The construction industry uses plenty of building materials. Each one of these materials is used for various intents and purposes. Some of these building materials are natural and some are manmade like steel. On the other hand, each material is picked out based on its aesthetics, cost, and functionality.
Which building materials are these?
Let’s find out the top building materials for industrial construction discussed in this blog.
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Innovative Top Building Materials Used in Industrial Construction
According to The Builders Diary, steel, concrete, metal, wood, glass, etc are the most widely known building materials. However, based on the type of industrial project, new and improved building materials are also involved in industrial construction. Some of the most used innovative building materials are mentioned as follows.
1. B-Decking Protection
The flat roofs adorn most industrial roofs and endure more stress than the pitched roofs found in residential homes.
Whether it be poor drainage resulting in precipitation accumulation, heavy insulation boards, or simply a high rate of foot traffic from service professionals, the loads endured by industrial flat roofs can readily cause punctures, splits, and tears if not properly fortified.
Therefore, one of the best steps a commercial building can take to protect the roof is to apply structural metal b decking beneath the insulation board and finishing layers.
It is a smooth metal roof deck panel, that provides diaphragm shear. It transfers vertical forces horizontally, allowing flat roofs to accommodate significantly more weight than similar roofs where b decking is not present. In addition, b-decking also plays a role in absorbing external force incurred during strong winds and seismic activity, helping keep the building structurally sound during times of extreme weather.
2. Hurricane-Grade Windows
Industrial building owners are looking for ways to cut costs and keep their facilities more energy efficient, and one of the best ways to do this is to use natural sunlight for lighting and heating purposes. As a result, there is a significant increase in installing windows.
While more windows have many positive benefits for energy efficiency, they are the first thing to break during any natural calamity.
It is worthwhile to choose the best hurricane-grade storm windows for industrial construction. Fabricated with structural steel frames, sashes, and grilles, the foundational components of modern hurricane-grade windows are not susceptible to warping, rotting, or moisture damage.
In addition, reinforced glass is capable of withstanding winds up to 250 MPH and projectile impact up to 100 MPH. these windows guarantee that severe weather or the daily dings common in an industrial facility will not result in collateral damage.
3. Construction Chemicals
The incidence of chemical spills and toxic waste is significantly higher in industrial buildings. During construction, developers take major steps to protect workers and equipment from the downsides of chemical contact. But they also need to protect the structure.
Substances such as chloride and sulfates absorbed by concrete floors and walls can cause corrosion and spalling that will significantly degrade the structural integrity of the building. Therefore, it is paramount that liquid flashing and innovative chemical waterproofing be applied to all concrete surfaces during the construction process.
This type of treatment seals the concrete from degrading moisture and chemical absorption. There is some evidence that it can also help heal hairline cracks, providing some self-restorative features and decreasing long-term maintenance costs.
4. Backdraft Dampers
Modern building owners have to guarantee that their employees are working in a well-ventilated, non-toxic environment. Commercial air scrubbers are a great way to purify and remove toxins from the ambient air.
In addition, backdraft dampers will further enhance air quality by ensuring that no contaminated air makes its way through the duct system and back into the purified environment. This can also help the building owner save on heating and cooling costs, as it guarantees the one-way flow of air.
5. Polyiso Insulation
Energy efficiency is a primary concern for all modern industrial buildings. Typically occupying tens of thousands of square feet, inefficiencies in any aspect of the building envelope can create exponential challenges in keeping heating and cooling costs under control.
This makes exterior wall insulation critical in providing the building with a primary layer of defense against the elements.
Applied outside of the framing substrate and just beneath the finishing product, exterior wall insulation can help improve the R-value of the building. It also provides protection against moisture insulation as well as fire and pest damage.
While there are many types of exterior insulation, rigid polyiso insulation board is considered a top choice for industrial applications thanks to its elite R-value per inch and continuous insulation possibilities.
Go the Extra Mile to Protect an Industrial Building
Many types of innovative building materials can improve the safety, performance, and energy efficiency of industrial buildings like never before. Therefore the above-mentioned building materials are not only a smart functional choice keeping the weather and natural disasters in mind, but also long-lasting.
