5 Products That Offer Longevity in Construction

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Every piece of material and product that you use for a construction job will play a key role in the lifespan and structural integrity of a building once the work is complete.

For this reason, it is always important that you aim to use high-quality supplies which stand out for their durable designs and longevity. That way, you should be able to build structures which can withstand just about any environmental challenge for years to come. 

1. Self-Healing Concrete

Concrete has been used in the construction industry for many years, with the material an essential part of creating buildings and infrastructure such as roads and bridges.

A recent innovation in this area has been the emergence of self-healing concrete, which sees bacteria embedded into the material to produce a natural sealant that will automatically repair any cracks which form. This process improves the durability of the concrete and extends its longevity. 

It must also be mentioned that the composition of self-healing concrete and how it is produced leaves a lower carbon footprint than other construction practices.

Before we move on from concrete, a bonus building material that you should plan to use more often is aerated concrete blocks. Lightweight in its design, this material adds air to concrete to make it a fantastic insulator and boost its fire-resistant properties.

2. Clay Bricks

Use clay bricks for your next job and you will be using a type of material that boasts all of the following credentials:

• It can be easily sourced.

• It has brilliant thermal- and sound-insulation qualities.

• It is a hard-wearing material.

• It delivers significant load-bearing capacities.

• It is non-combustible.

• It can be recycled.

You will have several kinds and classes of clay bricks to choose from if you decide to use this for your next construction project though. So, ensure you check out our guide of the different types of clay brick available to always make an informed purchasing decision.

3. Composite Materials

Composite materials bring together two or more substances to create a solution that is strong, durable and lightweight.

Fibreglass is an example of a popular composite material, which is highly resistant to corrosion and so can be used for cladding projects, within piping and on roofing jobs.

Then there are composite decking boards, which will deliver your customers with the durability and longevity of plastic but wrapped up in the aesthetic appeal of wood. 

We discuss the appeal of this particular material in a lot more detail within our composite decking buying guide.

4. Fibre Cement

There are so many reasons why modern fibre cement boards have become a popular alternative to using wood and vinyl siding materials during construction jobs.

Most commonly a mix of cement, sand, water and cellulose fibres derived from plants, the result is a board that has high levels of resistance against the likes of weathering and rot.

Fibre cement also proves appealing as it will not warp or shrink during temperature fluctuations, while the material needs very little maintenance once fitted to a structure. Its longevity is heightened further by the fact that it is very easy to paint a variety of styles onto fibre cement too.

Consider using fibre cement boards the next time you are tasked to fit cladding to either the exterior or interior of a building. The characteristics detailed above mean it is a fantastic material to be used on roofing and tiling jobs as well.

5. PEX Pipes & Tubing

Does your part of a construction project involve working on a structure’s plumbing systems? If so, PEX pipes and tubing could be the ideal solution for indoor plumbing jobs you carry out.

Short for cross-linked polyethylene, PEX piping is designed to withstand high water pressure and is flexible enough to expand whenever water flowing through it freezes. 

The material is also resistant to such cases of wear and tear as weight misalignments and accidental dents.

As not all PEX piping is impermeable, it is more suited to indoor and underground applications. If you’re wanting to use it for drinking water, make sure that the piping is certified impermeable.

You will even find that PEX pipes and tubing are very simple to install. This is because you can place the material around corners without having to put extra elbows, joints or fittings in place throughout a plumbing system.

For more ways to improve your practices and processes as a tradesperson, be sure to read through the many how-to guides and advice pieces that we have published within our huge Trade News & Advice hub.