New Building Materials Used in Residential Homes

Posted by Justin Havre on Monday, November 5th, 2018 at 8:19am.

How to Use Modern Materials for Your HomeResidential building has changed a lot over the years. Modern homeowners often seek ways to make their homes more efficient, sustainable and easy to maintain. To keep up with this demand, new materials are being invented all the time. Here's what you need to know about the latest building materials available on the market today.

Countertops

Countertops have changed a lot over the years. Many years ago, Formica was the go-to product for homeowners who wanted a modern, easy to maintain countertop material. In recent decades, new countertop materials have proved to be even more durable and easier to maintain.

Recycled Glass

Recycled glass countertops are made up of crushed pieces of recycled glass bound together by a resin. These countertops come in different colours to match different kitchens. In addition to being environmentally friendly, recycled glass countertops are also unique in appearance, highly durable and easy to maintain.

Engineered Stone

Engineered stone is made up of crushed stone bound by adhesive, so it's part natural material and part man-made. Engineered stone is popularly made out of crushed quartz, which can be coloured and arranged to resemble other types of stone like marble and granite. Homeowners prefer engineered stone to natural stone because it has all the aesthetic appeal of natural stone, and virtually none of the maintenance. According to Bintheredumpthat.com, engineered stone is environmentally friendly as they last over time and you can't recycle.

Flooring

There are many types of flooring, however, hardwood floors are the gold standard for flooring, but this material has its downsides. Hardwood is easily damaged and needs to be refinished periodically. Homeowners who want the look of hardwood but who don't like the maintenance and other shortcomings can turn to these modern materials as an alternative.

Wood-Look Ceramic Tile

Wood-look ceramic tile is made of ceramic tiles that have been coloured and textured to closely resemble hardwood flooring. Wood-look ceramic tiles of a few years ago did a poor job of mimicking hardwood, but in recent years the design has vastly improved. Homeowners like that wood-look ceramic tile needs little of the maintenance compared to hardwood, and it's more durable.

Cork

Cork has some of the look of hardwood, but it too is not quite the same. What homeowners like about cork is that it's made from a sustainable, natural material. Cork doesn't need to be refinished like hardwood, but unsealed cork must be sealed with polyurethane periodically in order to maintain moisture resistance.

Bamboo

Bamboo closely resembles hardwood, but it's a grass. It's also a sustainable material that is growing in popularity all the time. Bamboo, like hardwood, must be refinished periodically in order to maintain its beauty. It's also vulnerable to scratching and should not be cleaned with water, just like hardwood.

Siding

It seems like homeowners are always looking for an easy to maintain, innovative siding that looks natural and weathers well. Two modern types of exterior siding meet this criteria easily.

Fiber-Cement Siding

Fiber-cement siding is made up of sand, Portland cement and wood pulp. It's rot resistant, relatively affordable, durable and attractive. It can be molded to resemble natural siding products like wood or shingles, but requires less upkeep. Fiber-cement siding still needs to be painted periodically, but its still more durable than wood when exposed to the elements.

Engineered Wood Siding

Engineered wood siding is made up of wood strands combined with resin, shaped into a mold that closely resembles natural wood. Engineered wood siding is lighter, easier to install and easier to maintain than natural wood.

Roofing

Roofing has changed a lot over the centuries. Modern roofing types give emphasis to sustainability and energy-efficiency. Homeowners who seek modern roofing materials can find a variety of eco-friendly options on the market.

Synthetic Slate

Slate is a beautiful roofing product that has been around for centuries. People like slate because of its classic beauty and longevity, however, it does have its downsides. Natural slate is incredibly heavy, cracks easily and can be difficult to transport and install. Synthetic slate shingles are made to resemble natural slate, without these headaches. It's much lighter, easier to transport, easier to install and resistant to cracking. It's made up of materials like rubber and plastic, so it's 100% recyclable and thus considered a green alternative to slate.

Solar Shingles

Unlike solar panels, solar shingles are designed to look and function like standard shingles, protecting the roof from rain and other exterior elements. Similar to standard solar panels, solar shingles produce electricity to reduce a home's dependence on the electrical grid.

Work With Your Contractor or Home Builder

Modern materials can improve your Cranston new home property value and may make your home more attractive to buyers, if you decide to sell. If you're a homeowner who wants to use the latest materials to improve your existing home, or to build your future home, work with an experienced, reputable contractor. Your home builder or contractor can help you decide which materials are right for your project.

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