Why Isn't Plastic the Primary Building Material for Homes?
While we use a lot of plastic in houses, from vinyl siding to foam insulation, it's surprising to see that it isn't more widely used as the primary building material for homes. Despite its many advantages, such as affordability and pervasiveness, there are still significant barriers preventing it from becoming a dominant force in residential construction.
Plastics in Home Construction
Plastics are already ubiquitous in home construction. From vinyl siding to PEX or PVC water pipes, you can find a plethora of plastic components in any modern home. These materials have infiltrated almost every aspect of construction, from plumbing and electrical boxes to trim, siding, gutters, flooring, and decking. The rise of plastic use in construction has been a significant trend in the past two decades.
Building Houses with Plastic
You might be surprised to learn that plastic is already used in home construction. Just take a look at the products you use in your house and count how many of them contain plastic. Additionally, many homes now utilize spray foam insulation, a significant advancement that addresses the structural integrity and durability of plastic materials.
Systems like plastic brick ties and acoustic wall ties are available, made by companies such as Novaplas Group. Unique products like uPVC doors and uPVC plumbing pipes enhance the safety and efficiency of home construction. Furthermore, Sanika's Saniflex prefabricated bathroom pods made of GRP (glass reinforced plastic) and polystyrene coving are examples of plastic that can be used both inside and outside the home.
Why Aren't Plastics More Common?
Despite the potential benefits, there are reasons why plastic hasn't become the primary building material for homes. Firstly, it's worth noting that all building materials must balance strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Super strong and durable plastics exist, but finding a truly cost-effective option that can last the lifetime of a home is challenging. Existing plastics might be recyclable, like boards made from recycled plastic that can be converted into outdoor furniture, but they can burn at very high temperatures, which poses a fire risk.
The construction industry is complex, and it's not easy to introduce new materials due to established norms, costs, and safety regulations. For instance, when you think of the automotive industry, you might recall the mechanic's response, "What kind of repair do you want? Cheap, fast, or good? Pick two." In construction, the situation is similar. Cost, efficiency, and quality are all important factors, and achieving all three at once is often difficult.
Examples of Plastic in Home Construction
Some companies are leading the charge in using plastic for building entire homes. A plastic brick house built in 5 days using recycled materials demonstrates the potential of plastic in construction. Other companies like The Borgen Project are focused on building entire homes made of plastic. Even projects like plastic bottle houses are gaining attention, showcasing the potential to use unconventional materials for sustainable living.
In conclusion, while plastic is already integral to home construction, it hasn't become the primary building material. This is due to a combination of its inherent properties, cost considerations, and the established norms within the construction industry. However, as technology advances and sustainability becomes a greater priority, the future may see a shift towards more widespread use of plastic in residential construction.