{ Plastics and Alternatives in Today’s Renovations }
I am currently a full-time student at NIC studying for my Drafting certificate. Our class is only just starting to explore different aspects of building and engineering. Our first step is to explore building materials. Last week, we began our study on plastics.
The general attitude these days towards plastics is not a positive one. We’ve all heard the scary stories of leaching and off-gassing. When people think of “healthy homes” or “green homes” careful consideration regarding the use of plastics is common. Yes, plastics are created from toxic components. However, most common plastics are also safe to use once in their final state.
Plastics play a major role in construction, including renovations. There are plastic components in the majority of the modern products commonly used in today’s renovations. Not sure which products contain plastic? Well, it’s not always obvious because of the fancy names things are given these days.
Here is a sample list I’ve compiled of common renovation products that contain plastic:
- laminate countertops
- laminate flooring
- mdf baseboards
- vinyl renovation windows
- carpet
- latex paint
I’m learning that all building products are compared using rating systems for their Mechanical Properties. Plastics have some major benefits when compared to other materials.
Ironically, these beneficial Mechanical Properties have a lot to do with the health and safety of a home. For example, the Electicial properties of plastics are advantageous for safety reasons when compared to other products. Factors such as heat resistance and arc resistance make plastics the ideal product to use for the majority of electrical systems today. Another example of plastic being a healthy choice for construction would be the use of vapour barrier plastics in construction. We’ve all heard about the ‘leaky condo’ issue in BC which resulted in scary unhealthy mold situations; Installing the right kind of plastic vapour barier prevents newer homes from going through this same issue. Or, how about engineered wood? Engineered beams are commonly used in construction now. Tree huggers can be torn between moral grounds on this one: Is an engineered beam constructed with plastic resins a better choice than a beam derived from a beautiful old growth tree?
This debate is not black and white.
I have a huge interest in Green Building. During my research I have observed that plastics play a main role in Green Building too.
For example, SIP (Structurally Insulated Panel) construction can result in an extremely energy efficient home. In addition to the energy savings, homes constructed with SIPS take up less of our precious forests because there is less conventional lumber used in the frame. SIPS have a fancy name, but basically they are two sheets of OSB (plastic product) with Polyurethane foam (plastic product) packed between them like a sandwich. SIPs are plastic. SIPs are also Green.
Confused yet?
Regardless of what side of the fence one sits on when it comes to plastics in home construction, a wise choice can be made. Here are some examples of local businesses offering either cutting edge plastic products for home renovations, or plastic alternatives.
1. List of local beneficial plastic related products and services:
EcoSIP Industries (Duncan) – SIP Construction
(extremely energy efficient, saves time and trees in home construction)
Van Isle Windows – Energy Saving Vinyl Windows
(old wood or aluminium windows can be the biggest energy drain in a home)
House of Colour- Low VOC Latex Paint – Benjamin Moore
(a non-toxic latex paint)
2. List of local plastic alternatives:
Nutmeg Homes - Concrete Homes
(Comparable to SIPs in relation to insulating properties and overall strength)
Liquid Stone Studios (Ladysmith) – Concrete Countertops
(Comparable to high-end Laminate Countertops)
Central Home Builders- Hardie Plank Siding
(Comparable to Vinyl Siding for low-maintenance and weather proofing qualities)
Woodland Flooring - Reclaimed & Beetle Pine Flooring
(a wonderful alternative to laminates and engineered hardwoods)
Over to you now:
How do you feel about plastics when it comes to home renovations?
Can you suggest other products/services that fit into either of the above lists?
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Last Week’s Contest Winner:
Congratulations Signi! We’ll contact you with the details :)
