What Makes Steel a Greener House Construction Material Than Concrete?

Construction & Contractors Blog

Deciding to build a home for your family is perhaps the biggest project you will ever undertake during your lifetime, so it is important to get things done properly. Of course, there are lots of details to take into account, but some factors will always take priority over others. If putting up a "green" home is a top priority for you, it is critical that you incorporate this into the design of your house. A "green" home is one that is significantly better than the average home with regards to its environmental impact. Simply put, a "green" design requires a building to minimise its impact on the environment.

In the modern era, steel buildings have become a popular alternative to concrete buildings. This is mainly because steel is considered to be a "greener" construction material than concrete. Read on below to understand why you should build your home with steel instead of concrete. 

Steel buildings can outlast concrete buildings.

One of the major factors that determine the eco-friendliness of modern structures is how long they can last. Generally speaking, structural steel is harder, tougher and more durable than concrete, meaning it can last longer. The longevity of a building material is an important parameter when it comes to determining the environmental impact of a building because structures that last longer minimise the rate at which more construction materials need to be produced to keep up with fresh demand. 

Steel can be used for new building construction.

On reaching the end of its lifespan, concrete can be crushed with a concrete crusher and used to install footpaths, driveways and other types of paving. However, recycled concrete cannot be used to manufacture concrete for new building construction purposes. At the end of its lifespan, steel components can be taken to a metal recycling plant where the material can be fully recycled and used to fabricate new construction products for a new building.

Steel buildings require less maintenance than concrete buildings.

Another guideline for choosing a green home construction material is the level of maintenance required over the life of the structure. Compared to concrete buildings, steel buildings generally require a lower level of upkeep. Unlike concrete, which requires regular crack repairs to remain structurally sound, steel components may last a lifetime without requiring upkeep. This makes steel buildings a more environmentally friendly option than their concrete counterparts.

Consultation with the right building design professionals is imperative if you want to build a house that minimises environmental impact, so make sure you talk to a building design expert before starting your home construction project.

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4 December 2017

Home Construction Ideas that Bring the Outdoors Indoors

If you're thinking about bringing elements of the outdoors into your home but you don't know how to go about it, you've come to the right place. I'm Betty, and I've been in the unfortunately predicament of having severe hay fever and allergies for much of my life. I got sick of loading myself up with anti-histamines just to experience the outdoors everyday, so I decided to look into home additions that would bring that feeling inside where I was safe from pollen. I spent a long time researching solariums, pools, and other constructions, and now I have the home—and life—of my dreams. And now I'm sharing the tips and ideas I've learned with you!