Introduction about Eco-friendly materials and methods to build a garage.

Taking care of the environment is on our minds more than ever these days. With the threat of climate change looming over us, the question everyone is asking is “what can I do to help?” Maybe you switched to a plastic-free lifestyle, changed your diet, or even looked into an alternative energy source. All of these are steps we can take to keep our air, water, and land clean, and keep our earth livable for centuries to come.

Most people don’t think of taking care of the earth when they buy a new metal garage or carport. Oftentimes, we get the impression that buying anything new at all is bad. That is not the case. When you buy a new metal building, you are actually reducing your carbon footprint and the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. How? It’s simple, really. Metal buildings, metal garages, and Metal Carports are made of steel. However, before we delve into that any deeper, let’s take a look at the big picture.

Eco-Friendly Materials Across the Board

Like we alluded to, steel is a major game-changer in the world of environmentally friendly construction, but there are other environmentally friendly materials out there, too. In fact, there are eight main eco-friendly material types including recycled steel. Let’s take a closer look at each one to learn how we can improve our homes and new construction projects.

1.Bamboo

Bamboo is one of the most popular green options. Most of the time, this material is used as an alternative to wood flooring. Bamboo is hard, long-lasting, and durable, making it an ideal replacement for wooden products. However, those remarkable characteristics are not what set this material apart from the rest. Bamboo is one of the most renewable resources available. Unlike trees that take decades—sometimes even centuries—to grow to maturity, bamboo is fully mature after five to seven years. Not only that, but bamboo can grow in nearly every climate. This means that bamboo is easy to produce and readily available. One final added benefit to using bamboo as a construction material is that it is an invasive species in many parts of the world. Homeowners, environmental agencies, and governments alike are eager to get rid of the pesky grass; what better way is there to do that than by using it as a wood substitute?

2.Cork

Similar to bamboo, cork is a wonderful material to use for flooring. In fact, it is arguably better than hardwood, tile, or carpet for a number of reasons. The texture of cork is somewhat spongy and soft, while still remaining durable and firm. This means that it will be comfortable to walk barefoot, and may even help relieve some of the strain on your back and hips from walking and standing on hard surfaces for long periods of time. That is not the only benefit, though. Cork is also an ideal building material because it has insulating properties. This means that you can use it as traditional insulation to reduce the amount of energy you consume with your heating and air conditioning and as a temperature change-resistant flooring. You will never have to worry about the shock of a cold floor on a winter morning again. Cork gets even better than that, though. It is mold and mildew-resistant, as well as fire-resistant; it does not melt until extremely high temperatures are reached. Finally, cork is highly renewable. It is made from the bark of a cork oak tree and regrows in a short period of time after it is harvested.

3.Recycled steel

Steel is one of the most environmentally friendly materials on the planet because it is easily recyclable. This would be a major benefit on its own, as recycling anything one time reduces your carbon footprint, but none of its properties change after it is recycled, so the same materials can be used over and over again indefinitely. This is a major game-changer in eco-friendly construction. By choosing a steel garage, carport, or building, you’re choosing a product made of over 85% recycled materials that can be recycled again once you no longer need it. Besides its recyclability, steel has several properties that make it an ideal eco-friendly material. Firstly, it is incredibly durable. Steel stands up to heavy rain and snow, high winds, and many severe weather conditions, its colorful coating does not chip or peel, so you never have to repaint it, and it is resistant to fire, mold, mildew, and harmful pests. Steel allows you to avoid costly and environmentally taxing repairs.

4.Recycled glass

Glass is an important component of nearly all buildings, especially buildings with living spaces. We all know that windows are important. However, most people are also aware that glass is not usually an environmentally friendly material; it is made from non-renewable resources, like sand, and its production creates CO2 emissions. However, there is a better option. Glass, similarly to steel, can be recycled without losing any of its properties. Recycled glass is the best option for tiles, cookware, and even some windows if you can find them. Window glass is slightly trickier to recycle, making it less available.

5.Reclaimed wood

Reclaimed wood is a great option if you are looking to not only reduce your carbon footprint but also support your local community. Reclaimed wood usually comes from a local structure that was torn down. Usually, this type of wood is used as a decoration, but it can be used for more construction-based purposes. Reclaimed wood prevents deforestation, while still allowing you to use wood in your construction project.

6.Linoleum

Linoleum seldom comes to mind when we think about eco-friendly products, but it is a fantastically environmentally friendly option. This is because it is made from all-natural, renewable resources. Linoleum is made from pine rosin, solidified linseed oil, cork dust, limestone, and wood flour. However, you must be careful when you buy linoleum. Because of their similar appearance, many retailers still advertise vinyl, an incredibly environmentally damaging material, as of linoleum. Be sure that you are getting the correct product. 

7.Recycled rubber

Despite being made from natural resources, rubber is not an environmentally friendly material. Tires are some of the slowest materials to decompose. However, there is an eco-friendly way to use tires and rubber in general. Old tires can be recycled into rubber roofing shingles. These shingles last thirty or more years, making them a great roofing option.

8.Cellulose insulation

Using cellulose insulation is an easy way to dramatically reduce CO2 emissions. It is made from old paper and is an effective insulator. This is an extremely eco-friendly option, as removing all of the paper in landfills at this moment would reduce CO@ emissions by eight million tons.

Others Ways to Make Your Metal Garage Eco-Friendly  

Now that you know what materials are the most eco-friendly, it is important to know what other steps you need to take to make your home, metal building, metal garage, or carport a green structure. There are six ways to do that. Here is a brief look at each one.

1.Reuse or Recycle Construction 

Make use of as many recycled or reused products as possible. Now that you know what the best eco-friendly materials are, this should be much easier.

2.Insulating Formwork

Insulate your metal garage or metal building to help you save on energy costs and overall energy usage. Insulation helps prevent cold air from seeping in during the winter, and hot air from seeping in during the summer.

3.Upgrade Your Garage Door

If your current metal garage door is on its last legs, purchase a garage door that is guaranteed to last for years to come. 

4.Use Lower Energy appliances

Similarly, if your appliances are wearing out, do not hesitate to purchase new ones. When you make your new purchases, focus on getting long-lasting products that use significantly less energy than your previous ones. 

5.More use of solar energy equipment

Using solar energy is a great way to decrease your carbon footprint. Consider adding solar panels to the roof of your home, metal building, metal garage, or carport.

6.Update your Lighting and Appliances

Halogen bulbs are not a good option for the environmentally conscious. Instead, upgrade your lighting to all LED bulbs.

Go Green!

Environmentally conscious construction is important. After all, our planet is facing lots of environmental challenges right now. We should all do our part to make the world a better, greener place. One of the best ways to do this is to focus on eco-friendly construction. This article taught you about the different kinds of environmentally friendly materials, as well as green updates you could make in your home or metal building.

Author Bio

Kylo composes for points like Home Improvement, Kitchen stylistic layout, Garden or travel-related themes furthermore; he has an enthusiasm for the metal structure industry for over ten years, Kylo has become an accomplished structure expert in this industry. He will probably assist individuals with his huge information to help them with his best recommendations about various Metal Buildings, Metal Garages, for example, carports, stables, utility structures, and business structures.