Innovative Building Materials Changing Construction

This impressive material sounds implausible but works just as the name suggests.

Construction once relied heavily on natural materials like wood, stone, and clay. This tradition, reaching thousands of years back, suddenly shifted in the 19th and 20th centuries when synthetic construction materials experienced a boom. However, many of them were less ideal than they appeared. And so, the search for better construction materials continues to this day.

Here is a look at some innovative building materials to look out for in the coming years:

Self-healing concrete

This impressive material sounds implausible but works just as the name suggests. The bacteria in the material create limestone, which fills the cracks common with concrete. This makes it significantly more durable and less costly to keep in good shape. Furthermore, concrete buildings that include this material will also last significantly longer.

Aerogels

Aerogels are gels that, instead of water, consist of gas. This has given them the nickname "frozen smoke." They're extremely lightweight and strong. Aerogels are exceptional insulators that can be used in almost anything from building insulation to clothes.

Transparent aluminum

In a sense, transparent aluminum is glass that doesn't shatter. It mixes metal's strength with the glass' transparency to create bulletproof windows and transparent structures that can withstand impact or even foot traffic.

Graphene

Graphene is an astonishing material–stronger than steel but more conductive than copper. It's not usually used as a construction material, but when combined with other materials, it makes them considerably stronger.

3D printing

3D printing is among the emerging technologies and has quickly grown in availability and application. It lets almost anyone with enough room, resin, or other material and a 3D printer create complex designs quickly. It's flexible, considerably reduces waste, and benefits DIY makers and professional construction.

Bamboo

Bamboo has been in use for a long time in many Asian countries, but it has seen greater use worldwide in recent years. It has many applications, like construction materials, furniture, and hygiene products. It's sustainable and sturdy, with many qualities of wood, but even quicker to grow. The strength and flexibility make it a solid alternative to wood and steel.

Smart glass

Smart glass can change its appearance depending on its surroundings, like becoming dimmer when hit by direct sunlight. At first, it was popular for smart eyewear, but it's also making its way into construction. It regulates a building's heating and cooling by controlling how much light and heat can enter the room.

The future of building materials

As time marches on, more innovative materials come to the market. Furthermore, the tendency to recycle and reuse in clever and innovative ways has also grown. If you want to renovate and try any of these materials, talk to a local contractor to find the best fit for the project.

Shewmake Home Solutions, LLC is a residential kitchen and bathroom remodeling expert in the Camino, CA, area, offering renovation and complete remodels.