The Advantages of Using Plastics in the Construction Industry

Different forms of plastics are used in multiple industries with varying uses. However, one of the most prevalent sectors where plastics are used is the construction industry, here plastics are essential.

Plastics can be so useful in this sector because of the different properties that the range of plastics hold, there is a plastic to fit most uses. These are just a few reasons as to why plastics are an extremely useful material in the construction sector.

Cost

One of the main advantages to using plastic as a construction material is the cost to produce and use plastics – it is less expensive than most other materials. It is generally cheaper and can easily be produced in much larger quantities than metal. This is the main reason that plastic is commonly used in construction. The amount of energy it takes to manufacture plastics is far fewer than the amount it takes to produce metals.

Resistance

Plastics have a high resistance to corrosion, making them perfect for use where a metal may start to rust and corrode. Therefore, plastics are the most common material to construct water pipes out of.

Weight

Plastic is a very lightweight material compared to many other construction materials, this gives the material a greater flexibility in its use on site and in transportation. Plastic can be transported in much larger amounts than other materials because of their weight, this cuts down on transportation costs to a construction site. Plastics can be easily and safely lifted into place or around the site.

Colour

Plastics can easily be coloured in their manufacturing stage which is a useful property to have on a building site. Parts can be colour coded according to size or the use of the part, this would be much more difficult and time consuming with metal parts.

Environment

Plastics high resistance means that no rust will form on plastic therefore, no rust will seep into the ground or water supply. This is a major positive when using parts underground or for carrying water. The process of manufacturing and the use of plastics on a construction site uses a lot less energy than metals, this is because plastics are so much lighter so the energy used in construction and transportation is a lot lower.

Plastic is a recyclable material and will not corrode which is a positive when using a material where there may be some waste. The prospect of pollution is lower for plastics when you take into consideration the mining and melting of metals process.

Moulding

Small, intricate pieces are frequently needed in a construction project. Plastics can be melted down and moulded into intricate shapes in very large quantities, making them the perfect choice in construction. It is able to fit itself together without the use of clips or any other material which is why it is used for cable conducts.

This material is used throughout the construction industry but some of the most popular uses are as follows:

• Water Pipes.
• Window Frames.
• Doors.
• Insulation when constructing green or low energy buildings.
• Protecting the outer shell of the roof from damage.