Reusing building materials by taking apart an old building is a trend. It is also a way to help our world.
Deconstruction is taking apart a building. You would do this slowly instead of quickly demolishing it. After deconstruction you then sort materials into reuse or recycle piles. Because of this process it benefits you, your project, and (above all) the environment.
Materials
Most materials in old buildings can be salvaged. By reusing these materials, you can significantly reduce waste and disposal. The amount of materials you can use from past buildings can range. You can use a whole structure or just specific materials.
Many materials can find new uses. For example, at Salvage Michigan we are always saving wood and brick. However, it is important to note that a few materials can be harmful. Due to bad chemicals in the materials some can be harmful to human health and the environment.
To avoid this, you must learn about different materials and how to properly use them. Some examples of harmful materials can include asbestos, mercury, and lead based paint.
To find out more about harmful materials as well as how to properly dispose of them, visit https://www.epa.gov/large-scale-residential-demolition/asbestos-containing-materials-acm-and-demolition
Benefits
Reusing building materials can have many benefits to you, your project, and the world. Due to using recycled building materials it is a way to find more products that you wouldn’t find in a store. But this way of building can do more than get a unique look. It is also the cheapest option for constructing and disposing projects. Also, it can lower your carbon footprint!
By using recycled building materials you would be helping the environment. As a result of choosing to deconstruct an old project it:
- Improves air quality
- Slows landfill use
- Lessens solid waste
- Saves energy
- Lowers natural resource use
- Creates more jobs
Examples
To see more impressive examples of what you can do to create beautiful designs from recycled materials, go to: https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/save_the_earth_with_8_fut
Sources
“Best Practices for Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling Construction and Demolition Materials.” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, 28 Nov. 2018, https://www.epa.gov/smm/best-practices-reducing-reusing-and-recycling-construction-and-demolition-materials
David, Cara Joy. “The Benefits of Using Recycled Building Materials – Green Homes.” Mother Earth News, Ogden Publications, Inc, www.motherearthnews.com/green-homes/recycled-building-materials-zmaz98fmzkin.
“How Recycled Building Material Can Benefit Your Business.” Taylored Services, Taylored Services , 28 Dec. 2018, tayloredservices.com/how-recycled-building-material-can-benefit-your-business/