Synthetic materials like plastics, composites and urethane are popular in products like roof shingles, siding, replacement windows and block windows. These man-made materials offer advantages such as flexibility, durability and chemical inertness.
Natural materials, when sourced and managed sustainably, can be more environmentally friendly than synthetics. They can also be stronger and more durable than synthetics.
1. Durability
Choosing durable building materials helps save money in the long run. It also minimizes the need for repairs and replacements, which can deplete natural resources and cause environmental damage. Durability is an important property of a building material and it can be measured by its ability to withstand weathering, chemical attacks and other forms of degradation.
Synthetic products, such as vinyl siding and fencing, composites, polymer or urethane roofing, and insulated block windows are becoming more popular in the construction industry due to their durability. Many of these products are also more cost-efficient, easy to install and can stand up to the elements for a longer period of time than traditional building materials.
Other advantages of synthetic materials are their ease of fabrication and their unique optical properties. For example, plastic can be molded into intricate shapes that would be difficult or impossible to create with natural materials. Additionally, using recycled materials in a project decreases embodied energy and mitigates the need for waste disposal. EuroPlas’ bioplastic filler masterbatch can help make these projects more sustainable.
2. Low Maintenance
In addition to their durability, many synthetic materials require less maintenance than traditional natural products. This makes them popular choices for homeowners looking to save time and money on upkeep. For instance, vinyl siding and window replacements are a low-maintenance building material that resists the damage caused by weather elements. They are also easy to clean and are free from the sagging, staining, warping, cracking and fading that often come with natural wood.
Other common synthetic home products include urethane ceiling beams, PVC decorative trim pieces and acrylic block windows. These lightweight products are easier to install than heavier, more traditional options. In fact, homeowners who choose to use these products may qualify for tax credits and insurance discounts.
Additionally, synthetic fibers are less likely to attract moths, mildew, fungus or other insects. They are also easier to clean and dry than their natural counterparts. Plus, they require less water for production – helping to reduce the impact on global water scarcity. This is especially important in areas where droughts and climate change are a concern.
3. Eco-Friendly
Unlike natural materials, which can release harmful chemicals into the air as they degrade, synthetic products do not. They also require less energy to produce than natural materials, which can be beneficial for the environment.
Additionally, many synthetic materials, such as plastics, can be recycled and used again. This is a great way to reduce waste and promote a sustainable economy.
In addition, some synthetic materials, like straw, are sourced from farmers who would otherwise burn this material as waste. By repurposing this material into insulating wall and ceiling panels, the embodied carbon that was initially released back into the atmosphere is retained and recycled.
Additionally, many synthetic products can be fabricated with consistent quality and exacting design details. This allows builders to create more sustainable buildings with less material waste. This is especially beneficial for projects that involve the use of expensive natural resources, such as timber and masonry. Gone are the days when heavy wood trim was hung in homes, only to be replaced later due to rotting and insect infestation. Instead, lightweight synthetic urethane and PVC decorative trim pieces are commonly found in new homes.
4. Cost-Effective
Aside from their durability and ease of maintenance, synthetic materials are often less expensive than natural alternatives. This makes them an excellent choice for those on a tight budget.
From roof shingles to siding, vinyl railings and block windows, synthetic building products have become a regular feature in homes today. Many people prefer them over traditional wood trim pieces because they aren’t attacked by termites, are resistant to damage from the elements and are much lighter in weight than their counterparts, which reduces dead load and makes them easier to install.
In addition to being cost-efficient, synthetic building materials are also better for the environment than their natural counterparts. This is because they require less energy to manufacture and produce fewer greenhouse gases. Additionally, many synthetic materials are made from recycled and renewable resources, making them a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based products.
Another advantage of using sustainable materials is that they are free from harmful chemicals and may even be self-healing. This helps to improve indoor air quality and provides a healthier home for residents.
5. Environmentally Friendly
Although synthetic materials are often easier to fabricate, they can also be harmful to the environment and can release toxic chemicals into the air. These toxic chemicals can be both macro and micro pollutants. The macro aspect involves the environmental damage caused by the extraction industries building materials rely on, including mining, petroleum, and logging. Micro pollutants include the chemical off-gassing from the materials themselves and the effects on a building’s occupants’ health.
Sustainable and eco-friendly building materials produce fewer pollutants when they are sourced, manufactured, shipped, and installed in a building. They may also help reduce a building’s carbon footprint by reducing its energy usage, for example, by being more insulative or by using recycled materials in construction.
Choosing sustainable materials also helps to prevent deforestation, which reduces carbon dioxide in the air and has other positive effects on the environment. Lastly, sustainable and eco-friendly materials are often nontoxic and don’t emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, which can improve indoor air quality. These qualities make sustainable building materials a popular choice for homeowners and developers alike.