The construction industry is constantly searching for ways to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and make projects run more smoothly. One of the easiest ways to accomplish these goals is through innovative materials and construction technologies. These time- and cost-saving ideas are now part of the construction industry and are used daily across the globe. From new forms of concrete and screwless fastening to energy-efficient drywall and prefabricated concrete slabs, here are seven awesome construction material innovations that will change how you think about building materials.
1. Using Quality Insulation Boards
Often, paying extra money to have an insulation board sandwiched between drywall is a waste. All the added expense of glueing in insulation boards is that they make the drywall a little bit lighter which results in less weight over your wall studs.
Today, you can use the 100mm Celotex GA4100 PIR insulation board. The panels are easy to install and allow for a quick dry process with minimal touch-ups. It should be noted that Celotex is only effective in reducing sound transmission when multiple layers are built up - not a single layer.
2. Screwless Fasteners
Are you tired of working with tools and nails? Check out screwless fasteners. They eliminate the need to use screws or nails in many applications. Screwless fastening is used primarily in interior wall and ceiling applications, where the tight fit of the installation makes using screws impractical.
In a nutshell, screwless fasteners are a permanent solution for wall or ceiling drywall. Besides the fastening, they are rustic and beautiful.
3. Drywall with Built-In Moisture Barrier
The use of drywall has exploded over the last two decades because it allows for faster project completion times and reduced on-site labour costs. However, there are some drawbacks to traditional drywall sheets.
For example, built-up edge seams and joints that don’t extend into the framing result in areas where moisture can accumulate and cause mold growth even though every joint is taped. To solve this problem, manufacturers have developed drywall sheets that feature a built-in moisture barrier, which protects against mold growth.
4. The Air Channel System (ACS)
Think about your next project and ask yourself this: 'Can this application be done using an Air Channel System?' AC systems greatly reduce on-site labour costs as they allow for much faster drywall installation without the need to mud and tape joints between sheets.
These systems consist of drywall panels with integrated channel grooves that span the height of the wall or ceiling. After the panels are hung, you apply joint compound or caulk in place of traditional mud taping using any standard caulk gun equipped with a hawk. Unlike conventional drywall installations, ACS will eliminate the need for mud in all but the most complicated wall and ceiling configurations.
5. The CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Cut-out System
CNC cutting systems are valuable when installing a large volume of finished drywall. They allow you to pre-cut holes and make added cuts to accommodate plumbing and electrical boxes. These systems eliminate much of the labour required for drywall finishing by eliminating joints between sheets.
They allow for larger or irregular shaped openings that would be difficult or impossible to make using conventional tools. This solution is perfect for your next project.
6. The Flexi-Foam System
The Flexi-Foam solution is a patented method of using flexible cellular foam sheets to finish drywall. This unique and innovative product is perfect for finishing irregular shaped openings such as skylights, irregular walls, and corners.
These sheets are scaled to the desired size and shape of the opening and adhere directly to the drywall surface, eliminating the need for joint tape, joint compound or any other material. The final result is a smooth texture that will never crack or chip and can be completed in one day.
7. Pigmented Acrylic Coating
The pigmented acrylic coating is a specialized formulation specifically designed to be applied to the drywall surface to fix defects and improve the aesthetic appeal of conventional drywall. This product can be used to hide imperfections, erase minor dings, restore sheen or even completely change the colour of an entire wall with just one coat.
The majority of pigmented coatings enter the drywall through the pores found in joint tape and are applied over the joint tape before finishing to minimize any visible application joints. Pigmented coatings can even be used as a coating over hardware such as outlets and switches, allowing you to achieve that professional look without ever sanding or finishing your walls.
Conclusion
Drywall innovations have come a long way and staying up-to-date with current drywall trends will not only ensure that your finished product is flawless, but will also give you a competitive edge over contractors who are still using outdated techniques. Drywall contractors are no longer just for taping, sanding and finishing; they are now viable alternatives to other materials such as plasterboard, concrete or even real stone.
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