The Building Materials Guide – Understanding Primary Materials Used

Building materials are any materials used in the construction of buildings, homes, and other structures. Different materials are used for different purposes and parts of the structure. The choice of materials depends on their load-bearing capacity, strength, durability, elasticity, aesthetic appeal, and more. There are also a host of national standards and testing methods that govern the use of building materials.

Often categorized into natural and manmade, building materials always need to be treated and prepared to be properly used in construction. If you’re building your dream home, it is essential to have a basic understanding of the different materials used in its construction. Let’s take a look at some of the most basic & essential building materials used:

A metal alloy made of iron and a small percentage of carbon, steel has a high strength-to-weight ratio. It is one of the most ideal choices for the structure framework and foundation. Ductile, elastic, and premium steel rebars can go a long way in enhancing the longevity of your dream home. Steel is also used in construction products such as nails, screws, bolts, and hollow sections.

Concrete mix is a common building material that includes crushed stone, gravel, and sand, typically bound together with Portland cement. This composite material has high compressive strength and high thermal mass, but its low tensile strength means that it needs extra reinforcement in the form of TMT steel rebars or reinforcement bars. Concrete is also useful for tile grout, flooring, walls, supports, foundations, and the driveway & porch.

Bricks are rectangular blocks bound together with mortar. Traditionally made from dried clay, bricks may consist of a variety of materials. They have an extremely high compressive strength and heat resistance. In home construction, bricks are commonly used for walls, fireplaces, and pavements. Due to their propensity to crumble during earthquakes, bricks used in walls and load-bearing structures must be reinforced with steel rods.

Useful for its transparency, glass also helps in heat, light & noise control. Different types of glass including insulated glass, laminated glass, and obscured glass is often used for windows, walls, skylights, and facades.

A hard, natural material, wood is one of the oldest building materials. Though its characteristics & strength vary depending on its variety, wood is generally lightweight, inexpensive, easily modified, and provides insulation in cold weather. Large pieces of dimensional lumber are called beams, while any type of ready-made woodwork (such as molding, trim, doors, etc) is called millwork. Different from hardwood, engineered wood involves different types of wood that are artificially bonded together to form a composite wood, like plywood, particleboard, and laminated veneer. Common uses for wood include interiors, exteriors, structural frameworks, walls, floors, shelving, decking, roofing material, decorative elements, and fencing.

Durable & heavy, stone is a natural & durable building material with high compressive strength. Typically prepared by a stonemason when used as the primary building material, stone is also a popular choice for home interiors including kitchen countertops, floors, walls, and support structures.

Made from a mixture of minerals fired at extremely high temperatures, ceramics are durable, and fire & water-resistant. They are most commonly used for countertops, bathtubs, sinks, tiles, roofing, fireplaces, and chimneys.

Now that you know a little more about the basic materials used in home construction, you can make a more informed decision when it comes to your dream home. And if you’re looking for the most durable, trusted & superior quality steel building materials, then head to Tata Steel Aashiyana and fortify your dream!