The Advantages and Disadvantages…

The Advantages:

There are many advantages of using Cardboard in construction. This is what makes using cardboard in construction so great. Firstly, unlike a lot of building materials, Cardboard is very cost effective, especially when it compared to masonry, even concrete. The reason for cardboard being so cost effective is because Cardboard for construction can be recycled from packaging boxes all the way to display boards. Cardboard is a good building material because there is a reduced waste of energy and materials as it can be very easily cut to size. This is the case mainly because cardboard, like mentioned before is a recycled product giving it great ESD properties. Cardboard is made by using renewable resources (wood) which further makes it environmentally friendly.

Another advantage of cardboard construction is the fact that it is lightweight. This means that it can be handled very easily allowing it to be transported in any kind of vehicle (depending on its size) and allows for very fast construction. Also, because cardboard is so lightweight, it allows for the reduction on footing size as the weight of the wall is reduced dramatically thus saving money for concrete and reducing greenhouse gasses. Finally, the thing that makes cardboard so great is the way that it burns. Unlike paper going up in flames, due to the thickness of the combined layers, cardboard chars at a slow rate without a naked flame. This ultimately increases the fire rating and protection of the building.

Disadvantages:

Along with all building product, cardboard has it faults. Unless waterproofed correctly, cardboard is as good in construction as bubbles. Water dramatically weakens cardboard making it floppy and prone to breaking. This would have to be the main disadvantage of using cardboard in construction. Furthermore, unless cardboard is thick, it is very weak and can easily puncture. This is not good in construction. The way around this is by using multiple layers of cardboard sheeting to increase the thickness ultimately increasing its strength.

As like all products, cardboard has both positive and negative properties, however, it’s all about weighing up the pros and cons and seeing whether it is a viable material and with cardboard, it is.