Bamboo As A Building Material

Construction companies have recently become more cautious about the building materials they use in projects, knowing how some materials have negatively impacted the environment in the past. With increased knowledge of the environmental effects that some materials can give off, society may have noticed the recent use of bamboo as a building material.

You may have seen it being used in areas other than construction. It has been cleverly crafted as kitchen utensils, clothing, and toothbrushes, amongst many other household items, but it’s time to take things a step further when it comes to construction.

As time goes on, the use of bamboo in flooring, wall coverings, countertops, and roofing is becoming increasingly common as construction companies strive to help look after our environment. So, to learn more about bamboo as a construction material, read on!

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The Versatility of Bamboo's Structure

Bamboo plants take on different structures when they grow, meaning that different types of bamboo are used for different projects. Squared cross-section structures can be made by compressing the growing plant within a square section.

Additionally, flat and curved shapes can be made through regular processes such as the addition of pressure and heat. Finally, the arch shapes of this plant can be assumed by compressing the bamboo’s growth into the required shape. Obtaining the desired form of bamboo is cheaper than obtaining the desired form of normal timber, making it a simple and efficient way of creating stylish construction designs.

Bamboo is sometimes used as a roofing material because of the stability it adds to the structure.

Bamboo Roofing

Bamboo is sometimes used as a roofing material because of the stability it adds to the structure. Often being used as a shield against animals or forces of nature, this structure is durable, supportive, and stylish. Furthermore, it is often considered as being light-weighted, making each plant relatively easy to install.

The benefits of using bamboo as a building material are that of many. Bamboo has impeccable strength, and while bamboo is a grass rather than a type of wood; its unique tissue allows it to be an incredibly durable and sturdy building material. Its hardness grows over the years and rates harder than oak and ash on the Janka Hardness Scale. While its fibers make bamboo light and bendy, this flexibility makes it an efficient choice for buildings located in areas prone to earthquakes because the plant doesn’t easily snap.

Bamboo Is Fast-Growing

It’s common knowledge that bamboo is the fastest growing plant in the world, making it much more readily available than materials like timber. The regeneration rate in bamboo forests is quicker than trees and other plants, meaning that endangered species’ homes and food sources are easily rebuilt. This makes bamboo an incredibly sustainable choice for building materials.

Bamboo is also incredibly easy to install and no special installation techniques are needed with bamboo plants, with it functioning very similarly to wood.

The harvesting process of bamboo requires no harsh chemicals, and it’s easy to cut up, no peeling is needed, and its weight makes it easy to carry, transport, and put into storage. The simple harvesting and installation processes are perhaps reasons why bamboo is so affordable as a building material.

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Bamboo Is Good For The Environment

Bamboo building materials are much more of a sustainable choice than other construction materials because of the benefits it reaps for our planet. Its strong roots stabilize the soil to prevent landslides and erosion when excessive rain hits.

Furthermore, this plant’s root network also helps the soil hold water, helping with moisture regulation within both dry and rainy climates. If this wasn’t enough, bamboo absorbs more carbon dioxide than trees and releases tons of oxygen, creating healthier and cleaner air for everyone!

While bamboo reaps so many benefits; it also must be worth considering the downsides of this construction material. The shipping involved in transporting bamboo means that ships burn fossil fuels just to transfer this plant from one place to another.

However, its lightweight feature makes it ideal for transportation, and many argue that the little energy used in the harvesting process cancels out this transportation process. As a construction company, you should also be aware of the varying quality of bamboo. The species, location of growth, and age when it is harvested can all determine the plant’s quality. It’s wise to be mindful of this since its longevity could vary.

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Key Takeaways

• Incorporating bamboo into your construction company can be a sustainable business strategy.
• Due to the rapid regeneration rate of bamboo, easy installation and similarity to wood, bamboo is the perfect choice for building materials.
• Utilizing bamboo as a building material can make your brand stand out amongst competitors."