lundi 24 août 2015

Reclaimed Wood Constructions For Our Buildings Today

By Nancy Gardner


The growing concern for the environment has led to many changes in certain industries. Pollution and waste are being lessened. Generally people would like to be as ecofriendly as they can. So by recycling and reusing materials this is done.

The building industry has been affected. Reclaimed wood constructions are now popular. These come from lumber that has been previously used. They come from older structures like barns and factories. It gives the wood a new life when we find ways to include it in new buildings.

All the campaigns about saving the world from pollution have made the community aware. Reusing if not just for those who like a vintage look. It is a growing design trend. It is beneficial because there is less debris and less trees will be cut down.

Old planks of lumber can be reused successfully. The main reason for this is that the material used in older buildings is better quality than the lumber that exists today. Before using anything for structural purposes it must pass an engineering check. All metal parts must be removed. It needs should be checked for presence of lead that can be toxic. If it will be used for decorative purposes, it does not need to be tested.

There is a limit on what you can salvage. Older electrical material and gadgets would be outdated. Maybe they wont be as effective or useful in the modern setting. Unless it is for decoration, these are better left in the dumpster.

You might think that using old material is more cost effective. That is not always the case. You may be able to source them from scrapyards and junk yards but it will require careful processing and prepping for it to be usable.

Another thing is you might think you are saving the environment by repurposing used items but you have to think about the labor costs and where it is from. If you are flying in items from across the world, that is not as economic as buying new material locally. Choose from nearby places when you want to search things you can use. Also you must take note that it isnt easy to locate usable lumber. It might be hard to find several pieces that are the same so patience is needed.

If you are planning to embark on a project like this, weigh the pros and cons. Is it really saving you money. Is it the look you want and is the quality still good. Safety standards must always be followed. Be sure that it holds to todays structural standards and guidelines.

Promoting environmental awareness is good for the community. As much as possible buy locally. There is something everyone can do. One small change, one person who recycles can actually make a difference.




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