How Plastic is Changing the Nature of Construction

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The construction industry has no shortage of new innovations as technology for jobsites continues to evolve at a rapid rate. One of the innovations that is changing things in multiple ways is definitely the increased use of plastic on jobsites.

Plastic isn’t one of the more traditional materials, however. In fact, its durability and affordability are increasing the general interest surrounding the different ways that it can be applied to construction projects.

Environmental Friendliness

When you think about plastic, it is very unlikely that you associate it with being environmentally friendly. However, when speaking about the use of plastic in construction, experts are not referring to the amount of plastic waste that is often created and inappropriately disposed of. Instead, they are talking about a much greener approach to the use of plastic.

Those in the construction industry have discovered ways of taking recycled plastic and using it to create materials for building. The practice of plastic welding makes it easier to work with this material as well. With the right equipment, it is now possible to weld two pieces of industrial-level plastic together.

There are other ways in which the construction industry is looking to go green, aside from the increased use of recycled plastics. Practices like prefabrication and more efficient energy use are helping to bring down the environmental impact of the construction industry, even as demand for more building continues to rise.

Increased Sustainability

One of the biggest reasons that plastic is becoming more popular in construction is its durability and sustainability. For the most part, traditional construction materials could be expected to have a life span of anywhere between 30 and 50 years. Plastic is being recognized more widely as an ideal material for construction because it can last much longer than that.

When made from plastic, things like pipes and panels can be expected to stand the test of time. This also increases the environmentally-friendly factor, as fewer repairs will be necessary down the line. Fewer repairs mean decreased upkeep costs on manpower and new materials.

Cost Effectiveness

Because it takes much less time to produce plastics materials compared to more traditional construction materials, plastic is much more cost effective. It is also no secret that plastic is more affordable than other materials like steel, which can be incredibly expensive to produce.

Plastic is also more cost effective to use because it is easy to work with. Things like metals can be tough to weld and mold for specific uses. Plastic is more pliable, however, making it an ideal choice for all sorts of items needed in the construction process. Some of the more popular uses for plastic include cables, panels, and PVC pipes.

The cost effectiveness of plastic doesn’t end there, however. Plastic weighs far less than more traditional construction materials like metals and wood. Because of this, transporting it is much cheaper. It is also safer for construction workers to use for this same reason.