Some Environmentally-Preferable Qualities of Natural Stone as a Building Material
There is a huge variety of building materials available on the construction market today, but not all are good for the environment. As climate change continues to rear its ugly head worldwide, it is increasingly becoming important for building owners and builders alike to build with truly eco-friendly materials.
Used for centuries, natural stone is one of the greenest building materials used in construction. Check out some key qualities of natural stone that makes them a perfect choice for the environment.
Natural Stone Stands the Test of Time
Used since the early years of civilisation, natural stone has proved to be one of the hardest, toughest, and most durable building materials available for construction purposes.
Several centuries-old structures that remain strong and stable today can attest to this claim. Natural stone structures derive their durability from their incredible resistance to natural weathering by rain, wind, and other external elements.
Because structures built with natural stone stand the test of time, they reduce the need to manufacture more materials for replacing older structures. This helps to minimise the detrimental impact of construction activities on the environment.
Natural Stone Doesn't Require Energy-Intensive Manufacturing Processes
Natural stone is extracted from the earth and can be used in its natural form. Once mined, it only needs to be cut to shape and size before it can be used in construction. This minimises the need for energy-intensive processes required to manufacture several other types of building materials. Energy savings from the use of natural stone as a building material helps to preserve plant Earth's limited energy resources.
Natural Stone Has High Reuse Potential
Unlike other building materials that have to be taken to a landfill site at the end of their service life for disposal, natural stone can be used again and again.
For example, undamaged masonry stones from a demolished building can be used to build a new structure while broken stones can be crushed and used as gravel for paving walkways, driveways, and open spaces around the buildings.
The recyclability of natural stone helps to protect the environment by increasing the lifespan of existing building materials and reducing the need to dispose of construction waste at landfills.
When used as a building material, natural stone provides these and many other benefits that are good for the environment. While the high price tag of natural stone has often been a major drawback, increased efficiencies in the mining of stone are pushing prices down. Talk to a local supplier to learn more about natural stone tiles.
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