Why is it important to select appropriate material?

AFTER You want the outcome of the bulding to be as strong and long lasting as
possible, you need to choose quality and appropriate product also.

APPROPRIATE SELECTION OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

The quality of the building is majorly dependent on the materials used. The building
materials you select will determine the overall strength, longevity and appearance of
the building. Thus, be careful and choosy while selecting the building materials.
materials used in construction are generally known as construction materials.
And any materials which is used to make and to make any components
beginning from foundation  to the roof, including doors and windows  are all
called building materials. There is a wide range of building materials available in
the market and it can be difficult to decide the best options for your various needs
as the selection of construction material requires to take note of various factors.

This are the factors that should be consider by selecting construction materials

Strength –-is an essential parameter for quality control in the construction and most
important selection criteria for building material. It shows the ability of a material to withstand
the failure under the action of stresses caused by loads such as compression, tension, bending
and/or impact etc. that can be caused either due to the forces of nature or can be man-made.
For instance, masonry performs most effectively as a load-bearing or compressive
material, while steel is a more suitable choice for greater spanning and tensile
requirements.

Cost of material-

Cost of material is one important factor while choosing the material for construction as
eventually, it will safeguard your building.

AFTER sa pagpapagawa natin ng structural building, gagastos po tayo so need

natin iconsider and monitor if pasok pa rin po ba sya sa budget natin.

Local availability- Availability of building materials also affects the cost and the time
of construction because certain materials are available at a particular place and are
 difficult to transport. In that case, not only the transportation costs will be very high
but it will also delay the work
AFTER if the material is locally available it decreases the transportation cost.
It’s also a time saver and construction work can also be done smoothly.

Sustainability- With the development of the construction industry, the demand for
building materials is increasing, and also responsible for the rise in carbon footprint.
i.e. use of cement increases the carbon emission. Hence eco-friendly and sustainable
building materials like ground granulated blast furnace slag, fly ash, meta kaolin, silica
fume, rice husk ash etc. rather than the use of cement.  The best materials are those that
can be reused because they reduce the demand for new materials to be produced in
the future.  Locally found materials also reduce the transportation hassle and thus
reduce the emissions.

Aesthetic appeal- when we say aesthetic diba it talks about beauty or art so.. The
aesthetics of a building is one of the principal aspects considered in building an infrastructure

The choices you make, as well as your budget, climatic conditions, and various other
factors will determine the materials and the appearance or look of the building that
one desires. The appeal of a building covers the combined effects of a building's shape,
size, texture, colour, balance, unity, movement, emphasis, contrast, symmetry,
proportion, space, alignment, pattern, decoration, culture and context.

AFTER. As an example, the type of flooring material you select can change the look of the
home or building. Hence, you have to select a flooring material  which will not only suit
your tastes but also fits into your budget

Warranty or Guarantee-While buying any material also check the product literature,
technical specifications, terms and conditions of the warranty, guarantee etc. that is
usually mentioned on the packaging or described on the website of the dealer or
manufacturers because sometimes what the salesperson presents to you
AFTER
.. So, take time when you go through the product literature so that you have the right
products and no regrets.
 Weathering- The passing of time has an immense impact on the appearance and life
span of building materials. Thus, future weathering must be carefully considered
during material selection, building detailing, and construction.
The ability of a material to endure alternate wet and dry conditions for a long period
without considerable deformation and loss of mechanical strength.

Local Building Code

Building codes are the minimum design and construction requirements to ensure safe
and resilient structures. These codes reduce casualties, costs and damage by
creating stronger buildings designed to withstand disasters. While you may be able
to appeal an HOA guideline, local building codes keep the construction in the area safe and
ensure the design stands up to local conditions. Building codes often restrict materials based
on their history of fire-resistance or durability against prevailing weather or seismic
conditions. (hoa ay homeowners association)

Climate- Another important aspect of the choice of materials is the climate. Factors
like the average range of temperature throughout the year, rain and amount of
sunlight, required ventilation and wind are areas of concern. Hence chosen
material for construction should complement the climate. When climate comes
in the picture automatically the properties of materials also come in the
picture. Therefore, make sure that the materials you choose are according to the
climate you are building house in.

Maintenance -is also an important selection criterion for construction material

because the …
BEFORE
good materials are those which are easy and economical to maintain. Maintenance
will help to keep the look of building for a long time period and will increase the life
of the building.

TEXTURE

Many materials may be finished to different textures, either during off-site production or while
finishing materials on-site. Smooth to rough, soft to hard, and a range of surface finishes—
matte, satin, polished, and so on—are possible.
COLOR Selection of a building color palette must consider the surrounding context, as well
exterior and interior light qualities under which the colors will be viewed

AFTER..
Colors may be light absorptive or light reflective, warm or cool, while the palette may be
monochromatic or polychromatic. 

PATTERN

Material patterning must be designed at two scales: the individual elements themselves, such
as bricks or glass panes, and the composition of these elements into larger assemblies. For
example, at the individual element scale the inherent patterning of wood grain or stone marbling
must be considered. The creation of larger patterns occurs when the material is assembled into
building facades

FABRICATION

Fabrication refers to how a material was created, processed, and assembled. Fabrication
techniques range from handcrafted to mass produced to prefabricated. Materials carry traces
of their making and assembly that can be used to create surface modulation and richness.

Types of exterior materials

Wood Siding 
Wood is perhaps the most traditional type of exterior siding for homes. Plus it’s always a classic and
ALWAYS looks amazing! It’s extremely versatile and available in many different styles

People love wood siding for its beautiful and natural look You can either leave the wood in its natural
state or paint or stain it to further tailor its look to your desires. Wood is also relatively quick and easy
to install. It’s one of the best options for DIY projects, though professional installation won’t break
the bank either. Unfortunately, wood isn’t without its cons. In addition to the regular maintenance
it requires, it’s also susceptible to damage from termites, woodpeckers and rot.
The most common profiles for wood include:

Board and Batten, Shingles , Shake siding, Composite siding , Clapboard, Drop Siding, Vertical Boards,
Wooden Sheet Siding, and Log

Vinyl Siding
Pros:

 It is low-maintenance and only requires washing every now and then.

  Does not require to be installed by a professional and a DIY can manage, which reduces
the cost of installation.
 It can be customized into different designs and colors.
 The color does not fade.
Cons:

 It has a synthetic look that may be a discouraging factor for people who love rustic and
natural styles, and also eco-conscious people. To reduce the plastic effect, homeowners
can use vinyl with long siding so that seams do not appear between panels.
 Vinyl degrades the environment after disposal because it is not biodegradable and ends
up in landfills for a very long time unless recycled.
 It can be damaged by extreme weather conditions such winds and high temperatures
causing cracks, rot and mold.
Metal Exterior House Siding 
Metal has long held a curious reputation as an exterior siding material. People tend to associate it
with retro and modern type of buildings only. Metal actually works well with any home. As for the
metal itself, the most common varieties are steel and aluminum
Pros:

 Metal is long-lasting and durable, a feature that makes it outlive most of the other
home exterior materials
 It retains color without fading and it can be painted.
 It is not prone to pest attack, does not warp or buckle.
 Metal is fire resistant.
Cons:

 Some of the metals such as weathering steel and copper may change due to exposure to
weather.
 Aluminum is soft and may dent if hit by rocks.
 Steel is heavy and may take time to install thereby increasing the cost.
 It does not retain warmth in winter and so it increases heating bills.
 Metal needs to be repainted after a few years when the paint wears off.

Brick Exterior House Siding 

People love brick siding for its classic good looks. It’s one of the most traditional building materials
used on the exterior of homes. Brick also holds up well to all sorts of abuse. It’s fire-resistant.
Termites and other insects won’t be found inside of it. Extreme hot and cold weather won’t warp it.
Pros:
  A brick exterior does not need a lot of maintenance and can do with occasional
washing.
 The exterior can last even more than 100 years with proper maintenance
Cons:

 The cost of materials and installation are high. One of the cost contributors is the
labor-intensive process of installation. In this case, you may consider a brick veneer.

Stone and Cast Stone

Incorporating stone into the exterior of your home adds significant dimension and texture. Many
people consider stone, especially natural stone harvested fresh from the earth, the pinnacle of
exterior siding options. As the most luxurious option, it has a lot of prestige attached to it. Cast
stone or reconstructed stone is a highly refined building material, a form of precast concrete
used as masonry intended to simulate natural-cut stone

Pros:

 Organic, natural appearance with low maintenance requirements

 Good insulator, durable, low-maintenance, fire-resistant, and does not rot
 Pest-resistant
 Can last more than 75 years

Cons:

 Impossible to control the exact color variation stone lots, as it is a natural material
 The initial cost is high due to the cost of material and the cost of installation especially if it
requires a professional.

Fiber cement

fiber cement is also man-made. It’s made from a special combination of wood fibers, sand and

cement.

Pros:
  Highly durable and has lower maintenance needs than wood

 Can be painted any color

 Fire, moisture, and pest resistant

 May be warrantied for 35 to 50 years

Cons:

 Can be heavy to handle

 Requires special tools for installation

 Brittle and may chip or break

 If painted will require periodic repainting

Stucco
Many homes with stucco exteriors are designed for Modern or Mediterranean architectural styles.
Traditional stucco is cement-based plaster containing sand and limestone and is applied to a mesh
screen, wood, or masonry walls in multiple layers. The outermost coat is the desired final
color. Stucco can be painted but adds to the required maintenance of the home. 
Pros:

 Attractive curb appeal

 Easily formed to create styling and design details
 Insect and fire-resistant
 Stucco can last 50 years or more

Cons:

 Can be expensive
 Has higher maintenance and repair costs than other materials
 Susceptible to moisture damage if not correctly installed
 Shifting ground and settling can create cracks

Glass exterior 
Glass is a suitable home exterior where a lot of natural light is needed. Glass used should be strong
enough to withstand elements such as wind and storms. It should let in light while blocking the
ultraviolet rays.
Pros:
 It allows light into the home creating a beautiful effect.

 The home becomes energy efficient because glass provides an airtight environment such that
there is no loss of heat during winter and the home remains cool in summer.
  The home becomes water-resistant since the sealant does not allow moisture in.
Cons:

 It does not provide privacy.

 It needs regular cleaning.
 The cost of glass and that of installation is high.

Types of interior materials

. Granite
Most often used for countertops. Granite also looks great with lots of different interior styles, and you
can pick paint options that will accent the granite’s natural coloration. While polished granite is
usually preferred for surfaces that are used to prepare food (or to go on top of vanities), unfinished
granite can make a beautiful backsplash.
2. Wood
One of the most versatile construction materials, wood is used throughout the interior and exteriors
of many homes. From floors to ceiling beams and decorative walls, wood can adapt to many different
styles and it’s often pretty affordable when compared to other options.
3. Copper

Though it can be expensive, copper is truly experiencing a comeback. Copper can easily elevate a
room, and it works well across many home styles. It’s not always practical to use real copper,
however, so you might end up opting for copper-colored materials. As with many materials, less is
more when you’re using copper. A small pop of color from an oven hood vent or drawer handles might
achieve the look you want without too much effort.

4. Fabrics

Fabrics like silk, cotton, suede, wool, and others can add a nice finishing touch to a room and bring
together the full design in a welcoming, comfortable way.

5. Renewable materials

Hemp, bamboo, and other materials that can be sustainably harvested might add a touch of
personality while meeting your client’s desire to reduce their environmental impact. Other eco-
friendly and natural materials that are growing in popularity include cork, concrete, recycled glass,
and reclaimed wood.

6. Tile

Often used in kitchens, bathrooms, and other multi-purpose rooms, ceramic tile is preferred for its
clean look, easy-care, versatility, and ability to match many different styles.

7. Synthetic materials
Synthetic materials like vinyl and laminate are typically used when the budget is a concern. This
choice of material is more affordable and gives the appearance of tile, wood, or other natural
components when used as a wall covering or as a flooring material.