Essential Building Materials for Modern Construction

Metal Materials in Construction

Steel is the primary metallic material used in construction. It forms the building structure and railings employed in reinforced concrete elements and acts as scaffolding. It offers:

• Great performance, even over concrete.
• Easy recycling while keeping its properties intact.

Its only drawback is that it needs constant maintenance, requiring the application of paints or resins to protect it from atmospheric agents and the application of fireproof coatings.

Copper is a material that has been used for centuries in the manufacture of weapons and tools. Currently used to cover buildings and facilities, it has the following advantages:

• Great malleability and ductility, which allows the manufacture of various products.
• Durability and resistance to corrosion in any atmosphere.
• Easy to recycle without damaging its properties.

Aluminum is one of the most used materials in carpentry and building enclosures. Its use is due to:

• High mechanical weight-resistance.
• High flame and corrosion resistance.
• Great longevity with very little maintenance.
• It is infinitely recyclable.

Insulation and Waterproofing Materials

Insulating Materials

• Inorganic insulators: These are of mineral origin, such as glass wool or rock wool. They can be found in the form of felt, blankets, or panels.
• Synthetic insulators: These include materials like polyurethane or extruded polystyrene foams, often used in panels.
• Organic insulators: These include materials such as agglomerated cork or vegetable fiber, typically found in the form of plates.

Waterproofing Materials

These materials have the mission of preventing the passage of water. Common examples include bitumen and tar.

Finishing Materials

In those areas of the house where particularly durable coatings are needed, a variety of materials can be used:

• Paintings: Formed by adding color pigments to a base.
• Tissue-based materials: Made from natural fibers like wool or cotton. They are used to coat walls using staples or stickers, or used as carpet for floors.
• Light-coverings: These are decorative coatings made with sheets of cork. They are placed with stickers on lath or studs attached to the support.
• Flexible coverings: These consist of very thin sheets made of a base layer of paper and a layer of coating or finish. They are presented in rolls and applied with adhesives.