Cost-Effective Materials That Don't Compromise Safety
- Natalie Akins
- 8 hours ago
- 4 min read
In most cases, cost is directly correlated to safety. Automobiles with the latest safety features. Nursery items with high-tech child protection. Organic foods that aren’t farmed with harmful pesticides.
Consumers will undoubtedly pay more for these items.
In the construction industry, however, cost does not always equate to quality, especially in the realm of safety. In many cases, there are more affordable options that are just as safe as their pricier counterparts. With this in mind, keep reading as we explore some cost-effective materials used in construction that don’t scrimp on safety.
Composite Roofing Shingles
Modern roofs face many threats to their safety. Fire. Extreme winds. Mold buildup.
Unfortunately, many of the most durable roofing products have traditionally been among the most expensive. For example, slate, which is largely considered one of the most robust roofing options, can cost upwards of $30 per square foot.
Much of this cost is due to the fact that slate is very heavy, requiring specialized machinery and skilled contractors for proper installation. It may also require additional weight-bearing capacity than cheaper roofing, limiting the types of structures on which it can be used.
To help ensure slate-level durability at a fraction of a cost, modern buildings are turning to innovative composite shingles. Fabricated from a mixture of asphalt, fiberglass, and recycled polymers, synthetic shingles are lightweight and easy to work with, making them suitable for all types of roofing substrates and installation by any roofing professional.
In addition to being among the leaders in mold resistant shingles, composite roofing also offers the highest fire, wind, and impact resistance on the market, offering premier ongoing protection for the structure.
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Reclaimed Wood
Not only is reclaimed wood less expensive than freshly-harvested timber, but it is the more environmentally-friendly option as it cuts down on energy usage and deforestation concerns.
It is great for furniture, deck railing, and shiplap accent walls. It can even be a flooring option for homeowners that want a rustic, weathered look. While reclaimed wood shouldn’t be used for framing or any other type of load-bearing application, it performs just as well as fresh timber for surface-level uses at a fraction of the cost.
Permeable Gravel Driveways
Concrete driveways are undoubtedly the most popular in suburban America. Their upfront cost is highly palatable. They also offer stunning aesthetics when new.
With that said, time is not kind to concrete driveways. Moisture running off the surface leads to erosion that damages the substrate and surrounding landscape. This can cause buckling that is difficult and costly to repair.
In addition, freezing conditions not only make concrete surfaces dangerous, but they lead to cracks that grow over time. If left unattended, they can turn into full-scale potholes that threaten vehicle and resident safety.
As a result, more and more homes are turning to permeable gravel driveways. This innovative system uses a series of heavy duty pavers in the substrate which hold surface aggregate in place.
This eliminates the shifting inherent to standard gravel driveways. Although a permeable gravel driveway may cost a bit more upfront than a standard concrete option, the elite drainage, ongoing aesthetics, and slip-resistant surface make them a great investment that will almost assuredly lead to lower lifetime costs through reduced maintenance and lower accident risk.
Stone Veneer
Stone veneer offers the same rustic charm as standard brick or other masonry surfaces without the hefty price tag. It is a thin layer of natural or engineered stone that is placed over wood, masonry, or concrete.
Deployable for both interior and exterior walls, it is lighter weight and easier to maintain than traditional stone, making it the better choice for long-term cost savings, safety, and aesthetics.
Cable Railings
Cable railings are a trending option in all types of modern buildings. Not only are they great for rooftop decks thanks to their low profile for unencumbered views, but they are a sleek, stylish choice for stairways, balconies, and lofts in buildings that want to maximize a minimalist aesthetic.
Due to their thin nature, many people may be wondering: are cable railings as safe as more robust steel and glass options?
Yes. When properly installed, cable railings offer the same level of safety as other materials at a lower cost. There are just a couple of points to keep in mind.
The cables must be taut enough to prevent a 4-inch sphere from passing through. This eliminates the threat of large falling objects and children getting their heads stuck. In addition, it is crucial to choose the appropriate railing mount. For cable railings, surface-mount posts connected directly to the deck or stair tread offer the best balance of cost and durability.
Bamboo
Bamboo makes it onto many lists of trendy building products. It is basically a grass that functions as a hardwood. This makes it highly sustainable because it can be grown on small lots and in a fraction of the time as timber.
This helps keep costs under control. Often interchangeable with hardwood, bamboo can be used for furniture, flooring, internal walls, and a wide range of other applications.
Trim the Budget Without Compromising Safety with Innovative Materials
In the construction industry, cost is not a universal indicator of safety. From composite roofing to bamboo flooring, consider any of the cost-effective materials listed above that do not sacrifice on safety.