Building Materials Through the Years

Home construction technology has come a long way since the first residences were built. As people continued to build homes and the list of readily available materials expanded, builders found new and more efficient ways to create houses that not only protect their residents but also have a smaller impact on the environment and help save money. Now, many neighborhoods are constructed similarly, with some older homes making way for new construction.

We do still see plenty of brick and plaster houses in existence, but for the most part, general contractors have selected drywall as their building material of choice. Take a look at common building materials in years past and learn how drywall has improved the state of the house:

• Brick. Brick in its many forms has been used as a construction material since the time of the ancient Egyptians. Initially formed by drying rectangles of mud in the sun, brick can now refer to any rectangular unit of building material laid in mortar. These literal building blocks are commonly made from clay, concrete, sand, and lime, and provide insulation and a pleasant, somewhat old-fashioned appearance.

• Wood. Many homes and buildings still begin as wood frames, although those methods are quickly shifting toward rebar and metal. Wood is an excellent insulator and can help keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter, meaning that you save money on electricity. Keep in mind, though, that wood isn’t the best choice for Florida homes as it can be susceptible to water damage and rot.

• Drywall. No matter the materials that make the frame of your home, there’s a good chance you’re surrounded by drywall on all sides. Drywall is one of the easiest wall materials for contractors to install, on top of being more environmentally friendly to make than other materials. Drywall is versatile and provides solid structure while giving homeowners flexibility.

We think it’s no wonder that drywall is the material of choice for modern-day construction. Some estimates say that 20 billion square feet of drywall is manufactured every year in the U.S. It’s lightweight and doesn’t cost much to produce. When you need drywall repair in Orlando, work with the team that knows the material. To learn more or to schedule your free consultation, call New Ceilings at 407-378-6040 today.