What are the Uses of Plastic Materials in the Construction Industry

When it comes to construction, plastics have been extensively used by various construction companies. The components such as hinges, screws, and bigger construction parts are made from plastic and are used in wall covering, electric wiring, waterproofing, flooring, and decoration.

FRP comes in various types and forms. For instance, many different fiber reinforcements are made of carbon, aramid, basalt, and glass. These fibers can be easily woven, braided and stitched to ensure better tensile capacity and stiffness. Various additives and fillers are blended with FRP’s to improve mechanical properties and reduce shrinkage.

The reason why plastic is widely preferred by construction professionals is because of the following criteria:

1) Durability

When compared with their metal counterparts, plastic materials are way stronger and durable. Plastic hardware is also resistant to harsh weather and corrosion, thereby, increasing its longevity and enhancing its usability.

2) Cost-Effectiveness

Regardless of the type of industry, cost-effectiveness is a vital factor, and the construction industry is no different. Plastic materials are extremely economical compared to metal, wood, and other counterparts, making them a preferred choice by builders and construction professionals.

3) Recycling

Unlike metals, plastics can be used and even recycled over and over again without losing their chemical properties.

4) Energy Saving

Compared to metals, plastics consume less heat. The insulating properties of plastics can also reduce sound pollution levels.

5) Safety

The lightness of plastic materials makes it comfortable and easy to carry/lift to different places. Metals on the other hand are much heavier and can cause injuries if not handled properly.

6) Easy to Install

Since plastic materials are lightweight, they can be easily installed.

What are the Uses of Plastics in Various Aspects of Construction?

1) Flooring

Plastic materials like polyethylene and PVC are widely used to manufacture following that is less prone to wear and tear. Moreover, it also decreases the level of sound pollution and can be easily cleaned.

2) Roofing

Two layers of plastic materials are used to ensure that there is no damage to the roof. One layer of plastic, which is the upper part, is made of thermoplastic olefin or vinyl, whereas the lower part is made of polyurethane foam. These plastic materials consume less heat and ensure that the interior of the house is kept cooler.

3) Insulation

Polyurethane spray is frequently used for insulation when constructing green or low-energy buildings. Rigid polyurethane foam is known for its high thermal resistance which promotes temperature consistency. Polyurethane foam is also popular because it is lightweight, chemical resistant, and flame retardant. Due to its closed-cell nature, polyurethane insulation performs as an air barrier, resulting in significant energy savings.

4) Pipes

Pipes that are used in construction are commonly made from polyethylene, PVC, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and CPVC. They are known for being extremely lightweight and flexible, making them easy to install. They are also water and chemical resistant, making them ideal for harsh environments.

5) Windows

Compared to regular glass windows, polycarbonate is known for being more burglar-proof. Plastic materials like fiberglass and vinyl are also used to manufacture window frames. Vinyl is extremely inexpensive and strong, whereas vinyl is known for its impact resistance.

6) Doors

Many construction projects use polyurethane foam with a fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) coating for manufacturing doors. This structure makes them incredibly strong.

We hope you have gained valuable insights from this article. If you are a plastic products manufacturer who caters to the construction industry, then Plastivision 2023 is a great platform for you to showcase your product range and network with industry professionals. Book your booth today!