List of Low-Cost Building Materials – We all know how tedious building a house can get and all the expenses that come along with getting quality materials for our buildings. As much as we all aim for the best, we also desire to get this at fair prices without losing quality.Â
We know that desiring a thing is one and knowledge to actualize our desires is another. In this article, we will be showing you a list of low-cost building materials while still maintaining quality.
Classes of Building Materials
Before purchasing building materials, you should be aware of the classes of materials we have out there, to create a complete purchase balance. Low-cost building materials make the process of every building easier, enhancing the overall design, and reducing the cost, resulting in client pleasure.
Materials for buildings can be classified into two categories. Natural, raw materials, or prefabricated materials, which we have differentiated below:
prefabricated materials
- Concrete Blocks
- Fly Ash Hollow Bricks
- Aerated Autoclave Cement
- Shipment Containers
Natural Material
- Bamboo
- Compressed Earth Bricks
- Reinforced Mud Bricks
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Low-Cost Building Materials we can Alternate
In the selection of any material, Eco-friendly, sustainable, and durable building materials should be a major criterion for the first step in selecting low-cost building materials.
1. COB
Cob is a new sustainable building material. Although it has been around for centuries. Basically, it can be considered ancient, but somehow it is making its way to our modern world. Like straw and hemp, this material is made with a mixture of soil, water, and fiber.Â
It has been in existence for centuries, especially in Southwestern England, northern France, and Wales. This is an alternative means of saving money while making purchasing building materials. Due to the fragment of cob, most southern residents use it in their buildings. Not only is it affordable, but it is also sustainable.
Considering that cob does not need to be heat-treated and is made from soil sourced from the site, the historic building material can assist homeowners in both saving money and building more sustainably, with reduced carbon emissions and construction waste.Â
Although this material seems to be outdated, it holds a lot of value, from inexpensive purchases to low manpower consumption. Notwithstanding cob is also environmentally friendly. Despite its humble composition, cob offers impressive durability and structural strength.
The fibrous plant materials, such as straw, provide tensile strength, while the clay-rich soil acts as a binding agent, holding everything together. These characteristics make cob structures resistant to weathering, seismic activity, and fire. With proper maintenance, cob buildings can last for centuries.
2. Recycled Material
As the name implies, these are materials that have been used previously. It doesn’t mean they can’t be restructured. For Low-Cost Building Materials, we can consider using recycled materials in different areas of the house. As we mentioned earlier, it’s all about purchase balancing.
Aside from the environmental friendliness of these materials are durable. It is gaining popularity in recent times based on its efficiency. Moreover, it is often more cost-effective to salvage materials or purchase leftovers from other contractors rather than buy everything brand new.Â
Additionally, as many cities prioritize sustainable development, individuals who opt for recycled materials may find it easier to obtain expedited permits from city planners.”
3. Bamboo
We all know what bamboo is. This is a material that has stood through time.it is less expensive and extremely durable. It can be used in different ways. We can use it as a framing material or flooring material.Â
Bamboo has been in the past but most likely it is coming back as a future trend. Given that this material is extremely strong, it can be alternated with steel. It has been confirmed that houses built traditionally with bamboo can stand for over 35 to 40 years.Â
Then imagine a house professionally built. Aside from the fact that expertise plays a role in the duration of time a building with bamboo last, bamboo in itself is a resistive material. It can stand through storms and other environmental crises. Some people refer to this material as the poor man building material. But that isn’t the case.Â
Bamboo gives a neutral and eco-friendly feel to a building. So if you are considering getting Low-Cost Building Materials, bamboo shouldn’t be overlooked.
4. Straw Bales
In as much as this is not in regular demand or popular as it ought to be. Straw bales are significantly affordable materials we can incorporate into our buildings. They offer substantial advantages in terms of cost, human health, and environmental sustainability.Â
Although the construction of straw bales is not widely incorporated in present-day building practices, they are gaining momentum in certain regions of the United States. However, they seem to be a little pricy given our current reason for purchase and budgeting. It is important to know that they are relatively fire-resistant and energy-cost-efficient.
5. Fly Ash Bricks
Another alternative building material that has the potential to lower building costs and carbon footprints is fly ash bricks.
Fly ash, described as “the powdery by-product of burning coal,” is used to make fly ash bricks. to produce this substance, you have to blend fly ash with lime and water that resembles Portland cement in both look and function.Â
These bricks are significantly more environmentally friendly than regular red clay bricks because they are mostly made from waste.Â
Rathore claims that red clay brick production “contributes to 5 to 15% of national emissions” in India. Also, less expensive are fly ash bricks. Fly ash bricks will cost customers roughly 60% less than red clay bricks.
Why Should We Consider Low-Cost Building Materials?
The reason for alternating building resources can vary for everyone as much as needs are diverse. But we will be listing some fundamental reasons and essence for choosing Low-Cost Building Materials.
1. Affordability
We all know that low-cost building materials are often more affordable than traditional or high-end materials. This makes them suitable for people with limited financial resources or those on a tight budget. By opting for cost-effective materials, individuals and communities can reduce construction costs significantly.
2. Accessibility
Alternating to low-cost building materials makes resources readily available in local markets or nearby regions, sometimes within buildings sites. They can easily be sourced from local suppliers, reducing transportation costs and making them more accessible to a wider range of people. This can be especially beneficial in rural or remote areas where transportation infrastructure may be limited.
3. Sustainability
As explained earlier, most low-cost building materials‌ are environmentally friendly and promote sustainable construction practices. For example, using recycled materials or natural resources can reduce the ecological impact of construction projects. By choosing such materials, individuals can contribute to reducing waste and conserving resources.
4. Energy Efficiency
This is a major factor of consideration in whatever we are creating. Such as Cob, these materials help improve the energy efficiency of a building. Energy-efficient materials are often a wise investment, as they can lead to long-term cost savings and a smaller carbon footprint.
5. Social Impact
On our list, our list reason for considering Low-cost building materials is the impact they contribute socially. These materials play an essential role in addressing housing shortages and providing affordable housing options for underserved communities. By using these materials, governments, organizations, and individuals can contribute to social development and improve living conditions for those in need.
Majorly, alternating building materials for whatever reason almost always results in an eco-friendly environment. However, we should also take safety precautions in mind.
while low-cost building materials offer advantages in terms of affordability and accessibility, it’s essential to ensure that they meet the necessary safety and quality standards.Â
Proper research, testing, and consulting with experts are vital to ensure the durability and structural integrity of any construction project. We hope this has met your need.
