Investing in a property is a massive milestone in a person’s life. You would want it to be more durable to get a greater return. Since the end of the stone age, men have been trying to find different ways to build homes that can last a long time.
Building a durable house is challenging, considering the changing weather and its impact on the housing. Then how can you make a more durable home in such changing conditions? The answer lies within the very roots of the house. It all comes down to what you choose to build your home.
While builders and architects have come up with many creative building materials, the key to going the distance is still traditional materials. If you are looking for suitable materials, you are in the right place. This post describes the best building materials and how to maintain them to make your home durable.
Oak
Oak is the finest product to use if you want to build a home from scratch, renovate, or expand. This is due to its high durability, earthy feel, excellent texture, beautiful appearance, robustness, and water resistance. Besides, it is the most preferred material among constructors and carpenters due to its ability to support joists and bases like no other material in the bracket.
Since oak gets stronger as it ages, investing in oak frame kits to build garages, porches, or an entire house is a smart move. These frames are indestructible and last for many decades. Besides, it requires minimal care because it is immune to decay, rot, and termites.
The only downside to using this material is its high cost. And why shouldn’t it be? After all, it is long-lasting and permanent. Additionally, it does not require any chemical processes, which makes it environmentally friendly as well.
Wood
Wood is a lightweight building material apt for creating long-lasting homes. The best part about wood is that you can either use it as a standalone primary material or in combination with others. For instance, interior designers have always preferred wood to enhance the look of your house.
There are a few disadvantages to wood, though. As you might know, where there is wood, there are chances of bugs. Wood is also prone to rot, fire, and decay. However, wood is now treated to prevent such issues and to provide considerably greater robustness.
Brick
Brick is one of the oldest and most widely used construction materials. It is not only long-lasting but also immune to fire and weather. Even on scorching summer days, brick buildings keep a cool temperature. Hence, it will help you save a considerable amount of money on bills. However, because it is a premium material, it is expensive. It is also not water-resistant and is available in a limited number of varieties. Since it lacks visual appeal, you should consider brick if you are looking for longevity.
Stone
Stone is everything excellent, but it is also quite pricey. However, it is worthwhile to construct your home out of stone. It is damage-free because it can survive fire, harsh weather conditions, distortion, termites, and fungi. It can even sustain a significant amount of weight, making it the most durable building material.
Stone is also the most environmentally friendly building material since it does not require any chemical treatment. Besides, it takes little care, and its visual appeal can be preserved for many years. In addition, it keeps the house cozy in the winter and adequately ventilated in the summer.
Concrete
Concrete is the most commonly used building material because it can be formed into any shape. It combines sand, stone, cement, and binders that harden to provide tremendous strength. It’s no surprise that it is utilized in beams, slabs, foundations, walls, frames, and pretty much everything else. However, only precast concrete may be used since it has tensile support. Concrete is not sensitive to expansion or contraction and can resist water and absorb no heat.
Steel
The best thing about choosing steel is that it is recyclable, simple to construct, and quick to install. It provides incredible strength and is hence the finest material to be used as a foundation. Try it if you want something particularly long-lasting. However, it must be properly maintained and cared for because it can erode in a couple of years. Choose coated or galvanized steel to avoid wear and tear. This also simplifies maintenance and saves you money on repairs.
Don’t be tempted by the variety and low prices because you’re building a home, which is a one-time investment. Don’t worry about the look and feel; you can make your house aesthetically beautiful in other ways. When it comes to pricing, don’t allow the high cost to discourage you. If you can’t afford it, then wait, save up, and plan to construct a house later, as it will save you a lot of money on repairs and maintenance in the long run.
