Wednesday, August 19, 2015

The Growing Popularity Of Reclaimed Wood Constructions

By Nancy Gardner


Theres always ways for us to be aware of the environment. Global warming and other factors cause us to change our habits. We understand now that all the modernization has created a toxic world and this is not good for us as a population.

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.

To reuse something does not make it lesser quality. It is a way to have less waste. By using something you are extending its life. Less trees will be milled if we can use older lumber.

Some sources of lumber are old factories, old warehouses, and ships. Many of the buildings fifty years ago were made of sturdy material. Sadly, that type of lumber has become quite rare nowadays. Safety standards must be followed when sourcing for usable pieces. If it will be used in the main structure of the new building, a thorough check must be done to see if the lumber is strong enough. Metals and nails should be taken out and anything that contains lead will not be safe for use. If the piece will be mainly decorative, a structural test is not necessary.

Lighting fixtures can be given a rewire and modern upgrade. For electric devices and other appliances, it would probably be better to stick with the modern conveniences. Older machines usually dont work as well nor are they fully compatible to modern times. When it comes to technology, it is smarter to stick with something new.

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.

When you have a building project like this, you need to have a balance. Reuse what you can but also buy locally. It would be cheaper to buy new stuff locally than it would be to reuse an old item but have to transport it to your city. Looking for materials can be challenging. There may not be much choice or options to work with. It takes time to get enough to use.

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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