Plastics have proved to be a great boon for the construction industry, since they are durable, versatile, and more affordable than traditional materials, like wood and glass. In the past decade or so, the use of plastic has grown exponentially in the construction process, due to the ease and efficiency they bring to the table. From door knobs to decking, walls to flooring, you can find plastics almost everywhere in residential and commercial construction. Here we cover the different types of plastic and the property is unique to each one which makes it perfect for specific uses.
Properties of Plastics as a Construction Material
Plastics are made from polymers, which are long chains of molecules that link together to form a material. The properties of plastics can be tweaked by adjusting the length and structure of these polymer chains. They can also be tailored for specific applications by changing their molecular composition and by adding different chemicals during manufacturing. Plastic is a versatile material and can be molded into any shape or form. This makes it suitable for construction projects as it can be used to build walls, roofs, flooring, and many other things. It is also lightweight which makes it easy to transport and install. Plastic is durable and it lasts for many years once installed. It is not prone to water damage or mold growth and will not rot or decay over time or need frequent maintenance or repairs like wood does, making it a good choice for outdoor projects. Plastic also has excellent insulating properties which makes it useful for building walls in cold climates where insulation may be needed. Plastic is also a good choice for exterior construction because it is resistant to damage by termites or other pests.
Uses of Plastics as a Construction Material
Plastic is used in many different ways in residential and commercial construction. The most common uses include:
• Polycarbonate (PC) is a thermoplastic that can be molded into windows and doors.
• Fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) is used for roofing and siding.
• ABS is used for electrical housings and plate covers.
• Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is used to coat roofs or other surfaces to protect them from the elements.
• Polyethylene (PE) is a thermoplastic used for wall insulation, providing a water vapor barrier to protect against moisture and water damage.
• Polypropylene (PP) is another thermoplastic that can be molded into guttering, downspouts, and other exterior components.
• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is highly durable and is often used for plumbing components in pipe fittings because it resists rust and corrosion.
• Polystyrene is another thermal plastic often used for projects like fences or sheds.
Plastics in Flooring – Carpeting, Tile, and Sheet Flooring
Plastic is used in flooring for several reasons. It is durable, easy to clean, and comes in a variety of colors and textures. The most common types of plastic flooring are:
• Carpet tiles – These are made from PVC and often have a textured surface resembling acoustic wall carpeting.
• Vinyl sheet flooring – This type of flooring comes in many different styles, including tile-like squares or strips able to be cut to fit any shape. They come in a variety of colors and patterns mimicking stone, ceramic, or wood flooring. This type of flooring is often used in kitchens and bathrooms because it is easy to clean and will not stain.
• Laminate flooring – This type of flooring is made from layers of plastic printed with a woodgrain or stone pattern and laminated onto a baseboard. It is often installed over plywood subflooring for a more authentic look. Laminate floors are adorable and scratch resistant, but they can get dirty easily.
Plastic Wall Coverings
Plastic wall coverings are a great alternative to wallpaper or paint. They are often used in kitchens and bathrooms, where they are easy to clean, durable, waterproof, and resistant to mold or mildew. The most common types of plastic wallcovering are:
• Vinyl sheeting – These are often used as a substitute for drywall in bathrooms or kitchens. They are available in many different styles, including tile, stone, and woodgrain patterns and textures including tile-like squares or strips which can be cut to fit any shape.
• PVC paneling – This type of wall covering is made from the same material as vinyl flooring. It is available in a wide range of colors and patterns, including wood grain and stone. PVC paneling is usually installed over drywall or plywood backing boards, but can also be used as an alternative to tile or tub surround in bathrooms. The panels are usually thin enough to be cut with a utility knife.
• Polyurethane foam – This type of wall covering is used in conjunction with other materials such as plywood or paneling. Polyurethane foam is lightweight and flexible, making it easy to work with. It can be cut into any shape and affixed directly onto walls using adhesive. It can also be used for insulating walls and ceilings but is more commonly used as a soundproofing material. Polyurethane foam is available in two different densities: high-density and low-density. High-density foam has a higher R-value than low-density foam, thus being better suited for soundproofing. It can also be used as insulation material in attics and crawl spaces. It usually comes in two parts which need to be mixed together before application. A major benefit of this type of wallcovering is its fire resistance and instead carbonizes when heated.
Plastic Ceiling Panels and Tiles
Plastic ceiling tiles can be used to create a custom look for any room or as an alternative to traditional drop-in acoustic tile. Plastic ceiling tiles and panels are made from a variety of materials, including PVC, ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), and polystyrene, a type of plastic foam. They are lightweight and easy to install and maintain making them ideal for DIY projects or rental properties. They are usually attached directly to framing using adhesive or fasteners.
Plastic ceiling panels provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional drop-in acoustic tile and can be used in a variety of applications. They come in different sizes and thicknesses, so you can choose the type that best suits your needs. The biggest drawback to plastic ceiling tiles is their weight. They are not suitable for use in places where a heavy load may be placed on them, such as garages or laundry rooms. Plastic ceiling panels are also more difficult to cut than other types of drop-in acoustic tile which means they may require additional labor and materials if you need custom cuts.
Plastics in Masonry and Concrete Block Applications
Plastic can be used to create custom-shaped blocks for building materials. They are a popular option for projects because they can be easily installed, molded into different shapes and sizes, and come in a variety of colors. Plastic masonry blocks are made using cement, sand, and water, pieces of rock or other aggregate added for strength just like standard blocks, and with plastic added during manufacturing as a reinforcement for concrete and masonry materials, such as concrete block and brick. This method is often used in the construction of walls or other structures which require increased strength but may not have enough space for additional steel or rebar.
Plastic is also used to create custom-shaped blocks that fit together with traditional blocks or other types of building materials, such as glass bricks. These plastic blocks are molded in a variety of shapes and sizes and are used to create walls, partitions, and other structures. Plastic can also be used to create decorative effects such as brick-like patterns or carved details. The material has many benefits, including its resistance to fire, impact, and weathering damage. Plastic masonry units can be used as an alternative to traditional brick or block construction for both interior and exterior applications.
Polycarbonate Roofing Systems, Skylights, Domes, Greenhouses, and Other Buildings
Polycarbonate is a strong, durable, and weather-resistant material that does not need much maintenance and will resist impact, scratching, and shattering. It can be used to create long-lasting roofs which do not deteriorate in strength or appearance. Polycarbonate is used in many different types of roofs, including flat and pitched. It is also used for skylights, domes, greenhouses, and other buildings. Roofing systems with polycarbonate can be designed to be lightweight and easy to install while still providing excellent weatherproofing and insulation properties. Polycarbonate is often used for commercial greenhouses because it provides excellent ultraviolet light protection and helps keep plants from overheating in direct sunlight and keeps buildings, cool and warm climates. Polycarbonate can also be used to create skylights and domes for homes or businesses.
The only drawback is polycarbonate is more expensive than other materials like asphalt shingles or aluminum or steel panels, but most people find this cost worth paying because of the multitude of benefits they get in return.
Plastic Fabrication Processes and Techniques For Buildings
There are a number of different methods for working with plastic materials, including molding, and thermoforming. Molding is one of the most common plastic fabrication processes. It involves taking a raw piece of plastic and shaping it into a desired form using tools such as a mold, or press. The process uses heat and pressure to bond polymer molecules together into a new shape.
Plastic fabrication takes place in a number of stages. The first stage is to create the mold where the plastic will be formed. Next, material like polyurethane or silicone rubber is poured into these molds, and allowed to set so that it creates an accurate representation of the item being created. The next step is to remove the plastic from the mold, trim off the excess material, and then shape it into the desired form using tools such as a press or molding machine. Finally, the item needs to be polished and painted into the finished product.
The use of adhesive is a very important part of the plastics manufacturing process. Adhesives are used to bond parts together and make them stronger, more durable, and more resistant to environmental factors, such as water and heat, than they would be alone. Many different types of adhesive can be used for this purpose, including epoxies, acrylics, urethanes, and silicones. Adhesive materials can be used to bond different plastics together, or they can be used as a coating to give a plastic object added strength and durability.
Increasing Popularity in Construction
Advanced manufacturing techniques can be used to mass-produce plastic components of any size or shape. The material itself is inexpensive and lightweight, making it a viable alternative to traditional building materials. Plastic is also a very durable material, and it can be made to mimic the look of other materials, such as wood. This makes it an ideal substitution for wood in many applications where durability is important. Plus, it can be molded into virtually any shape, which makes it ideal for structural elements, such as the construction of walls, roofs, and other structural elements, as well as for non-structural purposes such as finishes or interior design elements like wall coverings or flooring materials.