Building Materials for Extreme Weather Conditions
When constructing a building, you want it to be able to resist damage from extreme heat and cold, heavy rains, high winds, and other natural disasters. Choosing the right construction materials can make all the difference.
Steel is a durable and sturdy construction material that can hold up well in high winds. It also offers good ductility, meaning it can bend without breaking or cracking.
Concrete
Harsh rains, extreme winds and other natural disasters can wreak havoc on buildings, costing money to repair and putting the safety of people inside at risk. Durable construction materials can help protect buildings from such damage. Concrete is one of the most durable building materials.
It’s a good choice for buildings located in areas prone to floods, hurricanes and tornadoes. Concrete is non-combustible, which means it’s able to resist fire damage, and can withstand the high winds that can come with these natural disasters.
Concrete is also a good choice for cold climates because it’s an effective insulator. When used in walls, it helps keep a home warmer and reduces energy costs by cutting down on heat loss. When choosing concrete, look for products that have been recycled or are sourced from a sustainable source, such as fly ash, slag and ground vehicle tires. These materials not only reduce carbon emissions, but they also increase the strength and durability of concrete.
Another way to make a building more resistant to harsh weather conditions is by using insulated concrete forms, or ICFs. ICFs are made from Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) rigid insulation blocks separated by plastic webbing that serve as an integrated form for pouring concrete. The blocks are then placed on foundations and finishes like siding or drywall are attached to fastener strips lodged in the concrete.
Wood
For centuries, wood has been a preferred building material for its durability and timeless beauty. It is also an excellent insulator that can withstand extreme temperature changes and humidity levels. Wood is also highly flexible, a key factor for structures that must flex to accommodate changing weather conditions. Additionally, it has highly-sought-after acoustic properties that can absorb sound and echos.
However, when it comes to building in harsh climates, timber can become damaged if exposed to high heat stress that causes it to change dimensions. This can lead to cracks, warping and other structural damage that can be costly for owners. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent this from happening, such as incorporating thermal insulation and using a vapor barrier.
There are several different types of wood that can withstand varying weather conditions, including cedar, mahogany, and pine. Some of these woods are also treated with chemical solutions that make them resistant to insects and rot. Regardless of the type of wood used, it is crucial to ensure that the timber is well-treated with a water-based preservative before it is assembled into buildings.
A growing number of builders are relying on innovative construction materials to help build more resilient and sustainable structures. Some of these innovations include plant-based concrete and hempcrete, which can be cast into walls and slabs or pre-manufactured as blocks and bricks. These alternatives to traditional concrete and lumber offer a more environmentally friendly option while still providing strength, insulation, and fire resistance.
Brick
Brick is a commonly used building material, especially in North America. It’s long-lasting, completely weatherproof and can resist harsh conditions such as cyclones and wild fires. Brick can also be termite resistant, if built properly.
Bricks are regular size rectangular units that are joined by cementitious mortar (larger building blocks are often called “blocks”). The color of brick depends on the temperature and duration of firing during manufacturing. Clay is the most common brick material, but calcium silicate and fly ash bricks are also available.
First class bricks have a molded bark texture face and have excellent strength and durability. They are easy to handle and are a good choice for most residential applications. Second class bricks have an under burnt or slightly over burnt appearance with limited efflorescence and a higher than average crushing strength.
Third class bricks have a sand face with a rounded or square shape. These are generally less expensive than first and second class bricks.
Thin brick is usually used for commercial and industrial buildings. It has low embodied energy and is available in an array of colors. Its durability and low maintenance are attractive to many homeowners, and it can contribute to the protection of a house from natural disasters and fire damage. Its sound-deadening qualities can help block noise from traffic, airplanes and other disruptions.
Metal
The most resilient building material for a variety of extreme weather conditions is metal. Specifically, pre-engineered steel buildings are designed for durability, making them ideal for areas prone to high winds, heavy snowfall, and hurricanes. A key aspect of a building that holds up well to harsh weather is the roof. Different roof styles provide different benefits for weather resistance, such as pitched roofs that shed rain and snow more effectively than flat roofs.
A sturdy foundation is also important for a metal building. Pre-engineered steel buildings are built on a strong foundation system that includes rebar, which creates a base to hold the weight of the structure. Additionally, the rebar is reinforced with concrete to provide additional strength and support.
Another advantage of a metal building is that it’s non-combustible, which helps reduce the risk of fire during a severe storm or tornado. Additionally, metal can be coated with reflective coatings to reflect solar heat and keep the interior cool during a heat wave.