Masonry: Construction Material that Lasts Long
Does it make you cringe when you drive by one of those neighborhoods where they throw houses up in a matter of weeks? They may be cheap, but the price tag on the finished product usually reflects the quality of design and construction. If you want to build a house that lasts, you need to focus on the materials you use. Masonry is one of the oldest and most used construction materials around the world. They have been used for several thousand years ago and are still being used today. Durability and sustainability of these materials are clearly noticeable from the large number of historical structures that exist around the world.
Many new homeowners leave the material selection to their builders, but you ought to be more involved in the process. As you wander through the design and selection phases, here are three of the durable building materials you might consider using for your new home.
Stone
Stone is one of the oldest building materials. Originally, stones were piled on top of each other. Over time, methods of quarrying stone developed and stones could be fit tightly together. Stone is not a practical solution in urban areas because of the expense, but you can still use stone on feature walls. Natural stone veneer is another way to get the look of stone without the expense. Of course, if the cost is not a concern, you can still build a house out of stone and it will probably remain standing for centuries.
Brick
It should come as no surprise that brick is one of the most durable building materials on the planet. Just look at some of the most famous structures in the world — such as the Great Wall of China, the Pantheon, the Roman aqueducts, and the Taj Mahal — and you’ll notice they were constructed primarily with some type of brick. Architect Frank Lloyd Wright once said, “Give me a brick and it becomes worth its weight in gold.” He didn’t seem to be exaggerating. Buildings made from brick tend to retain their value over time, largely because of their incredible durability.
Concrete
Concrete is mistakenly thought of as a recent building material. In fact, the Egyptians were using a form of concrete over 5000 years ago and it was used extensively in ancient Roman architecture. Since much of that Roman architecture remains standing after 2000 years, it’s safe to say concrete is a long-lasting building material. While concrete is often used for foundations, you can also use it to create walls or you can use concrete blocks and mortar. New technologies make concrete lighter and a better insulator. It is now being used to build energy-efficient offices and homes.
Building a structure that lasts the longest time is always a feat that most want to achieve. Choosing the right material is as important as the construction phase itself. In Albuquerque, NM and the surrounding areas, All Angles Masonry is a trusted masonry contractor with over 36 years of industry experience. Call us at (505) 209-3665 for inquiries.