Image of Construction Materials Los Angeles

When you are ready to build the house of your dreams, it is imperative that the best materials be used in its construction; these materials should, of course, be aesthetically pleasing, but they should also be safe and secure. They should be able to withstand the elements without much degradation in appearance or function. Additionally, as most California residents well know, the construction materials used should also be earthquake resistant.

Another necessity is that the construction materials be as energy efficient as possible since this will save on heating and cooling bills. You can trust that when Pacific Green Homes builds or constructs a home, we use only the best construction materials. Los Angeles residents who are interested in having a home that looks great, is perfectly safe, and highly energy efficient should contact us to learn more.

A Sampling of the Construction Materials We Use

There are a wide variety of building materials to choose from and we use only the highest quality materials in all of our construction, these are some of the choices available to you.

Wood

Wood is one of the more common construction materials used in Los Angeles because it is one of the most earthquake resistant materials available. The reason is that it is a ductile material, meaning that it flexes and bends when impacted by the shockwaves from a quake, instead of collapsing. There are other techniques used to prevent wood framed homes from falling apart in a seismic event:

Shear walls can help to withstand the lateral forces caused by an earthquake
Bolting the frame to the foundation also makes it more secure
Making sure that roofs and upper floors are securely attached to the floors below also helps.

Any wood framed homes we build using these techniques to make sure that they are as safe as they can possibly be should a serious earthquake occur.

Concrete

Homeowners who want to use a more fire-resistant material might want to look into concrete instead. Most people are used to concrete as a material used in utilitarian construction projects like tunnels and bridges, as well as its use in the construction of large commercial buildings.

However, concrete is a versatile, durable material that can be used in residential homes as well; the durability of concrete is well-known, but its versatility comes from the fact that it can be used in many different ways. It can be used in paving, in swimming pools, and in the construction of the home itself. Concrete comes in a wide variety of colors, designs, and textures, so it can be a striking material to work with, in addition to being a safe one.

Brick and Masonry

This is an attractive material that comes in a wide variety of colors and designs; it can be used to construct the home or as a facade to another type of building material. In Los Angeles, any structure that uses brick or masonry in its construction has to be able to withstand an earthquake. With brick, this involves reinforcement using steel beams from wall to wall. This is an expensive process, but it is a necessary one for safety reasons, so that is something to consider if you plan on using brick as your primary construction material.

Stucco

This is more of a coating than a building material, but it perfectly complements materials like brick and wood. Its malleability makes it a desirable material because, in the right hands, it can have a rich, textured look that enhances the beauty of a home. Stucco can be laid on thickly to give the home a texture that shifts with the light; it can also have a smoother finish that is almost crystalline in nature. Once the main construction material has been chosen, stucco can be added as the perfect finisher to bring a greater visual impact to the home.

Energy-Efficient Construction Materials

If you are interested in materials that can save the planet, save you money, or both, then talk to us about any of the following materials.

Spray Foam Insulation

This is made from renewable materials and does not result in any harmful emissions; it is also up to 50% more efficient than traditional fibreglass insulation because it prevents air infiltration and leakage. This can save energy on HVAC costs, which results in lower utility bills. It is also water and shrink proof, so it protects against moisture, reducing the chance of mold and mildew.

Thermostat Radiant Barrier Sheathing

This is a layer of aluminum placed in the airspace between a heat-radiating surface and a heat-absorbing surface. This barrier prevents heat penetration, which can lower cooling bills in the home.

Recycled Steel

This is a very durable building material that is perfect for framing houses which are located in areas that are susceptible to high winds or earthquakes.

Insulating Concrete Forms

These are stacks of hollow foam blocks that are reinforced with rebar and then filled with concrete; they are used to form the walls of a home. This construction material is a combination of energy-efficiency, strength, and affordability.

Choose the Right Construction Materials for Your Home

The choice of building materials to select from may seem confusing or overwhelming but at Pacific Green Homes, we are always ready and willing to give advice to our clients. We will help you to decide on a construction material based on your lifestyle and your safety concerns.

However, helping you choose the right construction materials in Los Angeles is just the first step, we will use those materials to help you build the house of your dreams, because Pacific Green Homes is a full-service company when it comes to new home construction.

Construction Materials Los Angeles

A Sampling of the Construction Materials We Use