A Guide To Buying And Using Reclaimed Building Products

By Freda Watts


After old buildings are demolished, most of the products used to build them are reusable but they often end up in landfills. However, it is now evident that conserving the environment is beneficial and many companies are now reclaiming construction materials. Reclaimed building products are salvaged and transformed into beautiful materials that can be used to construct new residential or commercial properties.

Some materials that are usually salvaged after a structure is demolished include windows, doors, ornate molding, decorative hardware, sinks, light fixtures, floor beams, cleanings, bricks, granite, slate, wood floors and tiles among others. The major benefit of reusing these materials is that it helps conserve the environment by preventing deforestation, saving resources and making it unnecessary to throw away materials into landfills.

The other benefit of reusing construction materials is being able to save on costs of constructing a house. The thought that it is possible to build a comfortable home from collected materials at a very low cost is welcome for many people especially when you consider the rising costs of paying rent or getting a mortgage.

These materials can only be salvaged if a structure is deconstructed in a way that ensures the integrity of the materials is maintained. This is different from demolitions which involves deconstructing a building through any means including using explosives. Deconstruction aims to salvage most of the materials used to build a property so that they can be used to put up something new.

Individuals who encourage the use of salvaged construction materials claim that they provide new structures with a sense of history and art. Reusing construction materials also allows people to get products manufactured in an era when high craftsmanship standards were the norm. These materials can be utilized to construct beautiful structures that amaze many people who have never thought about the usefulness of reclaimed construction materials.

Salvaged materials are also ideal to use for remodeling projects. When choosing these materials, there is a chance that you may not find exactly what you are looking for in terms of color and size. However, if you are flexible, you will be able to find useful supplies. It is also advisable that you visit salvage yards regularly because they get new materials often.

It is also advisable to inform salvagers about the type of construction materials you are looking for so that they can check out similar products when collecting inventory. Even though reclaimed materials do not cost much, you should insist on getting quality supplies. Inspect all items before making a decision to buy them. Avoid buying materials that are affected by mold, mildew, insect damage or those that have a musty odor.

You should seek the guidance of a contractor so that you can avoid purchasing materials that will give you installation problems. It is always essential to get a professional opinion prior to purchasing an item particularly if you require a permit to install it. Some reclaimed building products may be very old and painted. If you purchase such materials, take necessary precautions when scraping off the paint from them since it may contain lead. Make sure that you wear goggles, gloves, and a respirator and use a HEPA vacuum to clean up the area.




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