As the name implies, building materials are the materials used in constructing a building.
Examples of building materials:
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| wood |
1. Wood: this is used for roofing and making doors along with windows. Wood is also used for making furniture, wooden floors and for making cases for concretes.
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| gravel |
2. Gravel: these are small stones which, when mixed with cement and sand plus water becomes concrete.
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| sand |
3. Sand: this is a substance that consists of very small grains of rock. It is mixed with cement and water to mould blocks and make mortar for rendering.
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| metal |
4. Metal: this is used for reinforcing foundations and lintels along with pillars and beams. Metals can also be used for making roofs, doors, windows, railings and burglary proofs.
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| plastic |
5. Plastics: they are also used as roofing sheets, plastic pipes, fittings, etc.
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| cement |
6. Cement: this is a product of limestone and clay. It sets hard when mixed with water. Cement is a binding agent for block moulding, concrete, plastering and mortar and for block laying.
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| glass |
7. Glass: this is used for making doors, windows and walls.
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| Leaves (thatch roof) |
8. Leaves: these are used for thatched roofs and walls.
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| ceramic tiles |
9. Ceramics: this is used for the production of items like water closet, floor and wall tiles, bricks, flower vases, ovens, Asbestos, P.O.P (Plaster of Paris) etc.
Questions:
1. What are building materials?
2. Outline three uses of wood.
3. Why is cement a binding agent?
4. Between glass and leaves which will you use for a modern building? Give your reasons.
5. What are the raw materials for making cement?
6. Mention 4 ceramic items in the home.
7. What building material is the most suitable for transparent doors and windows?
8. In what sense is gravel a building material?
9. What do sands contain?
10. Why is cement needed when making concrete or mortar?
