Building for Longevity: The Sustainable Choice in Structural Design
How do you create the most sustainable architecture? By constructing buildings that will stand the test of time. While investing in energy-efficient materials is important, it isn’t the only strategy for designers and construction firms to pursue. Ultimately, selecting the most durable materials and using the best construction practices can ensure that a building lasts for generations.
Whether a building sits in a sun-drenched desert setting or faces frequent severe weather systems, it can survive if it’s a well-built structure. The best buildings won’t require frequent repairs or suffer structural deficiencies, meaning that durability can lead to sustainability. Read on to learn more!
How a Building’s Lifespan Impacts Sustainability
If you’re constantly investing in repairs beyond routine maintenance for a building, it’s costing too much. Some buildings won’t even last beyond a few decades of use if they’re poorly built. And even if these buildings are made with sustainable materials, ultimately, they’ll be more wasteful than beneficial. After all, every repair will involve energy and more material consumption, plus a higher carbon footprint due to transportation needs. A building that doesn’t need ongoing repairs or early demolition can limit the use of resources and energy. Builders planning their next project should turn their attention to higher-quality materials to minimize costs and promote a more sustainable way of life.
Yes, it may be more expensive to choose the best materials. But the long-term benefits are worth that initial investment. Cheap materials, like unreinforced concrete or reclaimed wood, won’t last as long as their better-quality counterparts. Masonry can crack, and inexpensive wood may be unable to stand up to the elements.
By contrast, high-quality materials can withstand environmental conditions much more easily. Pressure-treated wood won’t rot when exposed to wet conditions, and structural steel won’t corrode. Stronger concrete options will remain crack-free, too, during even the most volatile weather seasons. Further, stronger fasteners can reinforce building structures more effectively, preventing problems that could make buildings unsafe or uninhabitable over time.
Focusing on Fasteners
Yes, the materials that make up a building’s walls, floors, and ceilings tend to take center stage during a project. But in the quest to create durable structures, fasteners are often as important. Hillside Washers, for instance, can play a pivotal role in ensuring even load distribution and strong structural connections.
These steel plates, also called bracer rod washers, can help fortify steel beams used in construction processes. Their distinctive shape, which features a curve on one side, gives them an edge among similar products, and they’re especially effective in helping angled surfaces stay secure.
Since these washers can work with different rod angles, they’re highly versatile. And that saves construction firms time when they’re bracing beams, regardless of their slope. Structural repairs can be highly expensive, so Hillside Washers can help prevent the need for them decades down the road.
They won’t wear down in extreme weather conditions, either, reducing maintenance. Although a seemingly small part of the construction process, Hillside Washers offer longevity, contributing to a more sustainable approach to building.
Building with the Environment in Mind
Choosing a more sustainable path with building projects means accounting for environmental conditions and planning for future needs. Using structural bracing systems that respond to the unique angles and needs of a building can result in a more durable structure. When a building is built with a solid underlying framework, it can tolerate changes in wind strength, soil settling, and other factors. It won’t bend or weaken under pressure, resulting in a safer space that won’t require expensive repairs.
Builders should consider their region’s weather patterns and environmental factors. Hilly areas, for instance, may experience soil erosion. This means that buildings will need extra foundational reinforcements to prevent shifting. Taller buildings in urban areas are susceptible to strong wind gusts. And any building along a coastline will feel the impact of salt corrosion. When builders choose a design philosophy that prioritizes longevity, they can craft buildings with components that can resist or adapt to these conditions.
Greener Buildings: Choices for a Sustainable Future
Today’s builders must weigh environmental factors and costs as they embark on new construction projects. Although better-quality materials come with higher costs, the payoff comes in a more durable building that can last longer. This is a more sustainable choice that will help limit waste, lower the carbon footprint, and set a higher standard for other builders. With the right materials and fasteners, builders can embrace a greener approach to their trade.