionable, as well as affordable.

When selecting a bamboo cutting board it is important to keep the size of your kitchen in mind. If you have a small kitchen then you don’t want to purchase a huge bamboo chopping block that will take up all of your usable kitchen space, however, you also don’t want to buy a chopping board that is too small to handle the cooking projects that you undertake either.

After you have selected the bamboo cutting boards that you are going to buy your next step will be to learn how to take care of a bamboo cutting board. Unlike marble or plastic cutting boards, a bamboo cutting board should never be submerged in water or put in the dishwasher. Instead you should hand wash the bamboo cutting board using warm water and a mild detergent and then quickly dry it. Excessive exposure to water will cause the bamboo to mold, mildew, and split.

If you are trying to redesign you kitchen around an Asian theme then your bamboo cutting boards are a good place to start. However, to get a truly Asia feel in your kitchen you will want to add other kitchen accessories to its dйcor. For example you may want to add in Asian themed tiles, use an Asian inspired color scheme for your kitchen, and you may want to bring in live bamboo plants into your kitchen for a touch of life.

Bamboo,a vital building tool that grows 10 times faster than trees, is an increasing popular choice of furniture in America's home. Learn more about bamboo and Asian furniture and decor at Bamboo Furniture Etc. - your source for bamboo patio furniture, cutting boards, decorative fans, contemporary chairs, bamboo gates and fencing as well as towels, rugs and blinds. For more in cultural art and design check out Filipino sculptures.

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Building a patio with brick

Building a patio with brick is probably the easiest way to accomplish a patio project. It is easy for the do it yourselfer and can be very elegant.

Measure out the area you have in mind and start. If you’re a first timer, then it is probably best to have a rectangular design, although a circular one is also possible, but you would have to start cutting bricks. Make sure your angles are correct. While this is very important, also keep in mind that you will need two inches on the edges to place brick edging.

Clear the area you have chosen by digging it out to a depth of 8 inches. Place a frame around the inside of this area. Keep in mind that you must have a gentle slope for drainage, especially if you’re building the patio close to your house. Now you can do a run with your brick just to make sure everything is lined up and going to fit, and again don’t forget your 2 inch edging.

Pour crushed stone into your area to a depth of 4 inches, tamp down your stone and place a weed blanket over it to protect your patio from weeds growing up through. Now you can pour your sand and it must be 2 inches deep. You now need a screed to level this sand - a piece of 2x4 with a looped rope tied to it will do the trick. After leveling the sand it must be tamped down, check again to make sure it is level.

Now you can begin to lay your brick. Make sure you have a mason’s line to keep you on the straight and narrow while you’re laying them because it will ensure that your rows will be even. Begin in a corner and press each brick firmly into the sand, and if necessary use a rubber mallet and tap them gently to place them.

Assuming you will be using 4 x 8 bricks, 2 inches thick, which is the easiest to use, you can continue with the basket weave pattern, which is simple, but can look very elegant. After laying all your brick and putting the brick edging in place, put sand over your bricks and start filling the seams. You can use a broom to ensure all seams are filled.

Your patio is complete, well, maybe not complete until you put your patio furniture on there. Then sit back and admire your job while enjoying the sunshine.
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20 Benefits of Steel in Buildings

Steel buildings and metal framed buildings have become the preferred construction types for today’s commercial, industrial, institutional and agricultural markets. Even home building is a growing market for steel or metal frame construction. And it’s no wonder!

Steel offers a large number of benefits to today’s building consumer. From economic (for some, the most important single factor) to functional versatility and flexiblilty, environmental, safety and even health factors, steel buildings provide purchasers with a comfort level that other construction methods can not match.

Below are 20 of the many benefits of steel and metal components in your new building:

1. Steel building components are manufactured to consistent quality and exacting tolerances.

2. Steel is manufactured to precise and uniform shapes.

3. There is no need for ‘culling’ or inspecting steel components for crown or twists.

4. Metal studs start out straight and stay straight without the warping, bowing, twisting, splitting, shrinking and popping knots.

5. Steel building components do not rot like wood construction can.

6. Steel is impermeable to termites, insects and rodents.

7. Steel does not promote mould and mildew.

8. Steel has one of the highest strength to weight ratios of all building materials.

9. Higher strength means that on-center distances can be wider in steel buildings reducing the amount of material and labor required – thus reducing costs.

10. Steel and metal framing can reach greater spans than other materials creating larger open spaces.

11. Steel strength allows for taller walls.

12. Metal and steel frames are lighter than traditional concrete and masonry leading to reduced footing and foundation requirements.

13. Steel and metal building components can be as much as 50% lighter than wood.

14. Steel can work well on its own or in combination with other materials.

15. Steel is non-combustible and will not add fuel to a fire.

16. In many cases your insurance premiums will be lower because of this.

17. Steel framing connections are much stronger than wood connections.

18. Steel can be engineered to meet the heavy seismic and wind loads required by building codes.

19. A steel or metal framed building produces much less waste than wood. An average wood framed home generates about 50 cubic feet of waste in the landfills compared to about 1.5 cubic feet for steel or metal.

20. Steel is 100% recyclable. 60 million tons of scrap steel are recycled every year which is more than paper, aluminum, glass and plastic combined.

Commercial Metal Buildings will take you directly to our page on commercial kits. Prefab Metal Building Kits is a website for potential purchasers and contractors alike. Visit http://www.prefabmetalbuildingkits.com for information on the types, manufacturers and uses of the various metal building kits. You will find information on equipment, tools and software as well.
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Various Uses of Limestone

Limestone is very popular and renowned in architecture, and has many samples around the world, particularly in North America and Europe, is made primarily of this material. So many manufactured buildings in Kingston, Ontario, Canada were manufactured from limestone, and it was named as Limestone City. Limestone is readily obtainable and comparatively easy to cut into blocks or more complicated carving. It is as well long-lasting and stands up well to any exposure.
Limestone is further used as a frontage on some of the skyscrapers, in way of thin plates for covering rather than solid blocks. In the United States, Indiana, and most remarkably the Bloomington area, has long been a source of high-class quarried limestone recognized as Indiana limestone. Many well-known buildings in London are created from Portland limestone.
Pure limestone could be more or less white in color. Due to its impurities, such as clay, organic remains, sand, and few other materials, much novel limestone’s come in various colors, particularly on weathered surfaces. Limestone might be crystalline, clastic, granular, or huge; all in fact depends on the system of formation. Folk and Dunham classifications are described more precisely when it comes to limestone.
Other uses include:
• He is a producer of quicklime and slaked lime. • Used for cement and mortar. • Pulverized limestone is used as a soil conditioner to offset acid soil conditions. • Crushed for use as collective - the solid base for many roads. • Geological arrangements of limestone are amid the best petroleum reservoirs • For glass making• Limestone is quarried for roadbeds; building and other landscape building, and cement manufacture.
As limestone is valuable natural resources, it is used to make things that we all require, such as concrete and glasses. Limestone was as well admired for building block in the middle ages. Many medieval churches and few other castles in Europe were created by limestone. Beer stone was also well-accepted form of limestone that were used for medieval buildings in Southern England.

Uma is a copywriter of http://www.cangelosi.com/Limestone_Formation.html She had written various articles in different topics on Granite countertops. Contact her at cangelosi2@gmail.com
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Concrete - How Concrete is Made and the History of Concrete

Concrete is the most widely used manmade product in the world. It powers a $35 billion industry, one of the largest on Earth. Concrete is used to make a variety of structures a which you use everyday.

Concrete is a construction material that consists of, in its most common form, cement, gravel and sand, and water. Concrete is the most highly used manmade product on Earth. It is used to make pavements, building structures, foundations, motorways/roads, overpasses, parking structures, brick/block walls and footings for gates, fences and poles. Approximately six billion cubic metres of concrete are produced every year, which is one cubic metre per person on Earth! Concrete commands a $35 billion worldwide industry and employs, in the United States alone, 2 million people.

The origins of concrete can be traced back to the Babylonians, who used a clay-mix similar to concrete. However, the modern-day form of concrete was not invented till 1756, when British engineer John Smeaton pioneered the use of cement in concrete. His ingredients included pebbles and powdered brick as aggregate. Nowadays, recycled materials are becoming increasingly more popular as ingredients in concrete due to higher public awareness about ecological sustainability and environmental damage.

The composition of concrete is traditionally relatively simple. However, modern concrete is often a complicated mix, ensuring durability and longevity. Cement is the main ingredient in concrete. Portland cement is the most common cement in circulation, which is just a basic mix of mortar and plaster.

Water is another ingredient in the manufacture of concrete. The w/c ratio (mass ratio of water to cement) is the key factor that determines the strength of Concrete. A lower w/c ratio will yield a concrete which is stronger, while a higher w/c ratio yields a concrete with a lower strength. Water also affects the workability and consistency of a concrete.This water and cement paste hardens over time, and both fine and coarse aggregates are added to provide bulk. Widely used aggregates include sand, gravel and crushed stone. Decorative stones such as, small river stones or crushed glass are sometimes added to the surface of concrete for a decorative "exposed aggregate" finish, popular among landscape designers.

Ad mixtures are also added to a concrete mix to give it certain characteristics not obtainable by basic production. Admixtures come in powder or paste form and generally consist of no more than 5% of the entire mixture.Concrete has many characteristics including:

Workability – ability to mould to certain shapes
Curing – keeping concrete under certain conditions till it hydrates
Strength – high compressive strength, low tensile strength
Elasticity – relatively low
Expansion and shrinkage – provisions must be made for both
Cracking – abnormal drying rate will result in cracks
Creep – the permanent movement of a slab of concrete

Concrete is used for many structures. Mass concrete structures are structures built with one, giant concrete slab so that there are no weak points, such as dams or shelters. Reinforced concrete structures have bars of steel running through the concrete to ensure strength and stability. Pre stressed concrete structures have a predetermined stress level which will never be exceeded, as they will only carry their own weight. Concrete is an amazingly versatile material. Whether you are building some of the largest structures in the world or a small pathway, the evolution and discovery of concrete has changed our world

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hayden_Branston

Metal Roofing Building Materials - Protect Your Home

Metal roofing building materials seem to be in demand at the moment. Metal roofing seems to be one of the fashionable trends for homeowners with the virtues of metal roofing building materials being broadcast far and wide. They can be used to fit a roof on both big and small structures alike and builders enjoy using various building supplies to achieve the effects that any given client wants. That includes performance, aesthetic appearance and the space that various materials can give. Metal roofing building materials are especially useful because they actually control the energy distribution in any given home.

Metal roofing building materials can really brighten up the look of a place because architects can use various different materials to achieve different effects. They also come in a wide variety of colours and so can be tailored to fit in with the existing look of a building as well as altering the look completely if home renovations are in order. Metal roofing building materials are fantastic for ensuring that the roof you have on is safe and will not cause you health problems later on in life as well!

You can get metal roofing building materials made in a wide range of metals too. Steel, aluminium and copper are all popular because they are generally made of recycled products and are easily coated to prevent degradation as well as achieving the best possible look. As a result of their recycled content, they can be incredibly cheap and can also be recycled when they have served their purpose.

Metal roofing building materials can really enhance the living quality of any homeowner and may also reduce the costs of running the house effectively. Metal roofing building materials can keep heat in because they reflect it and thus may actually reduce energy and heating bills within just a few days of installation. However, if you do invest in materials that are prone to rusting, you may want to invest in a coat layer as well. Zinc is excellent for that purpose, as is aluminum coating. The latter has a warranty of twenty years and thus you have peace of mind that nothing will happen to your roof!

Metal roofing building materials are extremely environmentally friendly for the reasons outlined regarding energy bills and can enhance the longevity of your structure, but they are becoming more and more sophisticated to keep up with the latest technological innovations as well as the wants and needs of homeowners. As a result, they are improving homes all over the country as we speak. If you are planning to give your roof an overhaul then you should check out the benefits that metal roofing building materials would bring you.

You can also find more info on Sheet Metal Roofing and Types Of Metal Roofing. Homeroofinghelp.com is a comprehensive resource to known about metal roofing.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wade_Robins

Building materials group Saint-Gobain acquires unit from rival

New Cement Combo in South China

Building Materials Recycled - What You Really Need To Know Guide.

The cost of some home repair can be overwhelming for many homeowners. Even people who choose to do their own home improvement projects may find that supplies often carry a huge price tag. However, confident homeowners will often have building materials recycled throughout their houses.

One such couple taught me a great lesson when it comes to incorporating building materials recycled from condemned houses. The older construction supplies add attraction and character to just about any house. Even modern homes can benefit from building materials recycled throughout the structure.

Modern homes do not necessarily need brand new construction elements in order to maintain their cutting edge designs. Many of the building materials recycled in newer homes are never detected because these elements are tucked away within the walls of the structure.

No one needs to know that the wood beams that support the walls in the home actually came from another structure. The cost of recycling construction materials is quite inexpensive compared to the cost of buying new. Also, the quality of the older material is often superior.

Consider many of the older homes you have entered. They are usually very solid and strong. Many newer homes seem weak in comparison because they are typically built as quickly and as cheaply as possible. The walls seem thinner and the overall structures of newer homes often seem hollow and weak if they are mass produced.

Building materials recycled from homes that were built to last can help anyone building a new home from the foundation. These used construction components provide solid strength and stability in the structure. They also provide character as well.

One couple built their home from the ground up and they shower building materials recycled from old homes throughout the structure. These elements included a very old staircase that is truly breathtaking in design. The complex details in the carved wood would cost a truthful fortune to reproduce.

You will occasionally spot the building materials recycled from other structures here and there. Old wooden beams support the family room giving the area solid character and charm. Other used elements are hidden deep within the thick walls of the home providing strength at a part of the cost.

Also, people who want to repair their home may want to consider using used construction supplies as well. The building materials recycled from the very home that is being modernized can save the homeowners quite a bit of money as well. It also helps to maintain a consistent feel in the home rather than the ‘new’ area verse the ‘old’ area of the home.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com About the Author:Linda E. Joy provides readers with up-to-date commentaries, articles, and reviews for home, family as well as related information.

Use Paving Stones For Your Patio

Building an outdoor area onto your home can be an expensive proposition. Whether you are thinking about putting in a patio or an outdoor kitchen, the material will usually be quite expensive and the labor it takes to build it even more so. Wood decks and the like are also permanent structures, so those who decide that they do not like how the project turned out are simply stuck with the results. In addition, those who are renting are not allowed to add these structures to the property.

One way in which more and more people are skirting the problems posed by traditional outdoor extensions is by creating them using what are called paving stones or pavers. When you are creating and building your deck, any type of mistake will lead to considerable added expense. A missed cut in the wood, or a misjudged joint, will result not only in more time taken to correct the problem, but also in the added cost of the wasted materials. With pavers, the cost of mistakes is greatly reduced. In addition, the mistakes themselves are reduced as they are easier to work with that wood is.

Many people who add additions to their homes do so without first considering their neighbors. In many modern neighborhoods, there are strict rules governing what can be added to the home. These regulations include the size of the addition, the foundation requirements, and in some cases even the material to be used are regulated. Ignorance of these rules might mean that the entire project is a waste in the case of a neighbor complaint and the resulting investigation finding that you did not build according to code. So make sure to check your local bylaws for just what you are allowed to do. The good news for those who use pavers is that they are permitted by most building codes. If you are building a wood deck, make sure that there is no possibility of runoff or standing water that will rot the material or cause disfigurment. Again, pavers negate this risk as they are not biodegradable.

A lot of the time upon completion of a project, the owner of the house realizes that something just does not fit right. The deck is not showing off the landscaping to the best effect, or worse is in the way of the natural expansion of the outside decor. A deck that is built and feels cramped is very counter productive, as decks are added to give a little bit of extra space to a home. Pavers address both of these issues. Paving stones can be moved around in order to expand or contract the deck area, and to increase th eview ofa lawn and garden.

For those who rent, check with the landlord before attempting any improvements. You might want to keep in mind that any additions you make will in the end only benefit the owner, so expansion should be minimal. Most landlords are okay with the use of paving stones, though, as they can be easily moved when a current tenant vacates. Also, if the tenant wishes, he can take the material with him to the new residence!

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com


About the Author:Focusing on the topic of remodeling, Peter J. Mason wrote largely for www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com . You might come across his publications on kitchen cabinets over at www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com .

Found Asbestos At Work - What Next?

Asbestos starts life as a mineral found in certain rocks, mainly in South America. It is fibrous in nature and has fire retardant properties. Asbestos has been widely used as a building material for over 100 years. It can be found in cement pipes and sheets as a reinforcing agent. These asbestos cement products can be found in many schools, factories and homes. Asbestos was also used to make floor tiles and as insulation lagging on hot water pipes.

Over the past 20 -30 years researchers and medical opinion has united against any asbestos use at all. Asbestos containing materials let asbestos fibers off into the air. These fibers lodge in the lungs of people working and living in the building and cause a disease called asbestosis, or mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is an incurable cancer of the lung. It only takes one asbestos fiber in the lung to cause asbestosis. Asbestos workers are the people most affected by asbestosis and mesothelioma. People who worked in construction and ship building in the 1950s and 1960s are also commonly affected.

The detection and removal of asbestos from buildings is a specialized task, which must only be carried out by licensed contractors.

The untrained individual may have suspicions whether or not asbestos is present in a material, but laboratory analysis is the only way to be certain. This is expensive, and many employers will have to be cajoled into having an asbestos survey carried out.

If asbestos is found then the removal is very expensive. Employers sometimes employ non-specialists to rip out the offending material, before even testing for asbestos. The old floor tiles or pipes can then just be dumped, without the extra expense of taking it to a licensed asbestos disposal site. While all this is happening, if asbestos is present, the air in the building is full of tiny asbestos fibers, all getting into the lungs of people working there.

There are regulations governing what kind of bags can be used to dispose of asbestos waste and where those bags are taken. All workers must be fully protected from asbestos fibers while working. The affected parts of the building will be sealed while the work is in progress.

Asbestos has been replaced as a building material, and as a filler or reinforcing agent, by glass fiber and rock wool. Both materials have many of the properties asbestos has, but are generally considered less harmful.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com


About the Author:Loreno Lepe has a background in the chemical and construction industries. For more chemical engineering related information check out Asbestos or Effluent Control

The Benefits Of Building With Steel

Steel is a construction material that has been around for a long time. In recent decades, though, it has become more widely accepted as an easy and even obvious choice for everyday construction projects. This means that it is no longer something found only in the modern skyscrapers in big cities. Steel buildings are popping up all over the place and, these days, it isn’t just the building’s frame that is using this material.

In an age where people need things built quickly at the lowest possible price, buildings are no exception. From sheds to warehouses to stores, people can now buy what are virtually pre-made structures. Whether sold as a kit or a made to order design, these buildings have one thing in common. They can be delivered and built in a very short time frame and at a very low cost.

The companies that offer this kind of product operate in different ways. Some are set up to do everything and anything the consumer wants. This means they will make a design based on individual needs. They will forge the steal to fit that design, deliver the pieces and then put it all together. Other companies offer a readymade assortment of designs, but from there they operate the same. Another common approach is to offer the designs readymade in a take home kit. With this, the consumer chooses the type of structure they want. They are then delivered all the necessary components and are left to pretty much erect the building themselves.

In any case the end result is a sturdy and secure structure that is made to meet a variety of needs. These types of buildings can even be insulated in any way that meets the client’s demands. Finally, depending on the climate it is going to be built in, various coatings can be added to the outside of the steel. This means the buildings are going to last.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
About the Author:steelbuildingworld.com has many steel building kits articles and steel storage buildings info

Green Building Elements: Brick

By Philip Proefrock

Brick may not be the first thing that springs to mind when we talk about green building. But there are qualities that bricks posess that make them worth considering as a green building material.

For starters, let’s take a look at the materials that go into brick: clay and water. That’s it. No complex chemicals, no exotic compounds, no imported components. At the end of its life, a brick is effectively just a manufactured clay stone with a special shape. It breaks down into earth since it comes from earth. Clay mining is comparatively benign, compared to ore mining for metals, which requires far more material to be extracted and processed to produce the finished product. Clay is not a resource that is in short supply, which makes it a more attractive material to use, as well.

The main reason brick isn’t an even greener building material is that it takes a lot of energy to make a brick. However, the extra energy is relative. An Australian government website comparing wood siding to brick veneer shows that exterior walls with the same backing construction with brick have about three times as much embodied energy per unit of wall area. (A timber board clad wall takes 188 MJ per square meter; brick veneer requires 561 MJ per square meter.) The tradeoff is in durability and maintenance. Brick is much lower maintenance than other materials. Most brick will last for generations with only some minor tuckpointing to repair joints.

A 100-year old building is considered old by North American standards. While a wood sided building will have been repainted many times and have had repairs and replacement of parts that have broken down over that period, the brick on a brick building of the same vintage will be little changed from the day it was first laid in place. Durability is another hallmark of green building, and a brick building that is properly designed and constructed and maintained can last for centuries.

A list of the benefits of brick comes from the Sustainability Resources website of the Denver Chapter of the AIA:

Durability: Brick is resistant to damage from wind and water, and does not need additional finishes.
Compressive Strength: Brick can carry heavy loads, but it is often used as a veneer over a separate structural system because of cost. Many brick manufacturers provide larger brick sizes to be used in a single wythe (layer) for load bearing.
Acoustical Performance: Brick’s mass makes it good for reducing sound transmission; however, its hard surface reflects sound.
Chemical Makeup: Brick’s raw materials are chemically inert; consequently, they will not contribute to indoor air pollution.
Fire-Protection: Brick is nonflammable and makes an excellent fire barrier.
Brick and other masonry products are heavy and dense. While this makes them durable building materials, it also makes transporting them an energy-intensive process. The best way to deal with this is to use locally produced brick. In regions where brick is widely used, sources within a couple hundred miles should be easy to find. If brick is not widely used in your area, it is probably less appropriate to use, and the transportation energy required to obtain it should be considered.

Brick is also a recyclable material. Old brick walls can be carefully demolished and a high percentage of the individual bricks can be salvaged and re-used. The character and quality of good recycled brick can be very appealing, and good recycled brick sometimes even commands a higher price than some kinds of new brick. Depending on the market and the region you are in, recycled brick may or may not be readily available. But the energy from deconstruction and cleaning old brick is almost certainly less than that needed for making new brick, so extending the material life in this way is a great way to save the embodied energy and extend the life of this material.


http://greenoptions.com/2007/10/03/green_building_elements_brick

Three Things About Concrete

can be used in many ways in your new or in your existing home, most of the outdoor work, in the garden or the backyard, can be accomplished with the different kinds of concrete available on the market today. As with all other home improvement task you will learn that the prices and costs are very difference from one contractor to the other, and that there is almost nothing that can be done about reducing the price of material that you will use for your home improvement tasks.

Using concrete in your garden or the outdoors is recommended and high versatile, there are many different colors that you can use to later apply paint on your concrete so it will not have a boring look to it, and there are also new and modern designs in concrete that you can use for your own house.

The complexity and importance of concrete in modern society should never be underestimated. Looking into the bridges, roads, buildings, dams, and even aqueducts of several countries, we can see that they are all made of concrete.

But the sensitive, long, and tasking processes that the preparation of the concrete itself up to the erecting of scaffolds and bars to be filled up with concrete are not entirely simplistic. Even proper coordination among contractors should be well noted.

Just like what roofing contractors do to most modern structures to ensure its durability, concrete to fill up scaffolds for building walls are also gauged and scrutinized by the so-called concrete contractors.

Before we deal with concrete contractors, the following paragraph summarizes the matters-of-great importance regarding concrete. Concrete contractors should enforce security.

To avoid additional costs because of negligence, concrete contractors must ensure that the work-area is equipped with safety materials especially for the workers. Materials and equipment should be checked for contamination and efficiency, respectively.

Concrete contractors should serve the customers efficiently. Concrete contractors must provide their customers with the list of available aggregates, its advantages and disadvantages, and the budget allocation for each. They must be able to make the customers realize that the materials they use for concrete construction will result in the efficiency of the structure.

Concrete contractors must work with other contractors.
Finally, to ensure that the building will be sturdy and durable, concrete contractors must have a constant communication with architects, engineers, roof contractors, and even brick contractors, among others.

It suffices to say that building structures on concrete are common but the things concrete contractors must do should be well explained to those involved in building industries or even to those who are planning to have their dream house built, you should have a clear idea of what is about to be done and the time frame in which it should be completed.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com


About the Author:
Concrete is one of the most important building materials out there. Learn how to choose a Concrete Contractor and more at concrete.zupatips.com

Wholesale building Materials and the Process of Building a Home

Below is a process to get things started in the right in direction.

Get a loan

Your second step is getting the land and checking the zones.

Customize the floor plan by hiring the interior designer. they will help in cusotmization of the project.

Fourth is locate an architect to get together house building materials and move the project forward.

When having an interior design team it is best to work together to design the floor plan. Depending on the amount of space needed these should be unique put together for your needs.

As soon as you have the floor plan you will have the ability to receive the architect blue prints. These blueprints will usually be part of the quote to avoid the hock of pricing.

For wholesale materials, you prices will of course vary depending on the different ones you will be needing. Try looking into wholesale building material companies. Most do not know but these type of companies are constantly working with architects and contractors to find the best quality building materials at who.

You can find outside deck building materials, decking, drywall supplier, lumber, and so much more.

How about the costs and research for surplus building materials?

As we all know the better building material... the better success of the project. Finding materials can be strenuos bubt if done well can be a huge benefit. It is not difficult to discover the right wholesale builing material suppliers.. one will just need to look on the internet. Most building material companies will be more than willing to help and have great services and insight.

Price depends on builder. Most builders will do the work in their comfort area. As for materials they use it will be in their comfort zone. For quality of products.. you will have some who use cheap products and materials and other use the best quality. Where they get their building materials from is what will make the difference. If a product is affordable it does not represent a low quality product. The builder will have the right sources and player to use to get the right materials.

Having the right materials, technology and methods are what master builders specialize in. They should keep up with the latest news and products available to help their clients. This will create a standout building to the rest. One who knows how to find discount building materials that is the best quality to get the project done rapidly.

A project deadline is important as is the materials used for the project. Research companies who offer wholesale building supplies as they can give you some great prices and may even be able to buy your products from you.

Source: http://www.ArticleOnRamp.com

Recycled Building Materials

In recent years, more and more people are becoming aware of environmental issues. This can be seen in how environmental issues have become the centers of debates that cover a wide range of issues such as economics and governance. Given this awareness, businesses have developed new ways to present their products, not only with the aim of appealing to a more “environmentally aware” market, but also with the aim of doing their part in preserving the scarce resources of the planet. One of the industries that has done so is the home building industry. It has made strides in coming up with new ways to build homes in an environment-friendly way. One of these is the use of recycled building materials.

Recycled steel

In recent times, steel buildings have become a more popular choice among builders because of a number of factors. Some of these include the fact that steel buildings cost less to build, they are lighter than other materials, they are easier to maintain and the risk of fire is greatly reduced. Other benefits include being resistant to termites, being stronger than most materials and the capacity to withstand extreme weather conditions.

However, it is not only because of these that steel buildings are becoming a more popular choice among builders. This is because one of the important reasons why steel is preferred is because steel is recyclable, which makes it the more cost efficient and environmentally sound choice of building materials. Estimates show that steel is 66 percent recyclable, which makes it a better option compared to wood. This is because estimates also show that it would take about 50 well-developed trees to build a two thousand square foot home as compared to using recycled steel which would only amount to about six scrapped cars to build the same house.

Environmental issues have not only taken center stage in debates, as they have also become one of the main concerns of businesses in developing new products. This is very true in the home building industry, where the use of recycled steel as a way of building houses in an environment friendly way is becoming the preferred option for both homeowners and business owners in meeting their building needs.

Building Materials provides detailed information on Building Materials, Building Material Manufacturers, Recycled Building Materials, Deck Building Materials and more. Building Materials is affiliated with Home Buildings.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Morva

Types of Building Materials

Cement, bricks and tiles are the main building materials used in the construction of buildings. Today, increase in the demand for various building materials have led to many building material manufacturing companies. Many new building materials are environmental hazards, which have become a big concern to all.

Traditionally, the basic types of building materials used for construction were mud, stone and brush. Mud was used for filling the spaces between bricks and acted as a concrete and insulation. Centuries ago, houses were made entirely of dirt and clay. This was followed by the use of rocks (mainly granite) as building material. From the Neolithic period through the medieval age to modern times, granite has been commonly used as a building material. Brush structures were commonly seen in tropical areas and were made entirely from plant parts such as branches, bark, twigs and leaves. These structures were often used by Native Americans as resting places.

Stones and bricks were also common in construction. Different types of bricks have been and are still used for masonry. This includes specially shaped bricks for joints, striking and tooling, as well as glazed or rubbed bricks for decorative purposes.

Thatch is one of the oldest types of building material used for roofing. Another generic building material is wood. Because of the diverse character of different types of wood, it can be used for any type of structure in most climates. Even though wood structures were very common in earlier times, they disappeared with the approach of concrete structures.

Concrete is a composite building material comprised of aggregate and a binder (cement). Concrete finds good use in all types of building construction. Fly ash is a major ingredient in the concrete mix because of its lightweight and high thermal insulation.

More recently, new types of building materials are being used. These include metals (for the structural framework of larger buildings), plastics, asbestos and fabrics. Tar-based waterproof materials, paper linoleum, polyvinyl chloride clay and solvent coatings for inner wall are other building materials.

Building Materials provides detailed information on Building Materials, Building Material Manufacturers, Recycled Building Materials, Deck Building Materials and more. Building Materials is affiliated with Home Buildings.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Morva