It seems like everywhere you turn, there is a new global effort to protect this certain species of bird or switch to e-billing so you can save the rainforest. Yet at the same time, new shopping malls and housing developments are springing up all around you, creating mountains of demolition and construction waste that inevitably ends up in our nation’s landfills.

Fortunately, there is a “green” solution that allows construction plans to progress on schedule while minimizing the negative impact on the environment: building with recycled materials. This highly-effective alternative to traditional building materials is quickly becoming the height of sustainable design. Here are several ways that an innovative construction company can use recycled materials to pave the way towards a sustainable future.

Creating building materials from recycled products

Recycling has come to mean a lot more than just throwing your empty soda can in the right bin. Many common building materials already have recyclable alternatives. Concrete, metals, glass, brick, and plastics can all be broken down and reformed into usable products, thus lowering the energy requirement and emissions needed for production by up to 90%. The applications of these recycled materials are endless!

One man’s trash can literally help you build a structure at a fraction of the price of new materials. Steel framing, for example, has a high percentage of recycled content and can be used for a variety of structural applications. Copper roofing shingles are also easily recycled and provide low-maintenance, long-lasting results. There is even a new technique that uses 1% discarded cigarette butts to manufacture fired-clay bricks, not only reducing a stubborn pollution problem, but creating lighter, more efficient building materials!

Moving inside the building uncovers even more applications for recycled materials. Salvaged wood products can create beautiful cabinetry or wall coverings, recycled glass and plastic can transform into gorgeous countertops, and soda bottles and recycled fibers can be used to manufacture carpets.

Using site provided materials

One of the easiest and most cost-effective solutions for recycled building materials is reusing products that already exist on or near the site. Nearby site elements may include demolished trees, materials left over from bulldozed structures, torn-up paving materials, and even reusing parts of existing foundations. Though a little more unorthodox, some companies also find uses for soda cans, tires, and other products in their building designs.

Scouring other demolished environments

If your proposed job site has little to offer in existing materials, then making a trip to other demolition sites, salvage yards, and even the local landfill may prove worthwhile. You can find left over flooring materials, tile, steel beams, and a variety of other useful items.

Staying at the forefront of the green revolution

When it comes to choosing a construction company to build your next project, consider using sustainable solutions like recycled building materials to not only cut your costs but protect the environment as well. At George Rullo and Associates, our talented team always looks ahead, adapting new techniques and utilizing the best products on the market to ensure the absolute best results.

For more information on recycled building materials, contact us at 732-810-1049 today!

With the crazy amount of construction that is going on nowadays, it seems like a new building is popping up every week. New buildings may have all the bells and whistles of today’s society, but they simply do not have the character or historical intrigue that many older buildings possess. Masonry, timbers, and even the structural integrity of buildings can take a beating over the years, but that does not mean they are lost causes. Whether you are looking to restore an 18 ^th century courthouse or a 1940s office building, these are some of the most common restoration projects that you may encounter.

Stucco, concrete, and masonry repairs

Many exterior finishes like brick, stone, and concrete have withstood the test of time due to their resistance to organic growth and fire and water damage. However, they can still crack, chip, and wear down over time, leading to necessary masonry repairs. If your building has intrinsic historic value, make sure to find a professional restoration company that will adhere to all historic preservation standards and is well-versed in a wide variety of masonry services, including stucco, stone carving, and capstone and cornice repairs.

Brick and stone pointing

Any building that is more than 20 years old could probably benefit from brick and stone pointing. This process removes deteriorating mortar from masonry joints in the walls and replaces it with new mortar. Not only will this restore the visual aesthetics of the building’s exterior, but also improve the structural integrity of the masonry itself.

Caulking and waterproofing

Caulking wears out over time, especially in EIFS, windows, and expansion joints in masonry and concrete. If not dealt with properly, worn-out caulking could leave your building vulnerable to water leaks. Water damage restoration is costly and time consuming, so ensure that your building stays water tight by adding caulking and waterproofing to your restoration to-do list.

Painting and roof coatings

It’s amazing how a fresh coat of paint can transform a building. From stucco elastomeric coatings and concrete epoxy coatings to waterproof roofing treatments and decorative paint finishes, this simple restoration solution can bring your building back to life and protect it from future damage.

Electrical

Whether you are adding electricity to a building that never had it before or doing a complete overhaul on outdated wiring, electrical restorations are a great way to expand your building’s usefulness and protect all occupants from electrocution, power outages, and fires.

Window restoration

Windows in historical buildings are not exactly energy-efficient, especially if they have warped after years of use. Repairs to your wood and steel windows can replicate the original detail, design, wood, finish, and hardware while saving you money on your energy bills.

Disaster restoration

Disaster can strike at any time, leaving behind a trail of fire, smoke, or water damage in its wake. But you can get back on track with the expert services of a commercial building restoration company . They can remove and replace damaged materials, reconstruct what cannot be saved, and return your building to like new condition in no time at all.

To find out more information about common restoration projects, call 732-810-1049!