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Material World - Nature vs. Nurture
Although builders and designers have long had a love affair with
natural materials, in recent years more products born in the laboratory have
proven their worth in the world of construction. Often described as
composites or synthetic materials, today we find a wide variety of choices
for components used for everything from foundations, framing and exterior
finishes to interior moldings, flooring, cabinets and tops. Examples of
these materials include:
• Insulating Concrete Forms (ICF's) – There are a number of these systems
currently available all based around the similar concept of lightweight,
foam blocks that are assembled to act as forms for the construction of
poured concrete walls – used both above and below grade. Rather than using
conventional wood or steel forms that must be removed following the pouring
and curing of the concrete, these forms remain in place to provide
insulation for the completed structure.
• Structural Insulating Panels (SIP's) – Used for floor, wall and roof
panels, these components are used in lieu of conventional stick framing.
Typically assembled in panel sections to be manually stood in place in the
field, SIP's are commonly manufactured by gluing panels of waferboard or
oriented-strand board to the face of thick foam sheets. The foam used is
often a urethane or polyisocyanurate material to provide a high R-value for
resistance to energy loss.
• Roofing Materials – Composite materials have long been used for roofing,
originally combining an asphalt impregnated base material with protective
color granules. Later, a similar constructions substituting fiberglass matt
for the fiber base material became popular. Other composite materials have
also been developed to simulate the look of natural slate or cedar shakes
and shingles.
• Exterior Finishes – Exterior sidings and trims offer many alternatives to
use composite or synthetics. Cement fiber composite siding continues to grow
in popularity for its resistance to damage from high winds or excessive
weather. The development of realistic looking and long lasting vinyl sidings
and trims continues, as well as various foam based and other synthetic
materials used for exterior trims and detailing.
• Decking and Railings – The building industry continues to move forward
with the use of various composite and synthetic alternatives for the
construction of exterior decks, railings, seats, trims, etc. Used in lieu of
pressure treated or painted lumber, these products offer tremendous benefits
in longevity and low maintenance.
• Interior Finish Materials – More and more homes today are being built
using forms of composite or synthetic materials in lieu of wood for base
moldings, casings, stair trims, crown moldings and other custom finish
details. Painted wood closet shelving continues to be replaced by composite
materials integrating both woods and plastics. More and more plastics and
laminate finishes are found in cabinetry, particularly to provide
maintenance-free interior surfaces.
• Windows and Doors – Both interior and exterior doors are available in
alternatives to traditional painted or stained wood used in the past.
Combinations of insulating foam cores, plastics, metals and fiberglass have
become commonplace. Window construction continues to evolve from the old
"gold-standard" of wood frames and sash, to various combinations of
pre-finished, low maintenance products.
At the same time more builders move to these products to minimize
construction costs and maintenance, more manufacturers are also focused on
delivering products that are kind to the environment. Known as the "green
movement", this attention is also more important to our home buyer customers
than ever before.
It appears that the combination of the forest and the factory will continue
to play a role in building homes that offer the best in design, beauty,
convenience and quality of life.
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