Pros and Cons of Building Method with Sustainable Material

Construction plans with helmet and drawing tools on blueprints ( Filtered image processed vintage effect)

Using sustainable materials for building a house is not a new thing now. Most of the people urge to go for sustainable materials for constructing the house. However, like any other building methods using other materials, these materials also have certain pros and cons. Here are certain advantages and disadvantages of sustainable materials for building methods as explained by a reputed residential structural engineer in OKC.

Types of Materials and Their Pros and Cons

Earth Bags- You should know that building with earth bags is a very common one in structural engineering. This is indeed an inexpensive method that can be used without any hassle. All you have to do is mix local soil with clay to develop a strong structure. You can build it quite quickly. You can also use polypropylene or burlap bags with your clay mixture to fill in the gaps.

Pros-

  • You can save a lot of construction cost if you know the tricks to build it on your own.

  • It is ecofriendly.

  • The cost of materials is very inexpensive that can save a lot of bucks.

  • The material is also energy efficient.

Cons-

  • It may require excessive and strenuous labor.

  • You may need to hire experienced professionals because, this material would be difficult to handle without experience.

Architect concept, Architects working with blueprints in the office, Vintage Effect

Straw Bale- This building method has straw as their most important material. Straw bales can be packed to the perfect density to create a proper load for walls, ceilings etc. This method can be used as a great mode of insulation.

Pros-

  • This straw bale method is genuinely energy efficient.

  • The materials used here are free from chemicals and thus it is less harmful

  • The materials are also fire resistant

  • Low-embodied energy. It takes much less energy to manufacture.

Cons-

  • This not a conventional building method. Thus, new learning techniques are needed to build this.

  • It needs proper planning to build up.

  • The plan is not very beneficial in humid climate

  • Thick walls cannot be constructed using this building method

An experienced residential structural engineer in OKC can help you find the best building method. Contact Ram Jack for a good building method house.

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