Making the decision to renovate your existing home, or building a new home, is not one that people make lightly. The design is painstakingly thought out and building materials are carefully chosen. A recent trend is for homeowners to choose “green,” or sustainable building materials and processes in and around their homes. When making the decision to go green materials items like bamboo, repurposed wood, recycled plastics, and glass often top the list of desirable building necessities. Many often overlook concrete as a green material when in fact it is! Concrete is a friend of the environment in all stages of its life span, from raw material to demolition.
What Makes Concrete Green
Concrete is made with natural and reused materials- The main raw material for the cement in concrete is limestone, which is the most abundant mineral on earth. Also comprising concrete, are various aggregates that can be made from crushed rock, crushed recycled concrete, and even oyster shells!
Concrete is durable- Concrete builds durable, long-lasting structures that will not rust, rot, or burn. The lifespan of buildings made with concrete can be double or triple those of other common building materials.
Concrete is energy efficient- Homes built with concrete walls, foundations, and floors are highly energy efficient because they take advantage of concrete’s ability to absorb and retain heat and cold. This can significantly cut the heating and cooling bills of the average home or building.
Concrete naturally radiates heat- Light-colored concrete pavements and roofs absorb less heat and reflect more solar radiation than dark-colored materials, such as asphalt, making the temperature around a home cooler.
Concrete creates minimal waste- Concrete building materials can be produced in the nearly exactly the quantities needed for each project, reducing the amount of waste per project. After a concrete structure has served its original purpose, the concrete can be crushed and recycled into aggregate for use in new concrete projects.
Whether you are building a new home from the ground up, renovating a part of an existing home, or just updating a part of the outside of your home, you can rest assured that concrete is a great, sustainable choice. If you are in need of concrete work, whether the job is small or large, MBJ Concrete would love to help. With decades of experience and a commitment to do every job with an eye for detail, you can be confident that every project will turn out amazing. We serve the Lincoln, Roseville, Rocklin and greater Sacramento areas. Give us a call today at 916-622-7202 to get a free estimate!